[No taxon]

No specific plants or animals are discussed in posts within this category.

Expanding blogroll

/ Ted C. MacRae / 9 Comments

I’m still looking for the correct answers to Winter botany quiz #2.  Several commentors have correctly identified the plant family for one of the three plants and gotten close with the second (it’s not a true Liliaceae), and Doug properly surmised that the photos were indeed taken in South Africa (specifically, in Limpopo Province near the Matlaba River in the vicinity of the Waterberg Range).  With the additional clues I’ve given in the comments to that post, I still think generic and even specific identifications are possible for #1 and #2, while for #3 an ID at any level may prove to be quite a challenge.

While we wait for those answers, I thought I would feature some of the recent additions to my ever-expanding blogroll.  Some of these blogs seem to be already well-known, but only recently have I stumbled onto them myself.  Others I think may not be so widely known, but should be.  All struck a chord with me for some reason, whether it be their entomology-related subject matter, focus on life or nature in my beloved Ozarks, or the brilliance of their writing or photography.  I encourage you to pay them a visit and see what they have to offer.

Botany
Several new links in this section are worth mention. A Neotropical Savanna is an excellent weblog by Mary Farmer about her experiences with plants in Panama (and occasionally their insect associates). Closer to home, Get Your Botany On! features contributions by a consortium of astute botanists, one of which is Missouri-based Justin Thomas.  Justin also writes his own blog – The Vasculum – his exquisite and informative writings are reminiscent of those found on my long-time personal favorite, Ozark Highlands of Missouri (by the ever-eloquent Allison Vaughn).

Insects & Invertebrates
The number of links in this section has grown tremendously in recent weeks.  Bug Eric is one of the newest of these on my list, but its author – Eric Eaton, of Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America fame, has been around the bug scene for a long time.  Bug Shutterbug! is the work of Kolby Kirk, whose just published book, Insects & Spiders of Nicaragua, showcases some of his extraordinary photography. Coleop-Terra is written in German, but author Robert Perger’s beautiful beetle photographs can be understood in any language. For regular lessons about the insects around us and their impact on humankind, visit Debbie’s Insects Blog by Debbie Hadley, and orthopteroid specialist Ed Baker keeps us updated on activities from “across the pond” at Invertebrate Diaries (Ed also recently hosted Circus of the Spineless Issue 36). Shelly Cox has joined our growing ranks of Missouri entomologists, posting insect photos on MObugs while she prepares a field guide to the common insects of my beloved home state. Sections, a relatively new blog by British entomologist Laurence Livermore, contains enough information in each post to satisfy even the most erudite among us, and some spectacular captive insects can be seen at SIAM Insect-Zoo & Museum. Rounding out this section, weirdbuglady gives a refreshing view of entomology from an unconventional (and sometimes delightfully immature) perspective.

Missouri & My Beloved Ozarks
This section features a second blog by Shelly Cox – Explore Missouri, which features non-insect nature photos from our beautiful state, while Beau thoughtfully chronicles life in rural Missouri with Fox Haven Journal.

Nature & Conservation
I added Brewster’s linnet . com because of a series of posts about a recent trip to the lower Rio Grande Valley of south Texas. Lindsay and Scott bill Through Handlens and Binoculars as a blog about “Botany… Birds… Butterflies…”, but its subject matter is, in reality, even more diverse (including this recent, informative post about gray tree frogs). I suspect Tom Arbour’s Ohio Nature Blog needs no introduction, considering his current post contains 30 comments as of the time of this writing!

Nature Photography
Some strong photography blogs are joined by Voyages Around My Camera, which features stunning photography by Adrian Thysse (who also authors Evolving Complexity).

Uncategoricalizable
Finally, I’ve added this completely new section specifically for Maggie’s quirky, vexing, and truly unique giroofasaurus-vexed. Nuff said!

Copyright © Ted C. MacRae 2009

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Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network

/ Ted C. MacRae / 6 Comments

For those of you who plan to be in the Chicago area on Saturday, March 7th, perhaps you’ll be interested in attending the 2009 Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network Annual Indoor Workshop. I’ll be giving a talk entitled, “From Hilltops to Swamps: Insects in Missouri’s Rarest Prairies,” in which I’ll focus on the natural history and some associated insects in two of Missouri’s most critically imperiled natural communities – the loess hilltop prairies in the northwestern corner of the state, and the sand prairies of the southeastern lowlands. How a beetle guy ended up being invited to talk to a butterfly group is still a little confusing to me, but apparently IBMN Director, Doug Taron (author of Gossamer Tapestry) put in a good word for me.

The Illinois Butterfly Monitoring Network (IBMN) is a citizen scientist program monitoring the health of butterfly populations throughout northeastern and central Illinois.

The IBMN was initiated in 1987 by The Nature Conservancy to explore the effects of habitat management on invertebrates. From 7 sites in the Chicagoland area in its first year, the program has expanded greatly and is now monitoring more than 100 sites throughout Illinois.  Butterflies are ideal “indicator organisms” with which to monitor the effects of prescribed burning and other management techniques, since many species are restricted to intact prairie and savanna remnants by narrow habitat requirements.  The fact that they are relatively easy to identify allows them to be monitored in a cost effective manner with the help of dedicated amateurs.  Much the same can be said for tiger beetles (which will – surprise! – be featured prominently my talk).

The workshop will be held Saturday, March 7, 2009, 9:30 AM until 3:00 PM at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Avenue, Elgin (directions).  Registration is required, contact Mel Manner at (847) 464-4426 or by email.

Copyright © Ted C. MacRae 2009

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How to fail a test with dignity

/ Ted C. MacRae / 16 Comments

It’s been a long time since I’ve had to take an exam, but I wish I would have thought of some of these answers when I was stumped:
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This student shows promise as future director of The Institute for Creation Research:
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This one’s for Bug Girl:
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I think this one takes the cake for thinking outside the box:
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Elegant in its simplicity:
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“Oh dear!” is right:
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Technically, this is correct:
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I’ll bet some of you professor-types could share a few that top these!

I thank my friend, colleague, and Ozark Trail hiking buddy Rich for sending these to me.

Copyright © Ted C. MacRae 2009

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What’s bugging you?

/ Ted C. MacRae / 5 Comments

It’s not often that I use this forum to write about other blogs. There are so many to choose from – good ones – that it’s hard to know where to start.  Besides, I’d rather use the limited time I have to write doing so about bugs. Given this, it might seem remarkable that I’m going to write about a blog that – as of now – has only three postings. The writer of this new blog, however, is no ordinary writer, and I expect his blog will prove to be no ordinary blog.

Dr. Arthur V. Evans hardly needs introduction in the world of entomology. His prowess as a collector of insects – especially Scarabaeidae – is legendary, but it is his talent for writing that has earned him his true renown.  While his list of research papers is impressive enough, his books are what set him apart from the rest of us.  Blending depth of knowledge with humor and a passion for his subject, Dr. Evans’ books have been equally embraced by professional entomologists and the general public alike.  His field guides (Field Guide to Beetles of California, Field Guide to Insects of North America, and Introduction to California Beetles) have helped to introduce the fabulous world of insects to nature lovers across the country, and the breathtakingly beautiful An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles (coauthored with my friend and colleague, Dr. Charles L. Bellamy) has become a staple on coffee tables around the world.  His latest book, What’s Bugging You?, is a charming collection of essays that have appeared over the years as a column in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.  It is also the name of his new blog, and this excerpt from its very first post suggests it will live up to the reputation of its author:

As I bent down to inspect the corpse a panicked wave of blow flies buzzed up past my face. Their tiny wings churned the air to propel their brassy green bodies out of harm’s way. But within minutes they were back. For scavengers like blow flies, life is short and the aroma of decaying flesh promising food, mates, and egg laying sites is just too much to ignore.

Dr. Evans is an artist, and words are his palette.

If you like insects, you will love What’s Bugging You? Check it out, bookmark it, and be prepared to enjoy what results when love of insects meets truly gifted writing.

Copyright © Ted C. MacRae 2009

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We Are Here: The Pale Blue Dot

/ Ted C. MacRae / 3 Comments

This has been around for awhile, but its message is more relevant now than ever. The Pale Blue Dot is a photograph of the planet Earth taken in 1990 by Voyager 1 from a record distance of 6.4 billion kilometers – a distance that is at once incomprehensible, yet insignificant by cosmic standards. The idea for photographing the Earth against the vastness of space came from the incomparable Carl Sagan – perhaps the most eloquently articulate science communicator of our time. Sagan met resistance for arranging the photograph but was ultimately successful, and he later (1994) wrote a book by the same name in which he provides a humbling description of our planet, our place, and our future. Sagan’s haunting yet inspiring narration in the 6-min video below provides appropriate perspective in this time of change and renewed optimism for tackling the significant global challenges that confront us. Credit goes to Andy Holroyd, Yorkshire, U.K., author of Trousers To Grow Into (a marvelous blend of “science, music and stuff”) for reminding me about this timeless video.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “We Are Here: The Pale Blue Dot“, posted with vodpod

 

Welcome new insect/invertebrate enthusiasts

/ Ted C. MacRae / 7 Comments

Some of you may have noticed my greatly expanded (and categorized) sidebar links listings.  I’d like to welcome the following insect & invertebrate-focused sites, all of which offer unique perspectives on the fascinatingly diverse world of spineless creatures.  Rather than write my own descriptions, I’ve decided to let the authors say it in their own words by using the descriptions they submitted to Nature Blog Network.  I hope my readers will take the opportunity to visit each of these sites and explore their offerings.  I also hope my new blogroll members will take the opportunity to visit the sites that have long been listed here, not just those under “Insects & Invertebrates” but in other categories as well.  Their listings may have never been formally acknowledged, but they are well-deserved nonetheless.

A Bug’s Eye View. The seen and unseen beauty of the Earth at our feet.

Amphidrome. An aspiring researcher’s musings on freshwater ecology, biogeography, invasion biology, and phylogenetics — plus monstrous waterfall-climbing shrimp.

Backyard Arthropod Project. Documenting just the arthropods I can find on our property (a 9-acre parcel in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with a somewhat drafty old farm house). This restriction does not limit the number of subjects nearly as much as one might think.

Butterflies of Singapore. Photo blog on nature and entophiles macro entophiles photography. Borneo in pictures. Photo of interesting places and landmark in Sabah and Sarawak. Photo of exotic and rare Borneo wildlife and plants.

Larval Images. Images (and often discussion & latest science) of larval forms. No politics and no direct developers here.

Moth Mania. This blog is solely about moth sightings in Singapore.

Nature’s Place. The place of nature in the spiritual life, using essay and photographs to illustrate, inform, engage and entertain.

Urban Dragon Hunters. The search to document dragonflies, damselflies, and other insects in urban areas and around the world.

RWS Photo Blog. Celebrating Nature’s Flying Jewels – Butterflies. Useful information on butterfly photography, early stages, conservation and biodiversity in Singapore and the region.

The observant among you will also note the new “Evolution & Systematics” category, where long time stalwarts Catalogue of Organisms and Evolving Complexity are joined by new blogroll members Afarensis, Greg Laden’s Blog, John Hawks Weblog and Pharyngula (to indulge my armchair systematic, evolutionary and paleoanthropological  interests), and Voyages Around My Camera joins my list of esteemed nature/insect photographers as well.

The 12 Years of Christmas

/ Ted C. MacRae / 7 Comments
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Merry Christmas - from our backyard to yours!

They came from completely different backgrounds.  She had grown up in a middle class family, her father an educated professional, her mother a professional homemaker – “Ward and June”, as their now-grown children jokingly call them.  He grew up on welfare, the family breaking up while he was still in elementary school.  She was a popular student – cheerleader, debate team, gymnastics.  He was the introverted science nerd, invisible to the popular, living quietly with his books.  Religion was an important part of her life, growing up Catholic and remaining devoted to the church.  He grew up Catholic but knew even as a child that religion would not provide the answers he was looking for, eventually finding a private spirituality in the creation itself.

Despite these separate paths they found each other and fell in love, and despite their different lives they both wanted the same thing – a family.  Such a simple desire, however, would prove to be difficult to achieve.  When fertility drugs didn’t work, they turned to adoption.  The first match failed.  So did the second.  They understood completely how the birth mothers could change their minds, but that didn’t ease their pain or calm their fears.  Ultimately, they looked to Russia, a new democracy with old attitudes about orphans.  In the fall of their 6th year of marriage, they learned that little Anastasia was waiting for them.  They traveled to Russia before Christmas and became a family after New Years.  In between, they visited little Anastasia every day – one hour at a time – and experienced the joy of being a parent, a feeling they had feared would ever elude them.  On Christmas Day, they could not see little Anastasia, but in a small, gray apartment on the outskirts of Moscow, they celebrated her coming with their gracious host family.  Ten days later, their family was born, and twelve months later they celebrated their first Christmas together at home.

Christmas meant little to me for much of my life.  Yes, it was a time to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends, and the presents were nice.  But my own approach to spirituality has little in common with traditional reflections of the season.  Tonight, as I watched 12-year old Mollie Anastasia laughing with her cousins, hugging her nanny and papa, and teasing her uncle and his partner, I thought back to those cold, snowy days in Russia when my heart became warm for the first time.  I recalled our second trip to Russia six years later, when she and little Madison Irina each met their sister for the first time.  On this Christmas Day, as I have done for 12 years now, I thought about how lucky we are to have these two beautiful little girls that are unquestionably our own.  Christmas means a lot to me now, and that is a gift that not even five golden rings could beat.

Welcome to the “new” Beetles In The Bush

/ Ted C. MacRae / 5 Comments

After much consideration, I have decided to move Beetles In The Bush to its new home here at WordPress.  To those of you coming here from the old site, thank you for following the link.  To those of you who have stumbled upon this site from somewhere else, welcome!

The decision to move was not easy, nor was it taken lightly, but it was something I had been considering for quite awhile.  The debates about WordPress versus Blogger are well chronicled, and you will find many who strongly believe in one or the other.  For me, the choice was not so clear – each offers advantages relative to the other.  What really attracted me to  WordPress, however, was the horizontal menu bar linked to static “Pages” that are separate from chronologically-ordered posts – ideal for expanded profiles, tables of contents, indices, annotated link galleries, etc.  I toyed with different methods for creating these in Blogger and actually found a way to simulate them along with the menu bar.  However, it took a lot of effort learning HTML code, and the results were just not very crisp when compared this standard WordPress feature.  Frankly, I’d rather spend my time writing posts rather than HTML code.  Moreover, I’ve always been impressed with the clean, professional look of the WordPress templates – very attractive.

Nevertheless, the idea of actually moving my blog was still a daunting thought.  Would everything transfer or would I have to start over?  Would I lose my photos?  Would the post formatting get messed up?  The more I researched it, the more feasible it seemed, and when I actually created a site for beta testing I was immediately impressed with the functionality and ease of use.  Setting up the new blog, transferring the posts and comments from the old site, adding the “page” features that I had so long desired, and all the fine-tuning to achieve the “look” that I wanted only took a few hours.  The hardest part was deciding on a template.  Alex may think I simply copied what he did, the truth is I previewed both the initial blog and the finished blog in every template offered by WordPress.  I liked the clean lines, crisp fonts, and simple elegance of this layout.  I also debated about whether to replace the old banner, but ultimately decided a move to a new site deserved a new banner to go along with it.  I suppose switching sites might mess up page stats, Google rankings, and other technical issues that concern serious bloggers.  I’ll need to keep the old site live, since that is where all the photos from the previous posts are housed – that might ‘steal’ hits that would have otherwise come to this site when people do Google searches.  I guess all I can hope is that people landing on the old site will follow the redirect.

So, welcome to the new Beetles In The Bush – I hope you’ll take a moment to explore the new pages.  I’ve included a short biography in About, a Table of Contents with a complete list of posts (and recommendations for some of my favorites), a description of my personal Insect Collection with links to inventories for certain taxa, a complete list of my Publications, and an annotated list of Links that I’ve found useful for identification and nomenclature of insects and plants.  Comments are always welcome, and feel free to Contact me directly if you have specific questions or comments.  Don’t forget to update your links from:

http://beetlesinthebush.blogspot.com

to:

http://beetlesinthebush.wordpress.com