Timber Rattlesnake found on a hike.
Wild pink lady slipper
We believe this is a Marasmius Siccus, though it may be a Marasmius Fulvoferrugineus. It is quite small in person. To see more of the mushrooms at Coal Creek, click here.
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
This large hornet is native to Europe and can be common, especially in areas of human development. They are predators of other arthropods, which they bring back to their nest in a cavity such as a tree hole. Despite being large and scary, they are not aggressive.
In the TN woods, you can find all kinds of surprises, like this Copperhead.