Northeast Chapter
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Oklahoma
Master Naturalist Northeast Chapter |
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Have you found a strange or unknown plant, animal or other object while exploring the great outdoors in Oklahoma? If so, send us a picture and we will work to identify it and the post the results here. Photos can be sent to Marley Beem
This life and death drama was observed by one of our Master Naturalists. What is going here?
What insect emerged from this cocoon? There are a couple of important clues here. Note the large size of the
cocoon and also the
cottony, silky texture. It appears to have hung vertically while wrapped in a leaf.
Our best guess is that it is the cocoon of the Polyphemus moth, one of our largest local moths and one of the giant silkworm moths. For more information on this species and to see a photo of the adult go to http://booksandnature.homestead.com/moth24.html
This heavy growth totally covers some trees branches and twigs. What is it?
It is the lichen, Parmotrema hypotropum, the powdered ruffle lichen. Lichens are symbionts - that is they are actually two different organisms that live closely together with each benefitting the other. They consist of a fungus and an algae. Some types like this one are found on tree bark or twigs. Others types grow flat against tree bark or rocks. A third category, that is less common in Oklahoma, grows upright or hanging down.
This "ball" was found growing on an oak leaf. What is it?
It is a wasp gall. Galls are an excessive growth of plant cells that surround wasp eggs that are injected into it by the female wasp. The process whereby the plant produces the gall under the influence of chemicals from the wasp larvae is a lot like a benign cancer. An expert could tell you what species of wasp resides within based on the appearance of the gall. At one time there was a market for oak galls - they were used in the production of dyes for the printing of paper money.
This bone was found not far from a pond. What animal is it?
It is the pelvis of a great blue heron. Can you see the sockets for the attachment of the upper leg bone or femur? One clue that it is from a bird is the lightness of the bone structure. Our thanks to Dr Karen McBee of the OSU Department of Zoology for identification of this specimen.
The twigs of this tree have strange ridges that run along the side. Is this normal?
Yes it is normal. The twig is from a winged elm tree, Ulmus alata. Unusual and distinctive, it is a clear give-away when identifying trees. The Creek Indian name for this tree is Wahoo. This fibrous inner bark of the tree was once made into rope for the binding covers of cotton bales.
A good resource for identifying Oklahoma trees is "Forest Trees of Oklahoma," available for $4.00 from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Forestry Services, PO Box 528804, Oklahoma City, OK 73152.
This really strange jelly "blob" was found floating in a pond. What is it and is it harmful?
It is a large colony of tiny animals known as bryozoa or freshwater moss animals. Like sponges or coral, these tiny animals filter the water to get their food. There is no need to fear touching it.
If you come across something strange or interesting or unusual, please send us a picture. We will find a way to identify it and post the photo and the explanation. Send your photos and other information to Marley Beem
Having problems with an insect or reptile that won't stand still for a photo? Try cooling it down in your refrigerator before taking the picture.