Tres Orugas Camufladas (Three Camouflaged Caterpillars)

Caterpillars are consumed by everything from wasps, birds, and even people. It’s in their best interest to conceal themselves from potential predators. Three caterpillars that do their best at making themselves invisible are acitve now. All are moth larvae. If you know their language, where and when to look for them, they can be spotted fairly [...] Read more...

Posted in Insects and Other Arthropods, Summer | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Toad has Arrived!

For the past two years I’ve heard Eastern Narrowmouth Toads (Gastrophryne carolinensis) calling from in and around the Wetlands. I’ve even heard them call from the area surrounding the small U-shaped pond in Catch the Wind but had not been able to actually see one of the tiny toads. Sure, each year I do happen to [...] Read more...

Posted in Reptiles and Amphibians, Summer | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Birds & Butterflies of June

On the last day of the month, some of the avian and lepidopteran creatures of June… Can you guess how each animal got its name? What did you see at the Museum in June? Read more...

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31 Odes

During June, the list of dragonflies (odes) seen by me at the Museum grew to 31 species. Two new species of dragonfly were seen on the same day (6/17). One of those odes was alive, the other had expired. The living ode was a Swift Setwing (Dythemis velox), a species that’s common enough in our [...] Read more...

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June Floral Photos

Some images of June’s flora… What have you seen? Read more...

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An Identification Guide to the Bears: at the Museum of Life and Science

As Ranger at the Museum of Life + Science I spend a lot of time in Explore the Wild, Catch the Wind, and on the Dinosaur Trail. I’m asked many questions on a variety of topics from “Where’s the restrooms?” to “Are there fish in the Wetlands?” While stopping by the Black Bear Exhibit, I’m [...] Read more...

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A Strange Nest, a Typical Nest, a Flycatcher, and a Swallow

A few weeks ago I got a call on the radio about a bird’s nest next to the Vapor Rings Exhibit in Catch the Wind. This was a “You gotta to see this” kind of call, so I hightailed it up to Vapor Rings to see for myself. I didn’t quite know what to make [...] Read more...

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Up to the Challenge

While slowly making its way across the path next to the Wetlands in Explore the Wild, a crawfish suddenly found itself surrounded by gigantic two-legged creatures. When confronted by a passerby, the crawfish stood its ground. Not to be outdone by a biped, no matter how big, the crawfish met the challenge. After a brief [...] Read more...

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The Mysterious Red Tubular Growth

The voice on the radio (Animal Department Director, Sherry Samuels) said that there was a cluster of strange, red, tube-like fungi growing out of the ground next to the Lemur House and wondered if I knew what it was. I said that I didn’t know what it was but would stop by and have a [...] Read more...

Posted in Spring | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

May Herpetological Happenings

At this time of year many turtles are moving up to dry land to lay eggs. They turn up in the most peculiar of places in their quest for the perfect spot in which to dig a hole and lay their eggs (According to Ornithopter Operator, John Hammons, a Yellow-bellied Slider was found on the [...] Read more...

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Greg Dodge's Portrait
  • Greg Dodge is a professional naturalist as well as a writer, videographer and producer of natural history DVDs. His images have been used in various TV productions, museum displays, and corporate videos. Above all, he has a fascination and passion for all things natural.
  • Stop by and say hello Tuesday thru Saturday in Explore the Wild, Catch the Wind, or on the Dino Trail.