Ebony Jewelwings are found along forest streams and rivers with moderate to swift currents. They are active during the day and spend the night in bushes and other plants. Primary food is other insects. They are preyed on by dragonflies, birds, frogs, spiders, fish and water beetles.
One of the most common meadow butterflies, the Pearl Crescent flies low over the grass with alternating flaps and glides. Males will dart out from perches or break their flight pattern to investigate any passing form – butterfly, bird or human. Adults take nectar from composite flowers such as asters, thistles and fleabanes. I saw many among the fleabanes on this day.
Pearl CrescentPearl CrescentPearl CrescentPearl CrescentPearl CrescentPearl CrescentPearl Crescent
Grass identification is not as obvious as for many other plants. The pictured grass is everywhere in rich deciduous forests at the moment.
Woodland Bluegrass (Poa sylvestris)
It is in the “Poa” or Bluegrass family and the common name is, appropriately, “Woodland Bluegrass.”
Woodland Bluegrass (Poa sylvestris)
The tip of the leaf in Poa resembles the bow of a boat.
I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost
5 thoughts on “Ebony Jewelwing, Pearl Crescent and Woodland Bluegrass at Wilket Creek: June 2020”
Marilyn Bunker
Hello Miles, I’m always glad to see how poison ivy looks in different seasons. It can be so tricky to identify and we can never be reminded too many times
And thank you for some Robert Frost. A favourite. Lovely to wake up to his wisdom.
Hope you are keeping well.
Marilyn
Yes, good to see the fringed leaflets on the poison ivy, and the not-fringed leaflets. Thanks.
Always you delight us with your commentary and pictures.
Hello Miles, I’m always glad to see how poison ivy looks in different seasons. It can be so tricky to identify and we can never be reminded too many times
And thank you for some Robert Frost. A favourite. Lovely to wake up to his wisdom.
Hope you are keeping well.
Marilyn
And insects!
God, how I miss these places. Thank you so much, Miles!
Thanks
I have wondered what those butterflies were called.
Such Wow! pictures today. Beautiful.
Yes, good to see the fringed leaflets on the poison ivy, and the not-fringed leaflets. Thanks.
Always you delight us with your commentary and pictures.