Looking a little the worse for the wear, but still a beautiful butterfly.
A different species! Common Blue Violet (Viola papilionacea), which is often seen in a white form, is a dime a dozen around here, especially in disturbed environments. So when I saw this one growing along the banks of the Delaware, I almost passed it over, thinking it was more of the same. But the shape of the leaves didn't look quite right. Then I realized an even more important distinction: the topology of the leaves was different, too. This species has stem leaves (leaves on branched stems), whereas most (including V. papilionacea) only have basal leaves (coming straight out of the ground). It can be told from Canada Violet by its long (~2 cm), sharply toothed stipules (see note).
Perched on Stinging Nettle (oooh, my favorite! Except maybe Poison Ivy.) But for a more photogenic perch, see here.
For the Life on the Japanese Knotweed study. This harvestman has a *huge* legspan (10 cm), because it has an extremely elongated second pair of legs that it was using as feelers. Interesting point: saw this species repeatedly (at least 3x) on Japanese Knotweed, but not elsewhere; saw another harvestman (the kind with the big orange body) on other plants, but not on the knotweed.
Never thought I'd be glad to see Japanese Knotweed, but the other plants abundant on Bull's Island are Stinging Nettle and Poison Ivy -- and I don't care if they are native, they're evil! Although there's Pale Jewelweed too.
Little lawn bellyflowers (~5 mm across), leaves entire (untoothed).
This female Powdered Dancer damselfly was perched on the ground, which didn't make for a very good background, so I waved gently in her direction, hoping she would stir & choose a more photogenic perch. She did -- in spades! I clicked away for several minutes while she sat perched on my finger.
Perched on Stinging Nettle (oooh, my favorite! Except maybe Poison Ivy.) But for a more photogenic perch, see here.
Leiobunum nigripes? www.life.umd.edu/entm/shultzlab/opiliomd/Lnigripe/index.htm What do you know: found on a rose bush, just like the U MD site says! Big one -- legspan 70 mm.
Leiobunum vittatum? For the Life on the Japanese Knotweed study. This harvestman has a *huge* legspan (10 cm), because it has an extremely elongated second pair of legs that it was using as feelers. Interesting point: saw this species repeatedly (at least 3x) on Japanese Knotweed, but not elsewhere; saw another harvestman (the kind with the big orange body) on other plants, but not on the knotweed.
Never thought I'd be glad to see Japanese Knotweed, but the other plants abundant on Bull's Island are Stinging Nettle and Poison Ivy -- and I don't care if they are native, they're evil! Although there's Pale Jewelweed too.
