Observations by ludo1234

The animal seen after following the second link has been identified as the Virginian tiger moth (Spilosoma virginica) in its larval stage. The Virginian tiger moth an animal native to the continent of North America, with the highest populations in the eastern parts (Wagner, 2005). It lives in bottomlands, forests, gardens, woodlands and yards (Wagner, 2005). Wingspan of individuals varies between 32 and 52mm, while the average size of individuals in the larval stage is unknown. Mature Virginian tiger moths can be spotted from May-November. It has a life cycle consisting out of five successive stages, which are as followed: 1) eggs; 2) Caterpillar; 3) Pupa; 4) Pupa in its cocoon; 5) Adult moth. The diet of the S. virginica consist of a wide range of low-growing plants, with most individuals feeding on grass (Capinera, 2001). During the mating season female individuals produce pheromones to attract males, which can detect pheromones using their feathered antenna. After mating the female lays between 20 to 100 fertilized eggs on the underside of a leaf. During the first stage of the larval stadium individuals stay together, they become solitary after gaining weight (Capinera, 2001). As a non-toxic animal, the Virginian tiger moth is prey of many predators. It is consumed by different bird and bat species. Due to lack of data the conservation status of the S. virginica is not defined. Did you know that the Virginian tiger moth has blackspots on its wings to confuse predators looking for a moth snack?

The animal seen after following the first link has been identified as the Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). The Eastern grey squirrel is a widespread animal native to southern Canada and eastern United States (Teaford, 1986) and introduced in Italy, Australia, South Africa and the British Isles (Koprowski, 1994). Originally Eastern grey squirrels lived in mixed and hardwood forests, nowadays it is also found in rural, urban and suburban areas. Home range size varies between 0.5-10 ha. Young individuals tend to have small territories, while older males mostly have the largest home range (Koprowski, 1994). In general there is a lot of home range overlap between individuals. After leaving the nest, young individuals disperse up to a few kilometres from the natal area (Koprowski, 1994). One-way mass movement of populations has been observed during moments of overpopulation or crop failures. Head body length varies from 23 to 30 cm, while tail length is mostly between 19 and 25 cm. Average adult weight is 400 to 600 gram (Nelson, 2015). There is a big difference in life expectancy between individuals living in captivity and the wild. Squirrels living in captivity can live up to 20 years, while wild individuals have a lifespan of 8 years. Eastern grey squirrels are omnivores (Long, 1995), with most of their diet consisting out of nuts, many type of seeds, tree bark and some types of fungi. When food is scares it is known that squirrels eat insects or small birds. Individuals burry nuts in autumn for later consumption in winter or spring. On average, cubs leave the natal area 12 weeks after birth. Female individuals will become sexually mature at 1.25 years, while male individuals become sexually mature between one and two years. Most breeding happens between December-February and May-June (Koprowski, 1994). Adult individuals have one or two litters per year with an average size of 2-3 young per nest (Koprowski, 1994). Communication between Eastern grey squirrels involves tail-flicking, vocalization and posturing (Long, 1995). The S. carolinensis is prey of many predators, including hawks, humans, raccoons, foxes, owls, snakes and dogs (Teaford, 1986). The conservation status of the Eastern grey squirrel is Least Concern (Cassola, 2016). Did you know that the word squirrel is derived from the Greek words skia meaning “shadow” and oura meaning “tail”?