The "Gray Treefrog Complex" consists of the Common Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor) and the Cope's Tree Frog (Hyla chrysoscelis). These two species are basically only distinguishable by their calls and number of chromosomes, meaning they're extremely difficult to identify by a photo alone. Both frogs have gray-green, almost lichen-like skin that gives them excellent camouflage. Their exterior is warty like a toad, and they have the sticky toe pads distinctive of tree frogs. When it comes to telling them apart, it's easier done by sound than by sight. Listen to both calls, and then let us know which one you've heard at TNI!
Did you know that approximately 40% of all animal species on Earth are beetles?! There are 147 species of tiger beetles in the United States. Tiger beetles, like many insects, undergo complete metamorphosis during their lifetime. This means they have four separate stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Their larva stage takes place completely underground. Have you ever encountered fat, worm-like grubs while digging in your yard? Those are beetle larva! Like their namesake, tiger beetles are fierce predators. Even tiger beetle larva have strong jaws that allow them to eat other invertebrates in the soil. As adults, Six-Spotted Green Tiger Beetles develop the iridescence green coloration that makes them so distinctive. While they're fun to observe, be sure to give them their space--the Six-Spotted Green Tiger Beetle has been known to bite humans when threatened. All in all, this bug is a giant in spite of its size. Keep an eye out for these beautiful green beetles throughout the spring and early summer.
As you might guess from the name, Spring Beauties are a clear sign that spring has arrived in Illinois forests. They occurring in every county of the state. Habitats include deciduous woodlands, savannas, and bluffs, making TNI an excellent place to spot this wildflower. When Spring Beauty is absent from woodlands, it may be an indication that the site was degraded by plows or bulldozers in the past. The Spring Beauty is a perennial wildflower, about 3-6" tall. The stem is light green and the petals of the flower are white with fine pink stripes with a floral scent. The flowers open up on warm sunny days, and close during cloudy weather or at night. The Spring Beauty is pollinated by bees and flies, and less commonly by butterflies. The corms (an underground store of energy for the plant, similar to a tuber) of Spring Beauty are dug up and eaten by some small rodents, including mice and chipmunks.
