Tag Archives: feeding

Photo of the Week – April 5, 2013

Posted on April 5, 2013 by

A few shorebirds are starting to show up along the Platte River.  The first to come each spring are usually the ubiquitous and noisy killdeer, followed by the taller and more reserved yellowlegs. As the season progresses, we’ll see a great … Continue reading →

Posted in Prairie Animals, Prairie Natural History, Prairie Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Evolution in Milkweed-Eating Insects

Posted on October 2, 2012 by

Not many insects can feed on milkweed.  Milkweed plants produce a toxin that disables a protein in animals – a protein that facilitates important functions such as muscle contraction.  Only a small number of insect species around the world have evolved ways to get around this … Continue reading →

Posted in Prairie Insects, Prairie Natural History, Prairie Photography, Prairie Plants | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

A Soldier Beetle Occupation

Posted on June 5, 2012 by

Everywhere I look, I see soldier beetles. They’re in my yard, they’re in my prairies, and now I think they’re getting into my head (figuratively speaking).  The linden tree in our front yard is blooming this week, and every flower is loaded … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Prairie Insects, Prairie Natural History, Prairie Photography, Prairie Plants | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments