Missouri

🌿 Botanizing w/ the Webster Groves Nature Study Society (WGNSS) Botany Group at Rockwoods Reservation – 3 Nov 2025

/ Ted C. MacRae / 2 Comments

After several weeks of traveling to the outer reaches of the St. Louis area, the WGNSS Botany Group pinned their hopes on seeing good fall colors closer to home at Rockwoods Reservation in Wildwood. Despite its proximity to St. Louis, Rockwoods offers visitors a taste of the Ozarks with its mix of dry, rocky ridges, cool, moist ravines, and forested slopes featuring a variety of woodland types depending on substrate and exposure. Several trails are on offer, but the group chose the Rock Quarry Trail as the most likely to provide a diversity of plants and color.

Hard maples ablaze!

A large (seemingly misplaced) Taxodium distichum (bald cypress) tree right at the trail entrance captured our attention, and numerous globular cones, still green at this point in the season could be seen within its crown. Bald cypress trees are often attacked by a small fly called the cypress twig gall midge (Taxodiomyia cupressiananassa—family Cecidomyiidae) which produces globular galls on the twigs that can be mistaken for immature cones, but despite thorough searching none were found.

As we started up the rocky trail, John noticed several freshly fallen leaves on the ground under a large(ish) tree and picked one up for the day’s first “pop quiz.” Morus (mulberry) or Tilia (linden or basswood), two unrelated trees that bear similar-looking leaves, were the early guesses, but which? The shape of the leaf base—usually symmetrical in the former and asymmetrical in the latter—can be useful but is not consistent. A better way is to break the leaf petiole to check the color of the sap that exudes—milky in the former and clear in the latter. In this case, it was milky, identifying the tree as Morus rubra (red mulberry).

Our late summer and early fall this year was unusually dry with almost no rain from the beginning of August until near the end of October. This year’s fall floral display has suffered as a result, with many of the plants we are seeing in flower now looking rather pitiful compared to if they had grown under more favorable conditions. The recent rains may not have been enough to “save” the season, but the landscape has “perked up” a bit in their wake. By early November, Solidago (goldenrods) and Symphyotrichum (true asters) make up the bulk of the anticipated plants in flower, and we were fortunate to see blooms of several species in these two genera. These included not only some species that we have seen in the past weeks, such as Solidago ulmifolia (elm-leaved goldenrod), Symphyotrichum anomalum (many-rayed aster), Symphyotrichum patens (spreading aster), and Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (calico aster), but also a few that we have not.

Symphyotrichum lateriflorum (calico aster—family Asteraceae).

The bulk of these were located in or near a small “glade” on a southwest-facing not far from the trail entrance. The patch of xeric habitat is not a true glade, but rather a scar of past quarrying activity on the southwest-facing limestone slope that has resulted in a glade-like habitat. It was here that a few patches of Solidago rugosa (rough-leaved or wrinkle-leaved goldenrod) were found. This species is similar to S. ulmifolia but usually has multiple stems and sessile leaves with the margins not as coarsely toothed and the veins more deeply impressed, giving the leaf a rugose appearance (on which the species name is based).

Solidago rugosa (wrinkleleaf or rough-stemmed goldenrod—family Asteraceae) inflorescence.
Solidago rugosa (wrinkleleaf or rough-stemmed goldenrod—family Asteraceae) leaves.

We have seen Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (aromatic aster) in true glades the past few weeks (at Victoria Glades and Fults Hill Prairie), and we saw it blooming in this “pseudo glade” as well. Amongst the several plants of this species, however, was a single blue-flowered aster that did not exhibit the same profusely branched and many-leaved growth. This turned out to be the slightly more conservative (CC = 7) Symphyotrichum laeve (smooth blue aster), identifiable by its smooth, completely hairless, narrowly elongate leaves that clasp the stem at the base.

Symphyotrichum laeve (smooth blue aster—family Asteraceae) flower.
Symphyotrichum laeve (smooth blue aster—family Asteraceae) stem and leaves.

Just beyond the glade and reentering the dry woodland, a single white-flowered aster was seen and determined to represent Symphyotrichum urophyllum (arrowleaf aster) based on its leaves—heart-shaped at the base and gradually becoming more arrowhead-shaped and sessile to nearly sessile further up the stem—and dense, cylindrical cluster of white flowers at the top of the plant.

Symphyotrichum urophyllum (arrowleaf aster—family Asteraceae) inflorescence.
Symphyotrichum urophyllum (arrowleaf aster—family Asteraceae) stem and leaf.

Moving further along the trail, the substrate transitioned from limestone to chert, which was accompanied by the appearance of more acid-loving lichens, mosses, and plants such as Vaccineum pallidum (lowbush blueberry) and Cunila origanoides (American dittany), a few plants of the latter still exhibiting blooms in good shape. The finely divided leaves of Viola pedata (bird’s foot violet), a characteristic occupant of upland forest openings having dry, cherty soils, were common along the steep trailside bank in this area.

Cunila origanoides (American dittany—family Lamiaceae).

Further up the trail along the ridgetop, we saw a single plant representing yet another acidophile and first sighting for the season—Solidago hispida (hairy goldenrod). This species can be recognized by its single stem, erect, narrow cluster of yellow flowers at the top of the plant, distinctly hairy leaves and stems (especially at the base), and larger basal leaves. It typically inhabits dry, open, and rocky woodlands, especially those with acidic substrates.

Solidago hispida (hairy goldenrod—family Asteraceae) upper stem leaves and inflorescence.
Solidago hispida (hairy goldenrod—family Asteraceae) lower stem.

A long gentle descent off the ridge top took the group gradually down into a deep ravine with a tall, dense canopy that contrasted distinctly with the dry, rocky, more open forests seen to that point. Muted browns and yellows of oaks and hickories gave way to vibrant golds, oranges, and reds of hard maples. Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) was abundant on the north-facing slopes, the darkened tips of their fertile fronds conspicuous against the much more green rest of the plant, and two other fern species were noticed as well: Adiantum pedatum (northern maidenhair fern), a deciduous species with its fronds just starting to senesce, and Asplenium rhizophyllum (walking fern), an evergreen species that spreads vegetatively (“walks”) by rooting to form new plantlets whenever the tips of its long, undivided leaves touch moist substrate. Lindera benzoin (spicebush) was also abundant in the more mesic habitat now being traversed, their just-formed flower buds now sufficiently developed to distinguish male (larger buds) from female (smaller flower buds) plants at a glance.

Backlit leaves of Asimina triloba (pawpaw) under a canopy of blazing yellow Acer saccharum (sugar maple).

The trail ends up the road a ways from its start, requiring a short roadside walk to return to the parking lot. Despite the presence of asphalt, the group remained on the lookout for plants of interest in the now riparian forest corridor paralleling the road. A fourth goldenrod—Solidago altissima (tall goldenrod)—was seen (its identity confirmed by rubbing its leaves with the fingers to feel its roughness), but the biggest attention getter was a spectacularly large Ilex decidua (deciduous holly or possumhaw) bearing a profusion of bright orange-red berries.

Ilex decidua (deciduous holly, possumhaw—family Aquifoliaceae).

For lunch afterwards, the group chose the ever-popular Clancy’s Irish Pub in nearby Ellisville.

©️ Ted C. MacRae 2025

🪲 Entomologizing w/ the WGNSS Entomology Group at Hughes Mountain Natural Area — 11 Oct 2025

/ Ted C. MacRae / Leave a comment
L-R: Ted “BugMan” MacRae, Pete Kozich, David Seidensticker, “Ozark Bill” Duncan, Lisa Meihls, Chris Brown.

The Webster Groves Nature Study Society (WGNSS) Entomology Group began its final outing of the 2025 field season when eight participants (Chris Brown, Nathalie de Rocquigny, “Ozark Bill” Duncan, Jack Hambene, Pete Kozich, Ted “BugMan” MacRae, Lisa Meihls, and David Seidensticker) met up in the parking lot at Hughes Mountain Natural Area. Tucked into the southeastern corner of Washington Co., this gem of a natural area features 1.5 billion year old Precambrian outcrops that are among the oldest continuously exposed rocks in North America. Once molten as a result of volcanic activity associated with the St. Francois Mountains, the now hardened and weather-resistant rhyolite that formed after it cooled lies still exposed at the summit and surrounding areas. To the geologist, the polygonal columnar pattern of cracking at the summit—resulting in a unique formation called the “Devil’s Honeycomb”—might be the area’s most interesting feature. To the botanist, the xeric grasslands that formed on the surrounding exposures—i .e., “igneous glades”—might instead take this honor. To the entomologist, however, the unique fauna of insects associated with this interesting natural community earns top billing.

Rhyolite glade at Hughes Mountain Natural Area.

On two previous visits, the group has been fortunate to see one of Missouri’s rarest and most beautiful longhorned beetles—Tragidion coquus. Velvety black with vivid orange elytra, this charismatic species is usually seen during fall, and we hoped to be fortunate enough to see it again. Two species of fall tiger beetles—Cicindela limbalis (claybank tiger beetle) and Cicindela splendida (splendid tiger beetle), both colored iridescent green and brick red—were additional possibilities. A clear consensus quickly became apparent, however, when most participants voiced a desire to see Trimerotropis saxatilis—the famously and colorfully cryptic lichen grasshopper! It didn’t take long to see the first ones as soon as we began reaching the swathes of exposed rhyolite with their coverings of green and black lichens. Sitting motionless on the lichen-encrusted rocks, the grasshoppers were almost impossible to see, so perfectly colored and patterned was their camouflage.

Trimerotropis saxatilis (lichen grasshopper—family Acrididae).

The abundance of lichen grasshoppers on the glades was somewhat expected, but what was not was the diversity of other grasshoppers also present at the margins of the glades and in the surrounding dry woodlands. Four such species were documented, including Hippiscus ocelete (wrinkled grasshopper), Melanoplus ponderosus (ponderous spur-throat grasshopper), Melanoplus rusticus (obovate-winged grasshopper), and Spharagemon bolli (Boll’s grasshopper)—all possessing their own forms of cryptic coloration that made relocating them after they jumped difficult.

Hippiscus ocelote (wrinkled grasshopper—family Acrididae).
Melanoplus ponderosus (ponderous spur-throat grasshopper—family Acrididae).
Melanoplus rusticus (obovate-winged grasshopper—family Acrididae).
Spharagemon bolli (Boll’s grasshopper—family Acrididae).

Two non-grasshopper orthopterans as well were found—several Scudderia furcata (fork-tailed bush katydid), ranging from green to tan to almost pinkish(!), were seen in the glades and woodlands, and an unusually cooperative Ceuthophilus sp. cave cricket (family Rhaphidophoridae) was also seen.

Scudderia furcata (fork-tailed bush katydid—family Tettigoniidae).
Ceuthophilus sp. (cave cricket—family Rhaphidophoridae).

The group fanned out across the glades as they worked their way up towards the summit. Of special interest were flowers that might host pollinating insects (and possibly even T. coquus). Few flowers would be found, however—a consequence of abnormally dry conditions since late July, and we found ourselves looking for other targets. Ted managed to photograph a beautiful red-marked variegated meadowhawk dragonfly (Sympetrum corruptum), while David “captured” (through the viewfinder) a male black swallowtail butterfly (Papilio polyxenes).

Sympetrum corruptum (variegated meadowhawk—family Libellulidae).

Eventually the group reached the summit, where the “Devil’s Honeycomb” and a spectacular vista awaited us. An unexpected feature at the summit was white splotches on the tops of many of the projecting columns of rock, which the group surmised to indicate use of the summit as a roosting site by turkey vultures.

“Devil’s Honeycomb” at summit of Hughes Mountain.

The group lingered to take in the crisp air, blue skies, and spectacular view created by 1200’ of elevation before turning back to begin the descent back down the mountain.

Buford Mountain (2nd highest point in Missouri) in the distance.

Descending the mountain, however, did not mean an end of things to see. Even before getting off the summit, Lisa noticed Chelinidea vittiger (cactus leaffooted bug) on pads of Opuntia cespitosa (eastern prickly pear). This species feeds and develops almost exclusively on the pads, fruits, and young growth of prickly pear cacti (Opuntia spp.), thus, its range coincides with the distribution of these cacti.

Chelinidea vittiger (cactus leaffooted bug—family Coreidae) on Opuntia cespitosa (eastern prickly pear).

Further down the mountain, another “variegated” species was seen—this time a variegated fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) butterfly. This well-worn individual was only the third butterfly species seen on the day, the aforementioned black swallowtail and a particularly fresh common buckeye (Junonia coenia) being the other two. This one was probably making its way south to overwinter in the southern U.S., where the species is a year-round resident.

Euptoieta claudia (variegated fritillary—family Nymphalidae).
Junonia coenia (common buckeye—family Nymphalidae).

Along the way, the lichen grasshoppers continued to attract our attention due to their abundance and striking diversity of coloration. We were treated to a particularly obvious example of this when we encountered a mating pair with the much smaller male exhibiting shades of brown instead of the greens exhibited by the much larger female.

It had been a leisurely descent off the main glade, and once clearing the woodland to emerge into the last glade fragments before the final descent, Chris and Ted were further delayed by a trio of observations in rapid succession. A large, impressively marked Neoscona crucifera (spotted orbweaver) spider hunkered down on a twig first caught Chris’ attention. Photographing it turned into an adventure when an effort to manipulate the twig on which it was resting ended up alarming the spider and causing it to drop down to the ground. They returned the spider to the twig using other twigs and leaves, but invariably it dropped again. Eventually, they learned they could “reel” the spider back up to the twig by its silk line if they acted quickly enough, and with repeated efforts both succeeded in getting photographs of the spider back up on the twig.

Neoscona crucifera (spotted orbweaver—family Aranaeidae).

While this was going on, the unmistakable droning buzz of Milesia virginiensis (yellowjacket hover fly or Virginia flower fly) caught their attention. The resemblance of the adults of this species to wasps is remarkable, and they are often seen hovering in midair, making erratic shifting movements, and then suddenly flying away. This particular fly, however, cooperated by landing on a rock (briefly) and allowing a few photographs before it abruptly departed.

Spider and fly photographs in hand, Ted and Chris resumed their descent but took only a few steps before another sighting demanded photographs—a rough green tree snake (Opheodrys aestivus) peering quizzically from amongst the rust-red leaves of a stunted blackjack oak. The snake cooperated at first, allowing a few closeup photographs before making a run for it. Fortunately, this is a very docile species that rarely (if ever) bites when handled, so Chris and Ted were able to corral it for additional photos before returning it back to the tree from whence it came.

Opheodrys aestivus (rough green snake—family Colubridae).

At last, they were able to complete the descent and join the rest of the group in the parking lot, but not before making one last interesting find—the bizarrely beautiful caterpillar of Isa textula (crown slug moth). Like many members of the family Limacodidae (slug moths), the pale green, flattened caterpillars bear stinging spines/-in this case on lobes that radiate out from around the edge of the body. The caterpillar was found on the ground (it is probably mature and was looking for a protected place to spin a cocoon in which to spend the winter) and coaxed onto a leaf to bring it to the parking lot so everyone could have a chance to photograph it (it looked particularly stunning when set on a bright red sumac leaf).

Isa textula (crown slug moth—family Limacodidae).

©️ Ted C. MacRae 2025

🌿 Botanizing w/ the WGNSS Botany Group at Victoria Glades Preserve

/ Ted C. MacRae / Leave a comment

6 Oct 2025—Fall continues to advance in the St. Louis area, and despite very dry conditions during the past two months the fall bloomers continue to make their appearance. One of the area’s most reliable and interesting places to see fall blooms is Victoria Glades south of Hillsboro, where orchids, gentians, and asters anchor a unique suite of fall-blooming plants that are rarely seen elsewhere in our mostly forested environs.

The group chose the Nature Conservancy portion of the complex to explore, as it was in the mesic forest along the riparian corridor below the glade on this side that the first of two orchids—the charmingly diminutive and seldom-seen Spiranthes ovalis (lesser ladies’ tresses)—was expected to be seen in bloom. Despite having recently taken GPS coordinates for the plants, it took several minutes of the group scouring the area around the coordinates before the tiny plants were finally found. Its delicate blooms, fall flowering season, small size, presence of basal and cauline leaves at anthesis, and preference for mesic habitats all serve to identify this species. Missouri’s populations are considered var. erostella, which lack certain essential flowering organs and are, thus, self-pollinated (cleistogamous).

Spiranthes ovalis var. erostellata (lesser ladies’ tresses—family Orchidaceae).

Clambering up and out of the creek bed and onto the open glade, the group found, again with some difficulty, the second orchid we were looking for—Spiranthes magnicamporum (Great Plains ladies’ tresses). Unlike S. ovalis, however, this species is much more commonly seen on dolomitic glades throughout the state, and there have been fall seasons at Victoria Glades featuring spectacular displays of it. Sadly, it does not appear that this will be one of those falls, almost surely because of the near absence of rain in recent months. The first two plants were found under and next to a cut eastern red-cedar, whose cadaver perhaps provided just enough protection to prevent a complete drying of the soil underneath and allowed the two plants to proceed to flowering. Of the nine species of Spiranthes presently known to occur in Missouri, S. magnicamporum is among the showiest due to its robust, often doubly helical inflorescences and relatively large flowers with spreading and arching lateral sepals. It is also among the most fragrant, with a sweetish fragrance of coumarin, which some people liken to vanilla.

Spiranthes magnicamporum (Great Plains ladies’ tresses—family Orchidaceae).

I’ve been visiting Victoria Glades for more than 40 years, yet I continue to see things I haven’t previously notified. This time it was Trichostema coeruleum (pennyroyal bluecurls), a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). [Note: Trichostema coeruleum was known until recently as Trichostema brachiatum—now a synonym of Trichostema dichotomum.] Unlike Trichostema dichotomum (bluecurls), which prefers glades and other dry habitats with acidic substrates (e.g., sandstone), T. coeruleum prefers such habitats with calcareous substrates (e.g., dolomite). A third species of the genus, Trichostema setaceum (narrow-leaf bluecurls), also occurs in Missouri but is restricted to sand prairies in extreme southeastern Missouri.

Trichostema coeruleum (pennyroyal bluecurls—family Lamiaceae).

Dolomite glades are also the preferred habitat for many species of plants in the family Orobanchaceae, a bizarre family of mostly hemiparasitic plants that derive at least some of their nutrition not from the sun, but by tapping into the roots of nearby plants. Castilleja coccinea (scarlet paintbrush) is perhaps the best known of these, in most years joining the cacophony of wildflowers that form colorful displays across Victoria Glades during spring and early summer. There are, however, several less conspicuous but equally beautiful wildflowers in the family that are restricted in the area almost exclusively to the dolomite glades of Jefferson Co. One of these is Agalinis skinneriana (Skinner’s or pale gerardia/false foxglove), which the group found sporadically still in bloom across the open glade. There are several species of Agalinis in Missouri, some of which are quite common. However, A. skinneriana can usually be recognized by the characteristic habitat and generally upward-facing flowers with spreading to reflexed upper corolla lobes. The plants are also relatively slender and fewer-branched than the more common A. tenuifolia (common gerardia/false foxglove) and A. gattingeri (rough-stemmed gerardia/false foxglove).

Agalinis skinneriana (Skinner’s or pale gerardia/false foxglove—family Orobanchaceae).

Another plant in the family Orobanchaceae that the group saw was Buchnera americana (American bluehearts), represented by a single plant still bearing two worn blossoms. Normally blooming from June through September, plants in full bloom have no look-alikes and are not likely to be confused with anything else. Despite this, the vervain-like fruit-bearing structure of this late straggler fooled the group into at first thinking it was a species of Verbena until its true identity was realized.

Buchnera americana (American bluehearts—family Orobanchaceae).

No group of plants more iconically represents fall than goldenrods (genus Solidago) and true asters (genus Symphyotrichum), and no place allows as many uncommonly seen species to be seen together as the dolomite glades. Three species of goldenrods were seen during the day—the super common Solidago nemoralis (old field goldenrod), the less common but more showy Solidago rigida (stiff goldenrod), and the highly restricted Solidago gattingeri (Gattinger’s goldenrod) (we were not able to locate a fourth species—Solidago radula [rough goldenrod], which we have observed during previous visits on the MDC portion of Victoria Glades). It was the true asters, however, that truly tested our plant identification abilities. Relatively easier are the purple asters, of which we found three species. The first and most abundant was Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (aromatic aster), recognized by its recurved phyllaries and branched habit with narrow, linear leaves that become more numerous and smaller in the upper plant. If one is still in doubt as to its identity, however, one needs only to crush the leaves between the fingers and enjoy its distinct aroma.

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (aromatic aster—family Asteraceae).

Along the intermittent creek and near the interface with the dry post oak woodland on the north of the glade, we encountered a second species—Symphyotrichum oolentangiense (azure aster). Identification of this species came only near the end of the outing, as a key identifying characteristic of this species—the presence of distinctly petiolate cordate basal leaves that are rough to the touch—was not seen on any of the plants examined before then. At that point, we suspected Symphyotrichum turbinellum (prairie aster) due to the vase-shaped involucres. While that species has been found at Victoria Glades, it is usually a much more highly branched plant associated with more wooded habitats (despite the common name). Finally, we found a plant with such leaves present, albeit dried up, and then another with the leaves present and still fresh to confirm the identification.

Symphyotrichum oolentangiense (sky blue aster—family Asteraceae).

In a small area at the northernmost point of the glade, we found Symphyotrichum sericeum (silky aster). This species is immediately recognizable from afar by the silvery cast to the foliage—this, combined with its highly preferred habitat of glades or dry prairies are usually enough to identify the species, although it is said that the flowers are often more purple and less bluish than other “purple asters.”

Symphyotrichum sericeum (silky aster—family Asteraceae).

As we walked the margins of the glade, the group kept their collective eyes out for Gentiana puberulenta (downy gentian), a striking and rarely seen fall flowering species that has been found on several occasions at Victoria Glades. The species has been seen at Victoria Glades on a few occasions in past years, and the locations of these sightings were scoured thoroughly but without success. Unexpectedly, near the end of the outing, a single plant in flower was located—its perfectly fresh blossom initially hidden from view underneath fallen leaves. One of three members of the genus Gentiana in Missouri, this species is easily differentiated by having the corolla spread open at maturity. Missouriplants.com notes “The rich, deep blue color of the corollas is a striking and uncommon hue among our flora.” A strikingly beautiful final find of the day indeed, and a perfect note on which to gather for lunch at historic Russell House in nearby Hillsboro.

Gentiana puberulenta (downy gentian—Gentianaceae).

For me, no botany outing is strictly about plants (just as no entomology outing is strictly about insects), so there were a few interesting insect observations on the day. On our way to look for Spiranthes ovalis (lesser ladies’ tresses), June noticed a caterpillar on the Ulmus rubra (slippery elm) that we decided must represent Halysidotus tessellaris banded tussock moth).

Halysidota tessellaris (banded tussock moth—family Erebidae) on Ulmus rubra (slippery elm).

Later, after lunch with the group, I returned with the goal of more closely inspecting Physocarpus intermedius (Midwest ninebark) along the glade toeslopes and intermittent creek to see if Dicerca pugionata was out. It has been many years since I’ve seen this species in the fall (but it has also been many years since I’ve really tried to look for it during the fall). I started first with the plants along the moist toeslopes along the west side of the glade, checking several of the now very scraggly-looking plants without success. Along the way, I encountered an especially beautiful Spiranthes magnicamporum, so I paused to take photos. While doing so, I noticed a cryptically-colored crab spider on its blossoms—Mecaphesa asperata (northern crab spider)—the first time I’ve ever seen a spider hunting on the flowers of an orchid.

Mecaphesa asperata (northern crab spider—family Thomisidae) on flowers of Spiranthes magnicamporum (Great Plains ladies’ tresses).

Towards the end of the toeslopes, finally, two D. pugionata plopped onto my sheet. The plant they were on was near the far end of the toeslopes, and if I hadn’t seen any beetles by the time I reached the far end I would have given up the search. Finding them, however, motivated me to hike over to and continue looking along the intermittent creek, where I saw three more beetles in three different spots, the last one—satisfyingly—on the very last plant I checked before the creek disappears into denser woodland.

Dicerca pugionata (ninebark borer—family Buprestidae) beaten from living Physocarpus intermedius (Midwest ninebark).

Mission accomplished, I enjoyed one more leisurely stroll across the glade before calling it another (successful) day in the field.

©️ Ted C. MacRae 2025

“BioBlitzing” Schoolcraft Prairie

/ Ted C. MacRae / 2 Comments

It’s been a few months since I’ve been on a WGNSS field trip, so I was anxious to attend this past weekend’s joint trip between the Entomology and Nature Photography Groups to visit a private restored tallgrass prairie remnant located in extreme southwestern Washington County and named after Henry Schoocraft, who famously chronicled his journey through the Missouri Ozarks in the early 1800s and passed within a few miles of this spot (if you’ve not yet read Schoolcraft’s journal, I highly recommend this natural history classic!). The landowner, a restoration ecologist for Shaw Nature Reserve, has been using prescribed burns and selective thinning over the past several years to restore the 70-acre tract of upland forest, former cropland, and grassland remnants to their presettlement character. Stupidly, I did not bring my main camera, preferring to focus instead on collecting rather than photography. In hindsight, I would have been much better served had I had my camera, as the beetle groups that I study (Buprestidae and Cerambycidae) tend to be scarce at this time of season in Missouri, while interesting subjects for photography in other insect groups abound. As far as photos go, my iPhone would have to suffice.

A lone Pinus echinata (shortleaf pine) in restored tallgrass prairie remnant.

We arrived a bit after mid-afternoon and spent the bulk of the remaining daylight hours in the prairie remnant. Florally, it was one of the most diverse prairies I’ve ever seen, especially in this part of the Missouri Ozarks. One plant in bloom that was new to me was Liatris scariosa (devil’s bite blazingstar), distinguished from the similar L. aspera (also in bloom) by its flower heads on long stalks and with mostly flat phyllaries.

Liatris scariosa (devil’s bite blazingstar—family Asteraceae) in restored tallgrass prairie remnant.

The first insect of interest that I found was the white fluffy early-instar caterpillar of Megalopyge crispata (black-waved flannel moth). The hairs of all species in this genus are venomous in the larval stage, and interestingly the later instars of a related species (M. opercula) resemble a tiny Trump toupee (look it up!).

Megalopyge crispata (black-waved flannel moth—family Megalopygidae) early-instar caterpillar on foliage of Carya tormentosa (mockernut hickory) in restored tallgrass prairie remnant.

Also present were Neotibicen auriferus (prairie dog-day cicada), whose whining, metallic songs filled the air. Normally very skittish and difficult to approach, I managed to snag one on the trunk of a small persimmon tree in the middle of the prairie.

Neotibicen auriferus (plains dog-day cicada—family Cicadidae) captured while singing on trunk of Diospyros virginiana (persimmon) in restored tallgrass prairie remnant.
Atalopedes huron (Huron skipper—family Hesperiidae) perched on foliage of Rhus copallina (shiny sumac) in restored tallgrass prairie remnant.

As afternoon progressed to evening, I went back down from atop the ridge and visited a small calcarous fen—a unique wetland habitat created by seepage of calcareous groundwater that results in saturated, low-oxygen soil. Fens often support unique plants, and in this one I found Solidago patula (swamp goldenrod). I’ve never seen this plant before, so I was a bit disappointed it was not yet in bloom, but I marveled at an enormous, darkly colored banded fishing spider (Dolomedes vittatus) sitting on one of the plants.

Solidago patula (swamp goldenrod—family Asteraceae) in small calcareous fen.
Dolomedes vittatus (banded fishing spider—family Pisauridae) on Solidago patula (swamp goldenrod) in small calcareous fen.

After dinner we set up several light stations, including one up in the restored prairie remnant. Despite the warm, humid conditions, I had little optimism that we would see much of interest at the lights due to the near-full moon shining brightly in the cloudless sky. This was mostly true, although I did collect a few ceresine treehoppers and weevils from the lights. Additionally, a few small but pretty moths warranted a photograph or two.

Pyrausta tyralis (coffee-loving pyrausta moth—family Crambidae) at ultraviolet light in restored tallgrass prairie remnant.
Dichorda iridaria (showy emerald moth—family Geometridae) at ultraviolet light in restored tallgrass prairie remnant.

The truly interesting finds, however, would come in the form of caterpillars on the foliage of nearby trees. Three species of slug moths (family Limacodidae)—among the most bizarre-looking of caterpillars, and all of which can sting—would be found. Two of them were new to me—a beautifully lichen-colored Euclea delphinii (spiny oak slug moth), and the nearly amorphous Apoda y-inversa (yellow-colored slug moth). The third species was the striking Parasa indetermina (stinging rose slug moth)—always a treat to see!

Euclea delphinii (spiny oak slug—family Limacodidae) caterpillar on foliage of Quercus stellata (post oak) in restored tallgrass prairie remnant.
Apoda y-inversa (yellow-collared slug moth—family Limacodidae) caterpillar on foliage of Quercus stellata (post oak) in restored tallgrass prairie remnant.
Parasa indetermina (stinging rose moth—family Limacodidae) caterpillar on foliage of Quercus marilandica (blackjack oak) in restored tallgrass prairie remnant.

Other striking caterpillars were found as well: Amorpha juglandis (walnut sphinx) and Ceratomia catalpae (catalpa sphinx)—adults of each also visiting the lights, Anisota virginiensis (pink-striped oakworm), Automeris io (io moth), Acronicta superans (splendid dagger moth), and Halysidota tessellaris (banded tussock moth). Some of these were photographed in situ, but most were brought back to camp for photographs under more controlled conditions.

Amorpha juglandis (walnut sphinx—family Sphingidae) caterpillar on foliage of Juglans nigra (black walnut) in dry-mesic upland oak/hickory forest.
Acronicta superans (splendid dagger moth—family Noctuidae) on foliage of Prunus serotina (black cherry) in dry-mesic oak/hickory forest.
Halysidota tessellaris (banded tussock moth—family Erebidae) on foliage of Carya tomentosa (mockernut hickory) in restored tallgrass prairie remnant.

Another interesting observation near the light in the prairie was a Neoconocephalus ensiger (sword-bearing conehead katydid—family Tettigoniidae) final-instar nymph molting to adulthood. At the time that I photographed it, the antennae were pulled taught—almost but not completely pulled free from the exuviae.

Neoconocephalus ensiger (sword-bearing conehead katydid—family Tettigoniidae) final-instar nymph molting to adulthood at night in restored tallgrass prairie remnant.

A final observation of a small treehopper (Platycotis vittata) on a Quercus stellata (post oak) twig—after which I called it a night (it was around 2 am!).

Platycotis vittata (family Membracidae) on twig of Quercus stellata (post oak) in dry-mesic oak/hickory forest.

©️ Ted C. MacRae 2024

Beetle Collecting 101: “Jug traps”

/ Ted C. MacRae / 1 Comment

As long-time readers will know, I have used “bucket traps” with fermenting liquid bait for many years to collect Cerambycidae. In fact, I discovered my first new species (Purpuricenus paraxillaris) soon after I began using these traps back in the mid-1980s. The traps are simple—a bucket (2-L in my case) filled to about 1/3 with diluted molasses/beer (MB) or sweet red wine (SRW). When placed in the field, the bait ferments, releasing ethanol and other volatiles that attract a variety of longhorned beetles (as well as some other groups of beetles and insects). Beetles attracted to the trap drown in the bait and are retrieved by pouring the bait through a kitchen strainer. The bait, thus, acts as both an attractant and a killing agent. Other collectors of Cerambycidae have used these traps as well for many years, and in fact Marlin Rice and I have just completed a manuscript on a 4-year study comparing the efficacy and relative attractiveness of bucket traps baited with MB vs. SRW in Missouri, Iowa, and Florida—look for that paper to appear (hopefully) later this year in The Coleopterists Bulletin.

More recently, however, I have switched from bucket traps to “jug traps.” These differ obviously in that they are jugs with “windows” cut into them rather than open-top buckets. More importantly, however, instead of fermenting bait, the bottom of the jug (i.e., “reservoir”) is filled with dilute propylene glycol. Like fermenting liquid bait, propylene glycol forms a trap from which the beetles cannot escape, but it plays no role in attracting the beetles to the trap. Instead, it acts as a preservative to prevent deterioration of the trapped beetles after even prolonged submersion. Attraction to the trap is still accomplished with bait, but in this case it is isolated inside a bottle that is suspended inside the jug above the reservoir. A wick inserted into the bait and extending above the top of the bottle enables the release of ethanol and other volatiles from the bait to serve to attract beetles to the trap. A variety of baits can be used—I have been comparing the relative efficacy of three: pure ethanol, sweet red wine, and a 50:50 mixture of the two (look for a manuscript on the results after this season).

The advantages of jug traps are several-fold. First, beetles trapped in propylene glycol do not deteriorate (beetles trapped in fermenting bucket traps will deteriorate if not removed within about a week). Second, wicked bottles of ethanol-based baits last much longer (several weeks) than fermenting liquid baits in open buckets (10–12 days). These features drastically reduce the frequency with which traps must be serviced, allowing placement of traps at much more distant locations and enabling sampling of more distinct faunas. In all the years that I used bucket traps (1984–2021), the vast majority were restricted to east-central Missouri (within about an hour’s drive from my home). On the other hand, in the past three years of using jug traps, I have been able to place them across southern Missouri (2022), the Oklahoma panhandle (last year), and throughout eastern New Mexico (this year)!

I mentioned above my plans to publish the results of my first three seasons using these traps and comparing relative efficacy of the different baits (in fact Marlin Rice and I will be combining again to publish data collected not only in Missouri, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, but also Iowa and south Texas). Each time I’ve mentioned using these traps, however, I’ve received questions about how to make and deploy them. This will, of course, be fully detailed in the eventual publication, but since “a picture is with a thousand words,” I’m posting some of the details with photographs here to allow folks to begin using them without waiting for my published paper.

Trap construction

Almost any plastic jug will do, but a minimum size of 1-G is suggested. The finished jug shown below is from the cheapest drinking water I could find (99¢ per gallon). I will note that these jugs are made of low density polyethylene (LDPE), and after a couple of seasons of use in the field, those that were exposed to full sun eventually became brittle and cracked. For this reason, I’ve been replacing them with jugs made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) (of which you will have plenty after purchasing ethanol and propylene glycol!). Either way, I used a utility knife to cut a “window” into each side of the jug. The windows should be large enough to allow free access to the jug interior, but take care to keep the bottom edges of the windows high enough above the bottom of the jug to accommodate at least one liter of propylene glycol in the reservoir. You may also notice two additional modifications that I made: 1) the presence of a nylon cord loop at the top of the jug (allows the trap to be hung in the field), and 2) a metal S-hook inserted into the cap (allows hanging of the bait bottle inside the trap). The cord loop is simple—a 6-inch length of nylon cord threaded through two holes drilled below the mouth of the jug and tied to form a loop. The S-hook hanger installation is described further below.

Modified 1-G jug ready for use as a trap.

I used 250-ml water bottles for the bait bottles, which, in the conditions I’ve experienced, is enough bait to last 4–5 weeks. I will be trying larger (500-ml) bottles this season to see if they will last longer (hoping for two months). I drilled a hole into the center of the bottle cap that was large enough to accommodate a 5.9-inch long by 0.3-inch wide cotton humidifier stick. The stick acts as a wick that provides a continuous releases of ethanol and other volatiles from the bait. I also fashioned a hanger for the bottle using an ~10-inch length of plastic-coated copper wire (it’s what I had sitting around) to suspend the bottle inside the trap.

Modified 8-oz water bottle. A stiff cotton stick is inserted through a hole in the cap, and a wire hanger is added.

To suspend the bait bottle inside the trap, I installed an S-hook in the cap of the jug by drilling two small holes in the cap and threading the S-hook through them. If you make the holes slightly closer together and squeeze the S-hook with pliers while threading, the S-hook will end up being held more securely in the cap with little likelihood of popping out.

Cap of milk jug with S-hook installed.

Deploying the trap

In the field, find a suitable spot to deploy the trap. The “perfect” spot will depend upon the habitat, but I always look for a tree in relatively open (i.e., accessible) habitat with an unobstructed branch around 8–12 feet above the ground. Tie a rock or heavy stick to one end of a long nylon rope and throw it over the branch. Tie the other end of the rope to a carabiner, which is then clipped to the cord loop at the top of the trap. Hoist the trap to eye-level and keep it in place by tying the cord to a nearby trunk or branch. Fill a bait bottle with your choice of bait (right now, the 50:50 mixture of ethanol and wine seems to be the most effective) and hang it from the S-hook inside the trap (see photo below). I also like to give the bottle a twist or two so the wire wraps around the S-hook, securing the bait bottle and reducing the likelihood it will be dislodged by high winds. The photo shows a red plastic plate above the trap to act as a rain shield; however, I have found this unnecessary and no longer use them.

Bait bottle hanging inside trap.

Once the bait bottle is in place, fill the jug reservoir with 50:50 diluted propylene glycol. I have been using about 750–1000 ml per trap, which usually is enough to last for about a month. Areas with low humidity, high temperatures, or heavy beetle populations may require a higher volume to last that long, so adjust accordingly.

A carabiner is used to hang the assemble trap from a nylon chord strung over a tree branch.

Once the bait bottle is in place and the reservoir filled, hoist the trap up until there is about a foot of rope between the branch and the trap (closer makes the trap more vulnerable to spillage from high winds and also provides easier access for “raiding” by raccoons). Secure the rope again to keep the trap in its fully hoisted position, then stand back and admire your handiwork!

Traps are serviced about every four weeks. Photo by Art Evans.

Servicing the trap

You can check the traps at any time, but as mentioned the advantage of this trap is its ability to not only attract beetles, but preserve them over an extended period of time so that remote or difficult to access habitats can be sampled. Servicing the trap is similar to servicing bucket traps in that the reservoir contents are poured over a kitchen strainer placed on top of another bucket to catch the liquid. The liquid can be reused and the volume topped off, but I like to replace it completely if it has become diluted due to rain or discolored due to large numbers of insects attracted to the trap.

Trap contents ready for cleaning and sorting. Photo by Art Evans.

If the catch is not overwhelming, it can be sorted in the field, but in many cases the number of insects—not just the target beetles (in my case, Cerambycidae), but other beetles (especially Elateridae and cetoniine scarabs) and even other insects (e.g., noctuid moths, flies, wasps, etc.) can be so high that it is easier to simply transfer the entire catch to a ziplock bag (1-qt bags are usually sufficiently large, but if the trap catch is overwhelming a 1-G bag may be necessary) and sort the catch at a more convenient time and place. Either way, I start out by overdrenching with water to rinse the specimens and then pick out the target specimens. If the catch is large, it is easier to spread it out on a white fiberglass or plastic tray and add water to help separate the specimens. In this case, I drop the specimens that I pick out into paper toweling to blot off the excess.

Cleaned, sorted beetles ready for processing.

Once the target specimens are segregated from the bycatch, I place them in glass vials and add a few drops of ethyl acetate to tissue in the vial (for larger quantities, I use plastic specimen cups and a few ml of ethyl acetate) to prevent spoilage until the specimens can be further processed at a later date. Further processing involves washing the specimens to remove remaining traces of propylene glycol and other contaminants. This is done by soaking the specimens overnight in soapy water, rinsing thoroughly, and then blotting the specimens dry on paper towels before returning them to storage as above or pinning them directly. Unlike specimens trapped in fermenting MB or SRW baits, specimens trapped in propylene glycol tend to be stiff, which makes arranging the legs and antennae during pinning more of a challenge. I have found that prolonging the wash soak before pinning helps to soften the specimens—the longer the better (even specimens soaked for two months did not deteriorate). Apparently the initial period of submersion in propylene glycol provides some preservative benefit.

Euphoria fulgida showing range of color variation.

As with any new trap, the potential for optimization is great. I’ve mentioned some of the optimizations that I have tried or am currently trying such as the bait itself. Other potential improvements include the size of the bait bottle and the amount of propylene glycol used in the reservoir to allow trap placement for even longer periods of time before it needs to be serviced; the type of wine used—perhaps one with the highest possible sugar content to prolong or increase the intensity of fermentation; and a more secure method of hanging/attaching the bait bottle inside the trap (zip ties?). I’m sure a readership as erudite as mine will be able to come up with any number of other possible improvements, both to the trap itself and to the methods I’ve outlined for deploying the traps and processing the catch.

Trap hanging in a gum bumelia (Sideroxylon lanuginosum) tree.

©️ Ted C. MacRae 2024

Botanizing at Hawn State Park

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Today I joined the WGNSS Botany Group as we hiked a portion of the Whispering Pines Trail to look for a rare clubmoss, then bushwhacked back to the beginning and went off-trail to a nearby sandstone box canyon to look for rare ferns. We found the clubmoss—Diphasiastrum tristachyum (blue clubmoss)—growing in the shortleaf pine/scarlet oak forest atop a LaMotte Sandstone cliff. Though common in eastern North America and Eurasia, the area in and around Hawn State Park is the only known station for the plant in Missouri, and this population is highly distinct from the next nearest population in Tennessee.

Diphasiastrum tristachyum (blue clubmoss—family Lycopodiaceae) in shortleaf pine forest atop LaMotte Sandstone cliff.
Diphasiastrum tristachyum (blue clubmoss—family Lycopodiaceae) with an old strobilus (spore-bearing reproductive structure).

We also found the ferns in the box canyon along with Mitchella repens (partrideberry) growing on the moist sandstone bluff faces of the canyon. This plant is not as rare in Missouri as blue clubmoss, but it is still seldom encountered outside of the LaMotte Sandstone forests of Ste. Genevieve County. An interesting feature of the berries is that they require two flowers to be fertilized and then develop together into a single berry—if you look closely at the berry you can see two “dimples” representing the remnants of the two flowers.

Mitchella repens (partridgeberry—family Rubiaceae) in shortleaf pine/scarlet oak upland forest on LaMotte Sandstone.
Mitchella repens (partridgeberry—family Rubiaceae) in shortleaf pine/scarlet oak upland forest on LaMotte Sandstone.
Each Mitchella repens (partridgeberry—family Rubiaceae) berry exhibits two “dimples” belying its two-flower provenance.

As we hiked I paid attention to the grasses (family Poaceae), which were as diverse as anywhere I’ve been lately (at least, since I’ve started paying attention to such things). Many of them I can recognize easily—river oats (Chasmanthium latifolium), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginica), etc, but many more were new to me, including several species in the large and diverse genus Dichanthelium (rosette grasses). For most of them, rather than trying to identify in the field, I collected samples to look more closely at home with a microscope and my copy of “Steyermark’s Flora of Missouri.”

Dichanthelium sp. (rosette grass—family Poaceae) basal rosette in shortleaf pine/ scarlet oak upland forest atop LaMotte Sandstone.

One of them seems to be D. commutatum var. ashei (Ashe’s panic grass) [identified by Nathan Aaron via iNaturalist], which is distinguished by habitat (intact sandstone or chert woodlands), nodes not hairy, and small stature with leaves clustered towards the tip of the stem. We also saw (but I did not photograph) the common woodland D. boscii, which is larger and has massive spikelets and famously long-hairy nodes. I’ll share the full list here when I can, but it probably numbers around a dozen species.

Dichanthelium commutatum var. ashei (Ashe’s pacifist grass—family Poaceae) in shortleaf pine/scarlet oak upland forest on LaMotte Sandstone.

Insects were not numerous, despite the pleasant conditions, but I did see and manage to photograph a fiery skipper (Hylephila phyleus—family Hesperiidae).

Hylephila phyleus (fiery skipper—family Hesperiidae) in shortleaf pine/scarlet oak upland forest on LaMotte Sandstone.

After the outing, several of us enjoyed lunch at the Midway Bar & Grill in Weingarten, Missouri. I had an elk burger, yum!

Midway Bar & Grill in Weingarten, Missouri. I had an elk burger—yum!

©️ Ted C. MacRae 2023

Young Conservation Area

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I’ve been taking advantage of my time off the bike to revisit some of my favorite local hiking spots, and today I returned to Young Conservation Area (formerly called Hilda J. Young Conservation Area) in the northwestern corner of Jefferson County. This is one of three conservation areas located within the LaBarque Creek watershed—by far the most ecologically diverse of the Meramec River’s 16 tributaries. The west side between the creek and the parking lot is a bit (okay, a lot) disturbed owing to its former days as a homestead, but the east side features high-quality forests ranging from riparian corridors and rich slopes of white oak to dry chert ridges of black oak and hickory and even a small semi-glade. The 6-mile LaBarque Hills Trail traverses all these habitats and provides some stunning vistas along its southernmost stretch.

Spectacular setting sun vista from chert ridge along the backside of the trail.

For my part, other than the seclusion and exercise, I focused on continuing to learn my winter grasses. Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) were common in the open areas near the parking lot (none of which I saw on my previous hike at LaBarque Creek Natural Area), while river oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) was seen within the forest, especially in the lower, moister sections of the trail. Also, unlike that previous hike, I saw only a few plants of broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus) and no little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) at all.

Broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus) growing in dry-mesic upland oak/hickory forest.

Bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix) occurred sporadically along the trail in the lower elevations within the forest, as well as two as yet undetermined species of wild rye (also in the genus Elymus)—one found along the trail inside the forest in moister areas (distinguished by its smaller, “hard-to-strip” seed-heads) and another found only in the much more open semi-glade (distinguished by its much more robust and “easy-to-strip” seed-heads). Nathan Aaron (via iNaturalist) identified the latter as Elymus glabriflorus (southeastern wildrye) based on habitat and season and suggested that the first one could be E. virginicus, which is distinguished by its inflorescence being barely (if at all) exerted from the sheath. Another grass, still undetermined, was found growing in patches in the riparian areas, its foliage still showing much more green than any of the other grasses and often growing intermixed with bottlebrush grass. I collected seed of all of them to sow in the back slope behind my house—the woodland species on the shadier side portions and the sun-loving species in the sunnier central area.

The appropriately-named “bottlebrush grass” (Elymus hystrix—family Poaceae) in mesic riparian deciduous forest.
Elymus glabriflorus (southeastern wild rye—family Poaceae), the more robust, “easy-to-strip” species growing in a sunny, semi-glade.

Unlike the lower areas, the upland stretches of trail were nearly devoid of grasses, or any ground layer for that matter other than a few lowbush blueberries (Vaccinium pallidum), but what they lacked in understory floral diversity they more than made up for in spectacular setting-sun vistas. I had to really hoof it during the last couple of miles to ensure that I reached the car before it got too dark, but it felt good to finish the hike with a nice effort. Now, time to jet out a key grasses and think about where I want to hike in the next couple of days.

End of the hike!

©️ Ted C. MacRae 2023

LaBarque Creek Natural Area

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I haven’t been to LaBarque Creek for quite a while, so it was good to see it again, especially without encountering a single other person (the benefit of being able to hike during the week compared to a Sunday). It’s still much warmer than I prefer for a fall hike, but it was beautiful out and I did see one insect—an unusually pinkish-brown—colored bush katydid (Scudderia sp.).

Scudderia sp. (bush katydid—family Tettigoniidae) in dry-mesic upland oak/hickory forest.

This is, in my opinion, the most interesting of the three conservation/natural areas in the LaBarque Creek watershed—by far the most diverse of the seven main tributaries that feed into the Meramec River. More than likely this is a result of the diversity of bedrock—dolomite in the surrounding hillsides with underlying sandstone exposed by the erosive actions of LaBarque Creek. The “rock garden” along one of the high ridges is among my favorite spots in the area.

Dolomite “rock garden” in dry-mesic upland oak/hickory forest at LaBarque Creek Natural Area.

I was also very happy to see that the Department of Conservation has begun renovating the small sandstone glade remnants on the west side of the loop by cutting out much of the eastern red-cedar that has invaded the remnants over the past several decades.

Early-stage renovation of sandstone glade remnant—mechanical removal of eastern red-cedars (Juniperus virginianus).

It will be interesting to watch the vegetational succession that is sure to take place in them over the next decade or so as grasses like little bluestem and eastern broomsedge colonize the now exposed lichen ground layer that had developed beneath the junipers. It will also be an interesting place to look for insects next spring, as wood boring beetles are sure to be attracted to all the newly-available freshly-dead wood.

Sandstone glade remnant at LaBarque Creek Natural Area.

©️ Ted C. MacRae 2023