Author Archives: Butterfly Psyche

Haiku for a windy day

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Butterfly Psyche

Willows blown sideways Like kelp in a strong current Wind is air’s riptide.

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The poetry of nature

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Butterfly Psyche

I found a dimpled spider, fat and white
On a white heal-all, holding up a moth
Like a white piece of rigid satin cloth…

(Can you tell what kind of spider it is yet?) Continue reading →

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Posted in Arachnids, Butterflies and Moths, Chit-chat, Insects, Poetry, Spiders, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Being green when the leaves are yellow

Posted on September 30, 2010 by Butterfly Psyche

Even though the stores are already rolling out Christmas products, we’re just getting into autumn. Big Green Head lists 8 easy ways to be green this fall, and I add some ideas of my own. Continue reading →

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Fall visitors: Brown marmorated stinkbugs

Posted on September 29, 2010 by Butterfly Psyche

If you live in the East or Midwest, you’ve probably seen the Brown Marmorated Stinkbug (Halyomorpha halys): a shield-shaped brown insect, about an inch (25 mm) long, that’s trying to get into your house this month! I see them in … Continue reading →

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Posted in Insects, True Bugs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Poison ivy: a burning question

Posted on September 25, 2010 by Butterfly Psyche

[T]there really are a few benefits to humans. But as a nature-lover and birdwatcher married to a botanist, I’ve learned that poison ivy is very beneficial for wildlife! Continue reading →

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Posted in Arachnids, Birds, Butterflies and Moths, Insects, Mites, Plants, Poison Ivy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Confusing Fall Warbler time!

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Butterfly Psyche

[I]f you associate a bird only with its adult breeding plumage…you won’t be able to tell that the dull olive-green bird chirping repetitively in September is the same as the bright golden-yellow one singing exuberantly in April. Continue reading →

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To rear or not to rear?

Posted on September 23, 2010 by Butterfly Psyche

documenting the life cycle of these unpopular but fascinating insects is, indeed, well worth a few bites. In fact, it may be more valuable than popular life cycles like monarch butterflies… Continue reading →

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Posted in Flies, Insects, Life Cycles, Mosquitos | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Ashy-Gray Lady Beetles

Posted on September 19, 2010 by Butterfly Psyche

Despite the name, not all of these beetles are gray; some are black with two red spots. They are also not the only gray lady beetles around… Continue reading →

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Try my new Facebook gift app!

Posted on September 17, 2010 by Butterfly Psyche

Send lady beetle pictures to your friends on Facebook. It’s an exceptionally simple little gift app, but I had fun making it Facebook Ladybugs Gift App

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Video: Monarch butterfly emerging from pupa

Posted on September 7, 2010 by Butterfly Psyche

The first video shows the butterfly’s dramatic exit from the chrysalis. He emerges wet, fat-bodied, and tiny-winged, almost unrecognizable as a butterfly! Continue reading →

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