Timber Rattlesnake Found on a Hike

This is a mournfulthyrsi, a colorful, day-flying moth found in forests throughout the eastern US. As caterpillars, they feed only on the leaves ofgreenbrier (Smilax), a thorny vine that often irritates hikers. It’s fun to associate an attractive day-flying moth like this with the thorny plant that many curse.

This robust grasshopper seems dull at first, but notice the bright blue inside the hindleg and the bright yellow hindwings

Camel crickets are large, abundant insects common to forests across the US. But they are rarely noticed, partly because they’re nocturnal. Here are two camel crickets that left their underground daylight hiding place to feed on a mushroom at night.

These attractive metallic flies are commonly seen on leaftops, hunting for smaller insects. They are lively creatures and some species have elaborate mating dances.