Diario del proyecto The Preserve at Bull Run Mountains

14 de enero de 2024

Insects of the Bull Run Mountains

Special Edition #1: Entomological Society of America Conference 2023
Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve

Introduction

Last Fall, BRMNAP Manager Joseph Villari (@jvillari) and Entomological Research Associate Michael Carr (@mjwcarr) presented a poster on the insect species of the Bull Run Mountains at the 2023 Entomological Society of America Conference. A total of 1,142 species were identified from reviewing the BRMNAP entomological collection and synoptic moth collection, published literature regarding work conducted on the entomofauna of the Preserve, geographically associated specimen records listed on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), and iNatualist observation data identified in the Biodiversity of the Bull Run Mountains iNaturalist Collection Project. This comprehensive review of available entomological records identified 18 orders and 199 families of Insecta that can now be reliably associated with our incredible local natural resource, the Bull Run Mountains. This would not have been possible without the remarkable engagement of our community and the work of researchers, interns, staff, and visitors. Thank you all for your continued involvement in discovering the endless natural wonders of the Bull Run Mountains!

If you are interested in viewing our compiled species list, it can be viewed on the Google Sheet here. The Google sheet is undergoing edits to provide additional information on the recorded species.


Featured Poster: The Insects of the Bull Run Mountains


Right-click and select "open image in new tab" to view full-sized image


Results

This project identified that 1,142 insect species have been recorded within the Bull Run Mountains. This includes 18 insect orders and 199 families. The most common insect orders included Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, and Coleoptera, which comprise 70.5% of recorded species. These results are not surprising given the diversity within each order and the body of literature reviewed for this checklist. These are also orders commonly encountered with entomological survey techniques such as malaise traps, blacklight traps/sheets, and pitfall.


Lepidoptera
The order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths) is represented by 412 species in 39 families. The majority of the species recorded are moths, however, several butterfly species are also recorded.

The Division of Natural Heritage (DNH) within the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VA-DCR) is currently working to compile a checklist of Lepidoptera (butterflies, Skippers, and moths) for Virginia. A butterfly checklist has been completed and includes approximately 183 species across the state. This list includes the families Hesperiidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lcaenidae, Riodinidae, and Nymphalidae. Below is a breakdown of the percentage of state-recorded butterflies that have been observed in the Preserve:

• Hesperiidae (Skippers): 5/71; 7%
• Papilionidae (Swallowtails): 5/7; 71%
• Pieridae (Whites, Sulphurs, Yellows): 7/17; 6%
• Lycaenidae (Gossamer-winged Butterflies): 5/33; 15%
• Riodinidae (Metalmarks):0/2; 0%
• Nymphalidae(Brush-footed Butterflies): 13/53; 25%


Coleoptera
The order Coleoptera (Beetles) is represented by 155 species in 37 families. Nearly half of all documented species belong to the Scarabaeidae (scarabs), Carabidae (ground beetles), and Cerabycidae (longhorn beetles).

The Division of Natural Heritage (DNH) within the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (VA-DCR) is currently working to compile a checklist of Coleoptera for Virginia. As of the end of 2023, so sections of this checklist have been completed. However, various checklists for selected families for the state, regions, and specific localities are available. These include thorough checklists for a variety of families from the George Washington Memorial Parkways and a state-wide checklist of Eucenmidae (false click beetles).

We patiently await a comprehensive review of Coleoptera species across the state to compare our results.


Hymenoptera
The order Hymenoptera (Bees, Wasps, and Ants) is represented by 266 species in 22 families. Almost 40% of the recorded species are of the family Ichneumonidae (Ichneumon wasps).

A comprehensive checklist of Hymenoptera species for Virginia does not currently exist to reference regional biodiversity. However, Virginia DCR-DNH has compiled a provisional list of bees (Apoidae) documented in the State and includes 477 species.

Apoidae (Superfamily): 67 species recorded/observed of 477 species known to occur in Virginia. 14% of all bee species known to occur in Virginia have been documented in the Bull Run Mountains.

• Andrenidae (Miner, Fairy, Allied Panurgine, and Oxaeine Bees): 15/114; 13%
• Apidae (Cuckoo, Carpenter, Digger, Bumble, and Honey Bees): 17/123; 13%
• Colletidae (Cellophane, Plasterer, Masked, and Allied Bees): 0/33; 0%
• Halicitidae (Sweat, Furrow, Nomiine, and Short-faced Bees): 23/115; 20%
• Megachilidae (Leafcutter, Mason, and Resin Bees, and allies): 12/84; 14%
• Melittidae (Melittid Bees): 0/5; 0%


Interested in Participating in Research?

The results from this project will hopefully encourage further investigations into the invertebrate fauna throughout the unique ecological spaces along the Bull Run Mountains. Furthermore, additional efforts should be taken to expand on the vouchered collections of insect species. There are still several unidentified alcohol-preserved invertebrate specimens that will likely build on the species compiled for this project. If you are a university student or researcher interested in expanding the collective insights into the insects of Virginia, please reach out to the Preserve Manager.


Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this year's annual review please leave a comment below to help us gauge community impact for our annual summary. Additionally, if you have any questions, comments, or corrections leave them below. While niche, this platform provides a unique opportunity for naturalists, professionals, and enthusiasts to share their insights and stories regarding the amazing biodiversity that surrounds all of us. If you are interested in visiting the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area preserve or attending public events, please check the links below for more information. Please consider joining the project for more biodiversity content!

Please note that the VOF owned and operated Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is protected by the Commonwealth of Virginia under the Virginia Department of Conservation Recourses. Except for certain specific situations, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals or historic artifacts are prohibited. Please respect our community natural and cultural resources.

ABOUT #BullRunMountainsNaturalPreserve
The Bull Run Mountains are the easternmost mountains in Virginia. Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is approximately 2,350 acres that serve as a living laboratory that sits in the backyard of our nation’s capital. The preserve contains 10 different plant community types and a plethora of regionally uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. In 2002, this land was dedicated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a natural area preserve to protect the unique ecosystems found here. As the owner and manager of the preserve, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation is committed to protecting the special ecosystem found here and sharing it with the public through managed access.

Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram: @bullrunmountains
Facebook: Virginia Outdoors Foundation (Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve)
Our website: VOF RESERVES: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Meetup: Public events: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Guided Hikes Group
Meetup: Volunteer opportunities: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Volunteers


Publicado el enero 14, 2024 07:59 TARDE por mjwcarr mjwcarr | 4 comentarios | Deja un comentario

16 de enero de 2023

The Preserve at Bull Run's 2022 iNat Year in Review

Annual Update #3: 2022 in Review
Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve


Observational Highlight #1

Callosamia angulifera (Tulip-tree Silkmoth) Observed: Jun 7, 2022
© Michael J. W. Carr, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)


Introduction

Happy 2023 everyone and welcome to the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve's iNaturalist Year in Review!

Thank you for reviewing this year's iNaturalist Year in Review! For those of you unfamiliar with Bull Run Mountain's Natural Area Preserve, having been tagged because of your work as an identifier or even as an infrequent visitor, let me briefly introduce you to our amazing local natural community. The Preserve consists of over 2,486 acres spread across the Bull Run Mountains of Northern Virginia. Together with the Catoctin Mountains, the Bull Run Mountains form the easternmost extent of the Blue Ridge, a part of the greater Appalachian Mountains to the west. From the eastern ridge of these mountains, you can easily observe the sprawl of the encroaching D.C. metropolitan area. From the west, this is juxtaposed by the view of the rolling hills of the rural Virginia Piemont that separates it from its parent mountain range. Its proximity to the coastal plain and piedmont ecoregions, in addition to sheltering nearly a dozen plant community types, coalesce into a unique geography, geologic, and biological feature which supports a grand variety of biodiversity. If you haven't already experienced the preserve, we hope you come and visit us soon!

Now onto the birds and the bees!

This last year was a busy and eventful one, especially when it comes to our iNaturalist community here at the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve. With nearly 2,000 observations made throughout the year, we almost doubled our efforts from the previous year. These observations included many new species, including the amazing feat of introducing two additional Kingdom-level observations and one additional Pyhlum - a large leap forward we likely won't encounter again! The drastic rise in observations across the biotic field is a testament to how far the preserve has come in communicating its importance as a community natural history resource for local residents and for those of the greater Washington, D. C. metropolitan area. There is nothing more fulfilling as a naturalist than to see individuals, both practiced and neophyte, exploring the plentiful dimensions of natural history our culturally significant sanctuary is dutied to protect. Before we dig further into how much you, the visitors of the preserve, accomplished in 2022, I would like to thank you all for participating and supporting the preserve in our ongoing project to better understand the breadth of biodiversity inhabiting this unique and storied preserve!

From the oldest observation made on the preserve (a gorgeous eastern comma butterfly observed by @pgwamsley in 2009) to our last observation of 2022 (a cute parrot mushroom observed by @dendrologith) the project now boasts a total of 7,280 observations. This is accompanied by approximately 1,744 species and includes 118 observers - very impressive numbers! Not that we need to make a competition out of it, but we may be catching up with some of the other big iNaturalist project areas in our region ;)

But without further ado, let's take a look at some of the amazing accomplishments made here on our iNaturalist project in 2022!


Observational Highlight #2

Pantherophis alleghaniensis (Eastern Ratsnake) Observed: Aug 7, 2022
© Jacob Saucier, some rights reserved (CC-BY)


Summary of Results from 2022 - What a Year!

Overview of Accomplishments

What successes!

If you've been following the annual reports for the preserve you'll see that this year was, by lightyears, our best one yet. While almost doubling our total annual observations from last year's total, we've also more than doubled our research-grade observations and total species counts! These feats came at no small cost to our observers, whose numbers stayed relatively the same since 2021. Meaning our local naturalists have been working overtime with enthusiasm to bring about the showcase of biodiversity for this 2022 review. Our final number, identifiers, has been growing steadily over the years but came in higher than ever with nearly 400 people chipping in to help get our observations down to species (or as close as they can!). We appreciate everyone's effort in participating in this project, whether aware of it or not. Keep up the amazing work!


Looking for more context to the awesome observations featured above? Check them out below!


Taxonomic Breakdown of 2022 Observations Part 1

Our Most Common Forest Friends!

To no one's surprise, our top-grossing taxonomic kingdoms turned out to be our most appreciated and documented groups of organisms - plants and animals. However, probably due to some bias by the author and a few other observers, Arthropoda came out on top as the most observed Phylum in Animalia. It seems to have been an exceptional year to encounter some of the common and uncommon exoskeletal inhabitants of the preserve. Even more exciting is the number of new species added to our iNaturalist checklist - whether they wear their skeletons internally, externally, or have not a bone in their body. This includes the addition of an entirely new Phylum to our Animalia record since 2021 - Annelida! Despite us all knowing and seeing them around the preserve, we didn't overlook these tiny subterranean explorers. Keep this in mind for 2024 - that no organism, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is a valuable record to be documented!


Looking for more context to the awesome observations featured above? Check them out below!


Taxonomic Breakdown of 2022 Observations Part 2

Our Even More Common, but Less Recognized Forest Friends

With two additional Kingdoms noted since the end of 2021, we also saw a noticeable rise in the observation of fun-guys in the form of fungal fruiting bodies, slime trails, and staining! These amazing observations are some of the most interesting if lacking in some of the physical glory we commonly apply to our oak trees and four-legged mammalian brethren. Fungi, Protozoa, Bateria, and Viruses are ever-present in our lives, both within and beyond the extent of the forest. Viruses alone have been stated to outnumber the stars in the universe, so it is almost surprising that they are not more seldomly stumbled across - or at least their signs. This last year the virus observed at the preserve was perceivable as little more than some extra leaves on a rose stem. Things like these typically go unnoticed, more so even than our previously mentioned Annelida explorers. A seasoned gardener or a botanist may find this sort of observation relatively common among the various ailments of plants in their care, but to the average passerby, these abnormalities which bare the hallmark of a superabundant form of life that is nearly imperceivable. For this reason, observations like these are the most remarkable as they provide us with not only a new field note on how to view a new form of life but also to appreciate a form of life vastly different from ourselves or the panoply of other organisms we appreciate on our normal days.

I hope we continue pushing forward in recording the great diversity of life across our preserve in the coming year -including the documentation of life that some may find arguable!


Looking for more context to the awesome observations featured above? Check them out below!


Observational Highlight #3

Ramaria stricta (Upright Coral Fungus) Observed: Jul 10, 2022
@dendrologith, all rights reserved


General Statistics for 2023 Observations

What Differences!

It's amazing to see how just a handful of individuals can change how observations are recorded over the years. In 2021 and 2022, the summer months were typically the most fruitful times of the year for visiting iNaturalists. In 2021 we also saw a massive spike in observations in the month of December. In 2022 we found ourselves with a new seasonal spike in the Spring months of Match and April bringing the vast majority of our annual totals. I can't wait to see what the new year brings in regards to observational turnout!


Observational Highlight #4

Prionus pocularis (Tooth-necked Longhorn Beetle) Observed: Jul 10, 2022
@bertharris, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)


Top Naturalist and Species for 2023!

Accolades of 2022!

With another year behind us let's take a look at some of the most active iNaturalist users in 2022. There are certainly some familiar faces, some reshuffling of recurring Bull Run iNat Masters, and some new faces! If you felt like one of our most observed species looked a bit familiar, you'd be right. Goodyera Pubescens held onto being in the top three from last year! However, our 2021 contender, Notophthalmus viridescens, was beaten out by another well-loved amphibian, in addition to, swapping out an Orchidaceae member for a Liliaceae member. Will you be the next best identifier, observer, ... or species?


Looking for more context to the awesome observations featured above? Check them out below!


Observational Highlight #5

Podophyllum peltatum (Mayapple) Observed: Apr 24, 2022 (left), Mar 26, 2022 (right)
@janisstone, all rights reserved


STAY TUNED FOR AN UPCOMING POST HIGHLIGHTING SOME OF THE OBSERVATIONS OF OUR VOF-BRMNAP STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, AND TOP INATURALISTS


Thank you!

Thank you everyone who contributed observations and assisted in identifying our floral and faunal community members! I hope to continue seeing your input into our collection project throughout 2023!

@mmmmbugs
@imasongster
@liztrain
@davidenrique
@njdc
@tca12345
@mjwcarr
@easpears
@dbarber
@rynxs
@oiledolives
@tlit46
@d_kluza
@esummerbell
@pfirth
@wildlandblogger
@jmgconsult
@saucierj
@ab_orchid
@mettcollsuss
@mjpapay
@rudbeckiahirta
@graytreefrog
@tysmith
@wearethechampignons
@benjaminmb
@jeffdc
@maxbird1
@sclerobunus
@tsn
@zdanko
@pgwamsley
@sam_blue
@choess
@mpintar
@mcgowenm
@a-tristis
@maryah
@tammor
@radoslawpuchalka
@borisb
@bmathison
@afid
@dburton4444
@klsnature
@grigorenko
@gabriel_atw
@ephofmann
@stomlins701
@strawberrytart
@bertharris
@edanko
@serenella
@brennafarrell
@karakaxa
@lupoli_roland
@blastcat
@quiltedquetzal
@daniel_schelesky
@langg099
@dogwoodvalley
@nanjemoycreek
@tigerbb
@fungalfan
@richardmonteverdense
@evangrimes
@richardlbaxter
@john_abrams
@dallonw
@meleoron
@caterpillarofsociety
@chrisangell
@jumping_arachnids
@nancylightfoot
@nschwab
@berb12
@carrieseltzer
@krechmer
@ana_kaahanui
@jeremyhussell
@s_k_johnsgard
@margaretchatham
@teodoro_chivatabedoya
@gottafeedmycats
@suchosauros

@billmcgtenn
@beleny
@bgaudubon
@er-birds
@bdagley
@tcooley
@allenbryan
@arielbonkoski
@viewfromthevalley
@zayskibop
@aranamor
@treegrow
@k8thegr8
@jmmaes
@tomarata
@tanyuu
@nomolosx
@hymenopterator
@guy23
@morganstickrod
@nmhernandez
@jacob62
@dsmorris
@d2b
@brent_baker
@arman_
@pwilson96
@chuuuuung
@michaeldow
@dougstotz
@rikimaru
@sammydstecher
@silaseckhardt
@panda_k
@trichopria
@logan_borosch
@mecynogea_palustris
@ljfekontanis
@pbedell
@rlangstroth
@rhondaridley
@kevinhintsa
@lauralovesbirds
@mycowalt
@joseph92
@gracejeschke
@kgrebennikov
@mattandeliz
@ericroscoe
@terrimewbornagain
@pahill
@myelaphus
@alanhorstmann
@mark3939
@kzoebel
@ameeds
@pipsissewa
@tristanmcknight
@trinaroberts
@sedgequeen
@djweyer
@adavidson259
@kyleprice1
@izafarr
@lsueza
@jrcagle
@jamesjarrett00
@tockgoestick
@megachile
@silverwolfcc
@john_butler
@isaacwinkler
@xialvos
@mntndwm
@williambee
@elytrid
@harvestman-man
@sabutaro
@pedro3111
@alex_iosipenko
@dannynelson94
@joedziewa
@charlieglasser
@haplodiploid
@snake_smeuse

@bugzilla
@tortes
@pachogut
@carabid_47
@haboutaj
@ccantley
@graced8300
@beetleinahaystack
@mabuva2021
@kuzjoe
@ceo23
@mattneff
@dgovoni
@vanhoutan
@ashley_bradford
@mduran
@pinkpimpernel
@daviswj
@erikamitchell
@hobiecat
@beartracker
@pulk
@henicorhina
@polemoniaceae
@robertarcher397
@susanhewitt
@sdjbrown
@keith_seifert
@philipwoodscc
@collinst
@tom-kirschey
@fausto
@swampster
@andis
@arethusa
@daverogers
@ken-potter
@rayfisher
@matthewbeziat
@victorengel
@tminatbe
@erininmd
@faunisticaciereac
@johnascher
@alex_abair
@alisonnorthup
@roomthily
@melscience
@estaengl
@highwaytohellgrammite
@flowntheloop
@kemper
@emerlee
@calebcam
@baldeagle
@alex_cicindela_guy
@joebartok
@tammy38
@corinne-swdc
@sarahduhon
@c-love
@matt227
@lincolndurey
@hhbruun
@plethodonlarselli
 @kevinwilliams
@ethancrenson
@dgorsline
@dendroleon
@wojciech
@chaetyllus
@asquithcm
@maxallen
@nycnatureobserver
@edlickey
@birdboy
@cammie
@szucsich
@e16
@williamwisephoto
@dusty_in_vilas-tx
@matthias55
@bjoerns
@torgos23
@hikerguy150

@csledge
@syrherp
@antrozousamelia
@teamontagna
@slancha
@jraiford
@hopperdude215
@jgw_atx
@pynklynx
@jimstasz
@sessilefielder
@michaelpirrello
@conboy
@nana10
@taryn20
@ichman
@jpwhit
@joshuacde
@mihajlo2
@frank_arroyo
@bclaridge
@fauna_mirifica
@uconnbirdfish
@rob-westerduijn
@aphidiinae7
@peywey
@mhughes26
@cpu
@owlbyr
@pennywort_man
@weecorbie
@gbohne
@cameronramsey
@kdstutzman
@coreytcallaghan
@neylon
@tyto19
@bpagnier
@douglasriverside
@logannmelvin
@calconey
@llsrvd
@mamiles
@juan_sphex
@aphili8
@edropkin
@ebarr
@wademurray
@jim_keesling
@otofrog
@jhousephotos
@benkendrick
@annkatrinrose
@dstakks
@ossifraga
@mbwildlife
@rdz
@josefernandez-triana
@arcb
@scottshreve
@dejackson2256
@mecopteron_bouillon
@trevorsless
@altspen
@brothernorbert
@pointrond
@catimoses
@wildlife1607
@macronyx
@hilszczj
@matthew883
@abelkinser
@otes
@adgordonvt
@catullus
@mail540
@subbi
@ncb1221
@data_nerd
@carlysiria
@rusty_shackleford_13
@alisonnetta
@hammilha
@nasehenry
@sbbrown

@aarontheguy
@manuelmendoza1
@kmiecilm
@kenneth_g
@zygotestar
@katyswiere
@jerseysheller
@ashwinvn2
@vandalsen
@creaturefeature97
@sandyrummel
@gallusgallusdomesticus
@paolosol
@connor842
@plantxray
@crake
@ief_peeters
@klorenzen
@hawkparty
@jlutcher
@andresvila
@imwolfe
@tecuhtlacozauhqui
@karalarsen
@plantperson7654
@danielcarver
@harriseli195
@b_dvorak
@timzitnak
@helmwige
@nlbird2007
@zakqary
@viperidae4ever
@wyketaure
@wild-paisley
@forestbathing
@hr_dragonfly
@nicolas_perez_hidalgo
@ionam
@arizotsonii
@novah21
@kakariki14
@mimushroomguy
@belgianferns
@norose
@allen_barlow
@bugbaer
@adam1420
@butterfly15
@felixnd
@hunterofoaks
@theprestonian
@ryersonstationstatepark
@scohar70
@lindsayjsullivan
@bananauwu
@creaturecrew
@regularslimeguy
@kwildlife20
@jvillari
@dendrologith
@janisstone
@fieldwork427
@dameanbean
@slats2u
@arapp5
@birbendale
@carriewahl
@dayahall
@rubyhari
@leafyalthea
@bobby117
@jbrandonarnold
@jonhinkle
@ldf131
@lizzygirl
@marylay
@mdsanchez
@merricollins
@mike1135
@rmanderino
@spjxxi


Observational Highlight #6

Liparis liliifolia (Large Twayblade) Observed: May 19, 2022
© dendrologith, all rights reserved


Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this year's annual review please leave a comment below to help us gauge community impact for our annual summary. Additionally, if you have any questions, comments, or corrections leave them below. While niche, this platform provides a unique opportunity for naturalists, professionals, and enthusiasts to share their insights and stories regarding the amazing biodiversity that surrounds all of us. If you are interested in visiting the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area preserve or attending public events, please check the links below for more information. Please consider joining the project for more biodiversity content!

Please note that the VOF owned and operated Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is protected by the Commonwealth of Virginia under the Virginia Department of Conservation Recourses. Except for certain specific situations, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals or historic artifacts are prohibited. Please respect our community natural and cultural resources.

ABOUT #BullRunMountainsNaturalPreserve
The Bull Run Mountains are the easternmost mountains in Virginia. Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is approximately 2,350 acres that serve as a living laboratory that sits in the backyard of our nation’s capital. The preserve contains 10 different plant community types and a plethora of regionally uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. In 2002, this land was dedicated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a natural area preserve to protect the unique ecosystems found here. As the owner and manager of the preserve, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation is committed to protecting the special ecosystem found here and sharing it with the public through managed access.

Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram: @bullrunmountains
Facebook: Virginia Outdoors Foundation (Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve)
Our website: VOF RESERVES: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Meetup: Public events: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Guided Hikes Group
Meetup: Volunteer opportunities: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Volunteers

Publicado el enero 16, 2023 12:37 MAÑANA por mjwcarr mjwcarr | 12 comentarios | Deja un comentario

21 de octubre de 2022

Observation Highlight of the Week: SPECIAL EDITION: 2022 Herpetological BioBlitz

Observational Highlight #17: SPECIAL EDITION: 2022 Herpetological BioBlitz
Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve


Carphophis amoenus (Eastern Worm Snake): Several individuals were found together along the South Section of The Preserve.

© Janis Stone (@janisstone), all rights reserved


Hello everyone,

In keeping with my promise from our last observational highlight, this week's highlight will showcase the various herpetological observations made during this year's Preserve BioBlitz! Our visitors and staff did an amazing job in their search for reptiles and amphibians. The results are in and 14 species of reptiles and amphibians were uncovered by our team. Having tuned up so many species in a day is always a thrill for any naturalist. These sorts of events also allow for the camaraderie that isn't always abundant for nature lovers. The opportunity to share in the great biodiversity of our shared community's natural resources is something of a point of pride. Sharing information, discussing our outdoor experiences, and developing better narratives and identification skills are some of the great benefits derived from public programming. For those already engrossed in the natural world, their keen observations add to our growing digital biodiversity archive, and for those fairly new to the naturalist world - it hopefully serves as the jumping-off point into the networks and thrills of finding a novel organism hiding right under your nose.

For a more comprehensive list of the herpetological discoveries check out the VOF website blog. See the breakdown of individuals, species, and a discussion from VOF staff about the event. Keep your eye out for the many other public programming opportunities the preserve has available this fall!


A showcase of herpetological observations made during this year's BRMNAP BioBlitz! : Photo credits and classification can be found below.

Pseudotriton ruber (Red Salamander) © Janis Stone (@janisstone), all rights reserved [Top Right]; Anaxyrus americanus (American Toad) © Taryn Bk (@taryn20), all rights reserved [Top Left]; Plethodon cylindraceus (White-spotted Slimy Salamander)© Taryn Bk (@taryn20), all rights reserved[Center Left]; Desmognathus fuscus (Northern Dusky Salamander)© Deneith (@dendrologith), all rights reserved [Center]; Pseudacris crucifer (Spring Peeper) © Taryn Bk (@taryn20), all rights reserved [Center Right]; Eurycea bislineata Northern (Two-lined Salamander) © Deneith (@dendrologith), all rights reserved [Bottom Left]; Notophthalmus viridescens (Eastern Newt) © pgwamsley (@pgwamsley), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) [Bottom Center]; Virginia valeriae (Smooth Earthsnake)© fieldwork427 (@fieldwork427), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) [Bottom Right]


Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this short article please leave a comment below to help us gauge community impact for our annual summary. Additionally, if you have any questions, comments, or corrections leave them below. While niche, this platform provides a unique opportunity for naturalists, professionals, and enthusiasts to share their insights and stories regarding the amazing biodiversity that surrounds all of us. If you are interested in visiting the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area preserve or attending public events, please check the links below for more information.

Please note that the VOF owned and operated Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is protected by the Commonwealth of Virginia under the Virginia Department of Conservation Recourses. Except for certain specific situations, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals or historic artifacts are prohibited. Please respect our community natural and cultural resources.

ABOUT #BullRunMountainsNaturalPreserve
The Bull Run Mountains are the easternmost mountains in Virginia. Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is approximately 2,350 acres that serve as a living laboratory that sits in the backyard of our nation’s capital. The preserve contains 10 different plant community types and a plethora of regionally uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. In 2002, this land was dedicated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a natural area preserve to protect the unique ecosystems found here. As the owner and manager of the preserve, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation is committed to protecting the special ecosystem found here and sharing it with the public through managed access.

Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram: @bullrunmountains
Facebook: Virginia Outdoors Foundation (Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve)
Our website: VOF RESERVES: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Meetup: Public events: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Guided Hikes Group
Meetup: Volunteer opportunities: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Volunteers

Publicado el octubre 21, 2022 04:21 TARDE por mjwcarr mjwcarr | 1 comentario | Deja un comentario

Biodiversity Highlight - Series #3: Scarabaeidae of the Bull Run Mountains - Part Three

Biodiversity Highlight (Series #3: Part Three): Pelidnota punctata (Grapevine Beetle)
Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve


Pelidnota punctata (Grapevine Beetle) - Adult specimens observed on the Northern Sections of The Preserve

© Jared Gorrell (@wildlandblogger), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) [Left]; © Michael J. W. Carr (@mjwcarr), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) [Right]


Hello everyone,

Welcome back the to our biodiversity highlight series on the Scarabaeidae of The Preserve at Bull Run Mountains. This week's entomological deep dive will be the third installment of our series investigating the Scarab beetles found within the richly diverse forests and hollows of the preserve. Through our previous articles, we’ve seen that the taxonomy of the scarabs can be useful (or confusing) in determining how we can differentiate and categorize the various species found within this large family group. We’ve also seen that the abundance of some scarabs has declined with the anthropization of habitats in the developing United States. This week’s highlight will continue in highlighting some of these topics and in broadening our understanding of the related natural systems by including a species from yet another scarab subfamily - the grapevine beetle, Pelidnota punctata. This remarkable “big beetle” of the preserve can be easily identified by its distinctive yellow-tan color and the adornment of six dark spots along the margins of its elytra (for which the species gets its namesake). Circling back to our inaugural scarab highlight, this species name is derived from greek and Latin roots attributed to its physical appearance, something any Latinophile or classicist can appreciate. The genus name Pelidonota comes from a greek root, Pelidn, which roughly translates to livid, black, and blue. While not very representative of our golden child, this name represents some of the brilliantly black and blue-colored members of the genus that can be found in South America. Taking another step into the etymology of the species, the specific epithet is derived from the Latin root, punctat, which translates to - you guessed it - punctures! These names fit remarkably well and has surprisingly not changed much since the original description of the species by Linneanus as Scarabaeus punctatus in 1775.

Taking a step up, taxonomically speaking, let's look at what this beetle represents in our exploration of subfamilies within Scarab beetles. This beautiful beetle is a member of the Rutelinae subfamily, better known as the shining flower chafers (there is that chafer name again)! In comparison to our last highlighted subfamily group, the Rutelinae is a small to moderate subfamily of scarabs including approximately 4,100 species worldwide. The shining flower chafers are represented by only about 6 species North of Mexico, but the diversity skyrockets as you continue south toward the tropics. This subfamily is also known for the brilliant colors and iridescent to occur in many of its species - which is somewhat visible on our local Pelidnota. The Genus Pelidnota contains some 100 species, being the most species in South America. The members of this subfamily closely resemble the members of our previously highlighted subfamily member, the rose chafer of the Melolothinae, and is debated by some to be the sister group to the Dynastinae. However it will eventually be classified, the complexity of taxonomic classification is on full display within the parent taxonomy of our grapevine beetle.


Pelidnota punctata (Grapevine Beetle) - The life cycle of the grapevine beetle - Larvae > Pupa > Adult

© cyansnowflakes, all rights reserved [Left & Center]; © Joel Haan, all rights reserved


Let’s ground ourselves a bit here. Higher-level taxonomic descriptions only go so far in bringing an individual species into the spotlight. Taking a closer look at the grapevine beetle is key to developing an appreciation of an organism within the context of its environment. Taking a step down our taxonomic ladder, let's look at what makes the grapevine beetle what it is. Coming at a whopping 17-33mm in length, the grapevine beetle won’t be sparing with the eastern Hercules beetle, but it is quite large compared to the many species of beetle found in our area. Like our previous species, the grapevine beetle is fairly ubiquitous across the eastern united states and southeastern Canada and ranges from Texas and Florida north to southern Ontario and Quebec. Its preferred habitats include deciduous forests, thickets, “woods”(whatever that means), vineyards, and gardens. The last two habitats are listed in association with their diet and namesake - grapevine. Adult beetles are voracious consumers of grapevine, both cultivated and wild varieties. Despite this, the species is not considered a pest, or to cause significant damage to grape crops. This appetite results in the skeletonization and defoliation of host plants, and even the consumption of fruiting bodies. The species has also been documented on Virginia creeper, consuming both foliage and fruit. The larvae of the grapevine beetle appear as scrabiaeform white grubs and have a much more diverse assemblage of host species including maple, oak, hackberry, apple, elm, sycamore, and walnut. An interesting divergence from the grape-centric behavior of the adult form of the species.

While on the subject of natural history let’s take a look at the life cycle of the Grapevine beetle! This species has about a two-year developmental duration with the eggs being deposited in the summer, the larvae overwintering and pupating, and then eclosing from their underground chambers as an adult beetle in the following year. The flight season for adult grapevine beetles is between May and august. During this flight and dispersal period, the species is very attracted to lights, especially UV/metal halide lights. Using insect surveying equipment, including a Mercury vapor lamp, is how the two initial photographic examples were found at the preserve! Another interesting note on the species and how they may be encountered here on the Preserve is that the species exhibits physical variation depending on their distribution. Split into two groups, the southern examples of the species are known to have completely pale/tan legs which resemble the color of the rest of the body. The more northern phenotype has dark, nearly black legs and darker patches along the margins of the head capsule. While only southern variations of these phenotypes have been found on beetles found at the preserve, both phenotypes occur in our area.

Keep an eye out and record the first example of the northern phenotype at the Preserve!


Pelidnota punctata (Grapevine Beetle) - Examples of phenotypic variation among northern and southern populations: The pale-legged southern form [Left] and the dark-legged northern form [Right].

© Royal Tyler (@royaltyler), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC-SA)[Left]; © Stephanie Eakin (@papilio-nikonis), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)[Right]


To close out this week's highlight I would like to take a brief look at the host species of choice for grapevine beetle - grapes, or Vitis! To the chagrin of the author, the varieties of grapes found on the preserve have not been well documented here on iNaturalist, despite being plentiful. Only two observations represent documentation of the species, and those were only at genus-level identification at the time of this article. Vitis is a widespread genus occurring across North, Central, and South America, the west indies, and Eurasia. The species has also been prolifically introduced around the world. Including some 70 species across the globe, the Vitis are also locally diverse with some six species occurring in Virginia. Several species have been noted in the literature to occur within the Preserve, including Vitis aestivalis var. bicolor (Silverleaf grape), Vitis labrusca (fox grape), Vitis cinerea var. floridana (Florida pigeon grape), and Vitis vulpina (fox grape, again). Some of these species also have several varieties that may or may not have been introduced by the inhabitants within the confines of the richly storied and settled Bull Run Mountains.

While these species have been recorded within the rich botanical literature of the Bull Run Mountains, they are not discussed as commonly as one would think given their ubiquitousness in the northern spaces of the preserve. This may be due to the relatively young nature of the forests of the Bull Run Mountains. Having been mostly cleared in the centuries prior, the Bull Run Mountains now stand as a champion of preservation in a now mostly developed Northern Virginia. With that implication comes some interesting questions as to what can be expected as the forest continues to age - how will the species assemblage change? what role will recently introduced invasive species will play? and whether there are still novel species waiting to be discovered in its mountain refuges? This week’s highlighted species was probably not a common sight in the century prior, preferring the more forested habitats that may have been known further north and west. By recording our observations now we can provide a small piece of evidence in noting the natural history of the Bull Run Mountains for generations to come - when the Bull Run Mountains are something different from what they are now. For this reason, I thank everyone who has involved themselves in recording the flora and fauna of the preserve. Keep up the good work!


Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this short article please leave a comment below to help us gauge community impact for our annual summary. Additionally, if you have any questions, comments, or corrections leave them below. While niche, this platform provides a unique opportunity for naturalists, professionals, and enthusiasts to share their insights and stories regarding the amazing biodiversity that surrounds all of us. If you are interested in visiting the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area preserve or attending public events, please check the links below for more information.

Please note that the VOF-owned and operated Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is protected by the Commonwealth of Virginia under the Virginia Department of Conservation Recourses. Except for certain specific situations, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles, and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals, or historic artifacts are prohibited. Please respect our community's natural and cultural resources.

ABOUT #BullRunMountainsNaturalPreserve
The Bull Run Mountains are the easternmost mountains in Virginia. Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is approximately 2,350 acres that serve as a living laboratory that sits in the backyard of our nation’s capital. The preserve contains 10 different plant community types and a plethora of regionally uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. In 2002, this land was dedicated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a natural area preserve to protect the unique ecosystems found here. As the owner and manager of the preserve, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation is committed to protecting the special ecosystem found here and sharing it with the public through managed access.

Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram: @bullrunmountains
Facebook: Virginia Outdoors Foundation (Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve)
Our website: VOF RESERVES: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Meetup: Public events: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Guided Hikes Group
Meetup: Volunteer opportunities: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Volunteers

Publicado el octubre 21, 2022 04:08 TARDE por mjwcarr mjwcarr | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

29 de septiembre de 2022

Observation Highlight of the Week: Monotropa hypopitys (Pinesap)

Observational Highlight #16: Monotropa hypopitys (Pinesap)
Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve


Monotropa hypopitys (Pinesap): A recent observation of pinesap along the southern section of The Preserve.

© @forestbathing, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)


Hello everyone,

Welcome back to another installment of our weekly observational highlight series for the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve. Last weekend the preserve held a successful herpetological-focused BioBlitz, resulting in the observation of some amazing amphibian and reptile species. While we wait for all resulting photos and notes to be uploaded to the project by the participants we will be taking a look at an amazing, but scales-less species found in our mountain sanctuary. Don't worry herp enthusiast, there are much more reptiles and amphibian content to come - especially in future #biodiversityhightlights. While herps abounded, another botanical species is abounding across the Bull Run forests - Pinesap! Monotropa hypopitys, an achlorophyllous and mycoheterotrophic plant widely distributed across the United States are currently in bloom here in Northern Virginia. At a quick glance, this species of the non-photosynthesizing plant could be misidentified as some sort of fungus, however, upon closer inspection, these species boast conspicuous flowers with a fragment, pungent smell. We're in the second flowering season of the year, so if you happen to miss these while out visiting the preserve, keep your eyes out in the spring!

Like many native species, Pinesap is known by a variety of colloquial names, including Dutchman's pipe, false beech-drops, pinesap, or yellow bird's-nest. Some of these seem more understandable than others, but the appearance of this plant can vary dramatically as it ages and the surface growth dies. The similarities between the dead above-ground growth of this species are incredibly reminiscent of beech drops, Epifagus virginiana (another parasitic native plant), which is reflected in the common name false beech drop (see below). It also has a very similar appearance to another species of Monotropa found on The Preserve, ghost pipe, Monotropa uniflora. A quick and dirty method of identification for these species can be done by the stark difference in color between species, though rare variances can create overlap. We'll save a more intricate series of identification methods in a future review of the Genus.

The roles in which this species plays in the greater ecosystem are incredibly interesting and deserve a more in-depth discussion in a future #biodiversityhighlight. Until then, keep your eyes primed for more amazing Autumnal natural phenomena!



© Izabella Farr (@izafarr), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) [Left]; © @lisam, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)


Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this short article please leave a comment below to help us gauge community impact for our annual summary. Additionally, if you have any questions, comments, or corrections leave them below. While niche, this platform provides a unique opportunity for naturalists, professionals, and enthusiasts to share their insights and stories regarding the amazing biodiversity that surrounds all of us. If you are interested in visiting the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area preserve or attending public events, please check the links below for more information.

Please note that the VOF owned and operated Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is protected by the Commonwealth of Virginia under the Virginia Department of Conservation Recourses. Except for certain specific situations, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals or historic artifacts are prohibited. Please respect our community natural and cultural resources.

ABOUT #BullRunMountainsNaturalPreserve
The Bull Run Mountains are the easternmost mountains in Virginia. Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is approximately 2,350 acres that serve as a living laboratory that sits in the backyard of our nation’s capital. The preserve contains 10 different plant community types and a plethora of regionally uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. In 2002, this land was dedicated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a natural area preserve to protect the unique ecosystems found here. As the owner and manager of the preserve, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation is committed to protecting the special ecosystem found here and sharing it with the public through managed access.

Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram: @bullrunmountains
Facebook: Virginia Outdoors Foundation (Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve)
Our website: VOF RESERVES: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Meetup: Public events: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Guided Hikes Group
Meetup: Volunteer opportunities: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Volunteers

Publicado el septiembre 29, 2022 03:24 TARDE por mjwcarr mjwcarr | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

23 de septiembre de 2022

Biodiversity Highlight - Series #3: Scarabaeidae of the Bull Run Mountains - Part Two

Biodiversity Highlight (Series #3: Part Two): Macrodactylus subspinosus (American Rose Chafer)
Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve


American Rose Chafer (Macrodactylus subspinosus) - Adult specimens observed on the Northern Sections of The Preserve

© Joe Villari (@jvillari), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) [Left]; © Jacob Saucier (@saucierj), some rights reserved (CC-BY) [Right]


Hello again everyone,

Welcome back the to our biodiversity highlight series on the Scarabaeidae of The Preserve at Bull Run Mountains. This week's entomological deep dive will be our second entry into the series investigating the Scarab beetles in our area. This large family illustrates some of the most diverse examples of diversity in color and appearance witnessed among Coleoptera. While somewhat mundane to the average gardener, this week's highlight is a remarkable example of the wonder found right under our noses. The rose chafer, or Macrodactylus subspinosus, is a small yellow/gold scarab beetle that may be the bane of any of our traditional English gardeners - but we'll circle back around to that shortly. This small, yellow/gold species of scarab measures about 7-11mm (or around a quarter inch) in length. It is more characterized by its appetite for roses but is physically distinct by sporting long, red legs lined with visible spines and long tarsal claws. The yellowish color of the elytra, thorax, and head are due to the integration of dense, broad setae (or hairs/scales) along the exoskeleton, which may wear off as the beetle ages. Like many other scarabs, this beetle sports a pair of short lamellate antennae terminating in a club of flat plates. In the traditional sense of insect sexual dimorphism, the females of this species are typically more robust than their male counterparts (the opposite of last week's highlight!). The rose chafer is ubiquitous across the Eastern United States and ranges from Quebec to Florida, east to Minnesota, and Texas.

The term chafer is one with a long history and is used colloquially for a variety of beetle species here in the United States and Europe. In the United Kingdom, the term Chafer can be used to describe several beetle species, including the European chafer and Cockchafer. While our rose chafer looks similar to these European examples of chafers, the colloquial descriptor falls short of the scientific classification as the three species are all in separate genera. When the species was first described in 1775, this wasn't the case, as our Macrodacytlyus subspinous was originally placed in the same genus as the Cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) and listed as Melolontha subspinus. Generally, a chafer can mean any beetle found to be devouring the foliage of your garden or farm plants. Even more generally, chafer can loosely describe the entire subfamily to which our highlight species belongs, the Melolothinae. This subfamily includes the May beetles, June beetles, and ...well… chafers! It is one of the most diverse subfamilies in Scarabaeidae, consisting of about 750 genera and approximately 11000 species worldwide. Taking a closer look at the etymology of our subject's scientific name, Macrodactylus subspinosus. Both our genus and specific epithet take a literal approach to the description of the species. Macrodactylus means "big fingers", which fits well given the species' extended tarsi and claws. These exaggerated appendages make the species seem incredibly awkward while walking across your palm or on flower clusters. While our genus is a humorously blunt interpretation of the species, the specific epithet is a less interesting, but literal description of the organism - subspinous. This specific epithet is vaguely easy to interpret relating to the tarsal spines of the species, but this author would have liked to find the original description for more etymological history - the author did not find what he was looking for.


American Rose Chafer (Macrodactylus subspinosus) - A great visual example of the extended tarsi and tarsal claws of the rose chafer.

© Katja Schulz (@treegrow), some rights reserved (CC-BY)


The rose chafer is a common species that can be encountered across a variety of habitats, however, they are typically observed in old fields habitats, gardens, and forest edges (with specific regard given to their occurrence near vining plant species). They are most active as adults in the summer season between May and July. As mentioned above the rose chafer may rank up there with Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) as far as garden nuisances go if you're a gardener. The species is notorious for targeting the foliage and flowers of roses, but can be found feeding on a great variety of native and ornamental plants - this list is by no means exhaustive, but demonstrates the adaptability of a hungry native species. Host plants include rose, peonies, grape, apple, birch, blackberry, cherry, dahlia, elder, elm, foxglove, geranium, hollyhock, hydrangea, pear, poppy, raspberry, Virginia creeper, and wisteria (Rosa spp., Paeonia spp., Vitis spp., Malus spp., Betula spp., Rubus spp., Prunus spp., Dahlia spp., Sambucus spp., Ulmus spp., Digitalis spp., Geranium spp., Alcea spp., Hydrangea spp., Pyrus spp., Papaver spp., Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Wisteria spp.). Damage can include the partial or total consumption of flower petals, and buds, and the skeletonization of foliage. Although not an invasive species, large quantities of beetles can descend on gardens and agricultural areas causing enough damage to warrant their classification as a pest species. Instances of dozens of beetles on one plant can be observed in extreme cases. This applied role as a pest species is assigned in varying degrees depending on your reference resource. Some classify the species as only a minor pest species, while others treat the species in a similar vein to more destructive species like the Japanese beetle. This harsher application of pests seems to have more roots in a time when the species was a greater nuisance and abundance.

As we have delved into in our other scarabaeoid species highlights, this species also includes a "white grub" form as a larva. Diverging from our previous trend, this species does not feed on decaying woody materials like the Dynastinae and Lucanidae but feeds on the living roots of grass species and non-crop plants. There are mixed references to the species damaging horticultural resources like turf. Unlike our previous entries, the rose chafer is a rather quick-lived species, hatching from its egg and completing its life cycle in about a year. Following the ingestion of all your garden plants (or more likely and commonly the flowers and foliage of the native plant species in our area), mating in sometimes large masses on plants, the female will lay her eggs in the soil near the host plant's base. The species prefers more sandy soils, which may account for them becoming horticultural pests as many gardeners mix sand into soils for better drainage. rose chafer grubs hatch after a few weeks and feed until the late fall when they pupate and overwinter. After emerging as adults in the following summer, adult beetles only live for about 4-6 weeks while searching for food and mates.


American Rose Chafer (Macrodactylus subspinosus) - Mating individuals; note the wore appearance of the female underneath [left]. Defoliation of host plant by individuals [Right]

© Shiva Shenoy (@shivashenoy), some rights reserved (CC-BY) [Left]; © Chad Wohlers (@chadwohl), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC) [Right]


In a final note about the species, we are going to explore one of the most interesting adaptations this species has for self-defense. In regards to our previous beetle highlights, our subjects did not have much beyond their size and maybe their mandible/horns to protect them from larger predators - evolutionary tools which may provide little defense when faced with a large bird or snake. In regards to the rose chafer, this beetle is armed with a chemical defense that may not provide much in preventing its demise but demonstrates to the predator that this species is not one to target for a quick snack. This chemical defense is cantharidin, a chemical more associated with the Coleopteran family Meloidae, or blister beetles. While the species has no external mechanism to discourage predation, ingestion of the beetle is toxic to predators like birds. In the Meloidae, the chemical is excreted from the joints via "reflex bleeding" and can cause blisters to appear on the skin of a person handling them. The rose chafer is harmless to handle because the chemical is an internal deterrent, similar to the poisons carried by other brightly colored insect species, which warn would-be predators of their toxicity.


Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this short article please leave a comment below to help us gauge community impact for our annual summary. Additionally, if you have any questions, comments, or corrections leave them below. While niche, this platform provides a unique opportunity for naturalists, professionals, and enthusiasts to share their insights and stories regarding the amazing biodiversity that surrounds all of us. If you are interested in visiting the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area preserve or attending public events, please check the links below for more information.

Please note that the VOF-owned and operated Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is protected by the Commonwealth of Virginia under the Virginia Department of Conservation Recourses. Except for certain specific situations, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles, and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals, or historic artifacts are prohibited. Please respect our community's natural and cultural resources.

ABOUT #BullRunMountainsNaturalPreserve
The Bull Run Mountains are the easternmost mountains in Virginia. Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is approximately 2,350 acres that serve as a living laboratory that sits in the backyard of our nation’s capital. The preserve contains 10 different plant community types and a plethora of regionally uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. In 2002, this land was dedicated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a natural area preserve to protect the unique ecosystems found here. As the owner and manager of the preserve, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation is committed to protecting the special ecosystem found here and sharing it with the public through managed access.

Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram: @bullrunmountains
Facebook: Virginia Outdoors Foundation (Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve)
Our website: VOF RESERVES: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Meetup: Public events: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Guided Hikes Group
Meetup: Volunteer opportunities: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Volunteers

Publicado el septiembre 23, 2022 07:04 TARDE por mjwcarr mjwcarr | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

09 de septiembre de 2022

Observation Highlight of the Week: Empidonax flaviventris (Yellow-bellied Flycatcher)

Observational Highlight #15: Empidonax flaviventris (Yellow-bellied Flycatcher)
Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve



© Jacob Saucier (@saucierj), some rights reserved (CC-BY)


Hello everyone,

Welcome back to another installment of our weekly observational highlight series for the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve. This week's entry will dip back into the diverse avian biodiversity which occurs within the isolated eastern front of the Blue Ridge. We are lucky to have a small group of dedicated birders who have added to our understanding of the sky-bound fauna here at Bull Run. Observers uploading to the ebird hotspot located on our southern trail system has recorded over 110 species! This is nearly double the number of species recorded in this iNaturalist project, reinforcing the strengths, weaknesses, and values the variety of available citizen science resources bring to our goals of better understanding and recording natural observations. However, this week's highlight brings a species that has not yet been recorded in the south section of The Preserve, instead has been encountered at the restricted northern research outpost. Smithsonian ornithologist and friend of the preserve, @saucierj, captured this amazing shot during a recent visit - resulting in the addition of a valuable observation for an infrequently observed species in our area.

The yellow-bellied flycatcher is a seasonal migrant in the Tyrant flycatcher family, Tyrannidae, which includes approximately 400 species across their New World distribution. The Avian family is one of the largest in the world and observes some of the greatest diversity of any other family in the America's. Like many migrants, the species overwinters in the more equatorial latitudes of Southern Mexico and Central America. During the migration season, the species makes its way through our area en route to its breeding grounds around the Great Lakes and beyond into Canada. The species is insectivorous and prefers habitats consisting of wet forests. The species is also known for constructing a nest with sphagnum moss - hopefully, the low, wet temperate forest of Bull Runs Northern section is somewhat of an encouraging stop-off of what is come in the species' movement northward.

This species is not totally unknown in the area, and has been frequently recorded across both iNaturalist and eBird. The observation featured below is of another individual Yellow-bellied flycatcher observed at the Clifton Institute, another great natural sanctuary in Fauquier County. Based on these two pictures below you can see the subtle differences in coloration which were noted in the discussion of our Bull Run subject.

This feature also highlights one of the greatest aspects of iNaturalist - community collaboration! Empids, as the genus is known by the birding community, are notoriously difficult for the non-experts to identify. There is also a degree of subtle variation with the group which can make even seasoned veterans question their own identifications. This can prove both frustrating (as per this authors experience is identifying members of this genus) and as exciting challenge for those versed in both phenotypic and acoustic id. The individual highlighted this week is the later, as can be viewed in the discussion section of the observation. In addition to knowing field marks for an otherwise silent individual bird, the preserved specimen collection at the Smithsonian Institution served in reassuring that the seasonal variation in plumage corresponded correctly for that species. It's these sorts of back-and-forth conversations between skilled naturalist that provide those less adept to learn and develop in the realm of wildlife identification - especially for those tricky and uncommon species. This author definitely took something away from this observation and will be a better equipped naturalist for it.

We'll continue to take look into more of #BullRunMountains native avian species in a future #biodiversityhighlight.



© Bert Harris (@bertharris), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)


Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this short article please leave a comment below to help us gauge community impact for our annual summary. Additionally, if you have any questions, comments, or corrections leave them below. While niche, this platform provides a unique opportunity for naturalists, professionals, and enthusiasts to share their insights and stories regarding the amazing biodiversity that surrounds all of us. If you are interested in visiting the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area preserve or attending public events, please check the links below for more information.

Please note that the VOF owned and operated Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is protected by the Commonwealth of Virginia under the Virginia Department of Conservation Recourses. Except for certain specific situations, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals or historic artifacts are prohibited. Please respect our community natural and cultural resources.

ABOUT #BullRunMountainsNaturalPreserve
The Bull Run Mountains are the easternmost mountains in Virginia. Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is approximately 2,350 acres that serve as a living laboratory that sits in the backyard of our nation’s capital. The preserve contains 10 different plant community types and a plethora of regionally uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. In 2002, this land was dedicated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a natural area preserve to protect the unique ecosystems found here. As the owner and manager of the preserve, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation is committed to protecting the special ecosystem found here and sharing it with the public through managed access.

Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram: @bullrunmountains
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Publicado el septiembre 9, 2022 06:12 TARDE por mjwcarr mjwcarr | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

05 de septiembre de 2022

Biodiversity Highlight - Series #3: Scarabaeidae of the Bull Run Mountains - Part One

Biodiversity Highlight (Series #3: Part One): Dynastes tityus (Eastern Hercules Beetle)
Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve


Eastern Hercules Beetle (Dynastes tityus) ♂ - An adult specimen observed in the Northern Section of The Preserve

© Jacob Saucier (@saucierj), all rights reserved (used with permission)


Hello again everyone,

Welcome to the third installment of our biodiversity highlight series, in which we review some of the amazing biodiversity held within the natural sanctuary of the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve. This week we will be diving into one of the largest Coleopteran families - the Scarabaeidae, or scarab beetles. It's likely everyone has heard of and had interactions with this varied family of beetles, which includes the likes of dung beetles (Scarabaeinae), flower chafers (Cetoniinae), and Rhinoceros beetles (Dynastinae). The family itself is massive in comparison to our last highlighted families, with the Scarabs including some 30,000 species worldwide and approximately 1,400 species north of Mexico. In an attempt to keep this series manageable, it will highlight some of the more commonly observed and particularly interesting species of scarabs that have been observed on The Preserve.

With this in mind, let's jump in with one of the most notable members of the family in our area, the Eastern Hercules Beetle, Dynastes tityus,. The Eastern Hercules Beetle is especially charismatic and is even featured on the seal of the American Entomological Society. In a similar fashion to our previous highlighted species, this species is another great example of a gateway insect - having been an insect of inspiration for many aspiring entomologists, young and old, amateur and professional. With its large size, beautifully black-mottled greenish-tannish elytra, and impressive male horn - its noted charisma is self-explanatory. This species is one the largest species of beetle found in the United States, reaching lengths of between 40–60mm (1.6–2.4 inches) as an adult. It can be found throughout the Southeastern and Central United States inhabiting hardwood, and deciduous forests. Its formal range stretches from Maryland to Missouri, south to Texas and Florida. Per the course in this review of the "big beetles" of The Preserve, it is a saproxylic species, developing in and reliant on the abundant decaying woody materials across Bull Run. Despite white grubs being the bane of many gardeners, the species is harmless, both commercially and to handle.

The Eastern Hercules beetle goes by a handful of colloquial names including the rhinoceros beetle, elephant beetle, and even ox beetle. While descriptive of the species' likeness to large tusked, or horned animals, these are also the names of other Dynastine beetles. These include beetles like the Eastern rhinoceros beetle, Xyloryctes jamaicensis, which will be highlighted in an upcoming post. The scientific name Dynastes tityus is a great example of just how classically educated authors like Linneaus were when first describing the species in the 18th century. Linneaus, who assigned the name Scarabaeus tityus in 1763 in his work Centuria Insectorum, chose the specific epithet "tityus". The name doesn't directly translate from a classical Greek or Latin root word. Instead, the name "tityus" comes from the name of the mythological giant Tityos. A roundabout, but fitting name for our local giant.


Eastern Hercules Beetle (Dynastes tityus) ♀ - An adult female specimen observed in West Virginia

© Stephen ( @stephen_wv ), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC-ND)


In our last highlights, finer taxonomic classifications like subfamilies and tribes weren't very important due to the relatively small number of species in each family present on The Preserve. For this series' feature family, we will need to discuss those finer taxonomic subunits to better classify and differentiate our highlight subjects as the series develops. Our champion of the Scarabaeidae this week, the eastern Hercules beetle, belongs to the subfamily Dynastinae, or rhinoceros beetles (easy to remember). Altogether, the Scarabaeidae includes about 8 subfamilies (depending on your taxonomic reference) in North America. These subfamilies include the Aphodiinae (small dung beetles), Scarabaeinae, Melolonthinae (June beetles), Oncerinae (a new subfamily on the block), Podolasiinae (new subfamily #2), Rutelinae (shining leaf chafers), Cetoniinae, and our Dynastinae. Not all of these subfamilies have been observed in the Bull Run Mountains (so we won't be covering all of them), but how we classify species is important - even if it is just to help us stay organized. We won't be arguing species theories here, but suffice it to say, taxonomy and our understanding of the diversity and classification of species is a very fluid system.

Knowing how to classify a species is important, but it's even more important to know how that species interacts with its environment. The ecology of the Eastern Hercules beetle is very similar to our previously reviewed Lucanidae and Passalidae highlights. The life cycle of this large species takes several years to complete, with most of its development being spent underground and feeding on decaying wood. Upon emerging, our forest giants only spend, at most, a couple of months taking in the sun and stars in search of a mate or suitable locations in which to oviposit the next generation. During this time, the males of this species may be found in serendipitous pitched combat among the branches of trees. Although Hercules beetles can be found among mix-hardwood forests across the Eastern United States, the species seems to have an intimate relationship with both Quercus spp. (our familiar oak - for reproduction and larvae development) and Fraxinus spp (ash trees - for courtship). While the species is now a rare sight, historically, observations of the Eastern Hercules beetles could be considered a nuisance due to the odor they omit during their breeding season (This author encountered it first hand this year due to some captive breeding trials). The following text is quoted from an 1888 Entomological Society of Washington commentary regarding an article discussing their occurrence:

"Mr. Smith read a paper on the peculiar odor emitted by Dynastes tityus. This is well known to entomologists, but during the present season, the species has developed into a pest. In two States -- Virginia and Tennessee -- they have been locally so abundant as to saturate the air with the penetrating stench. The local boards of health, especially that of Memphis, Tenn., disinfected all sorts of foul and suspected localities without success, and only by accident was the true source of the smell discovered. It must have required many thousands of specimens to have produced such an effect, and it is an interesting instance of a new way in which insects can render life burdensome to man. In discussing this communication Mr. Lugger said that the favorite food -plant of the Dynastes is the Water Ash (Fraxinus sambucifolia), which is quite common in the vicinity of Memphis."

*See the Article, "Beetles as a nuisance," by J. B. Smith, in Popular Science Monthly, xxx, pp. 409-410.*

This remarkable literature note is pretty humorous given the thought of the many contemporary dandies languishing in what may have been this author's ideal atmosphere - so many beetles! However, the note also serves to exemplify how much our local environments have changed over the last century. As many readers may remember, Ash trees were once a ubiquitous feature among our native forests. Since the introduction of the Emerald Ash Beetle, that has taken a 180° turn. Ash trees have been devastated across the country, and the determent is still yet to be fully understood.


Eastern Hercules Beetle (Dynastes tityus) - Larval specimen observed in Culpepper, Virginia

@leealloway, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)


On the topic of trees and changing environments, there is another interesting factor to consider when discussing the ecology of the Eastern Hercules beetle. Age is an important factor when discussing forest health. An ecoregion needs to include a wide variety of successional habitat types to support the preferences for our local biodiversity. As the centuries have proceeded since European colonization the extent of old-growth forests has drastically declined. Gone are the days of old hemlock painting the Blueridge Mountains, and our beloved ancient oaks are now a rarity, usually standing as a reminder of an old cattle field. Old trees (and old-growth forests) provide immensely important habitat and ecological service that is often overlooked. In regards to our Hercules beetle, the species has a preference for trees bearing the marks of advanced age - the cavities, or hollows that develop after a long life of enduring natural abrasiveness. As rot and decay set into these hollows, it produces an ideal kind of substrate composed of decayed and fermented bark and heartwood, with which the female Hercules beetle lays her eggs. This substrate provides nourishment for the developing larvae but can be uncommon in the secondary and early successional forests since young trees drop very little woody materials as they develop.

Much like large mammal species, our large coleopteran species, like the Hercules beetle, can be good indicators of general forest health. Although the forests of the Bull Run Mountains are far from ancient - being mostly cleared in the last century - they are serving as an oasis for many species which are finding themselves more and more surrounded by the development and urbanization of the D. C. Metropolitan Area. Abundant hardwood species are and will continue to be able to develop into a primary forest in the future to come and by doing so provide an ever more important sanctuary of biodiversity in our region.

Note from the editor: ~They also really like oranges~ R.I.P. Hairy the Hercules beetle


Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this short article please leave a comment below to help us gauge community impact for our annual summary. Additionally, if you have any questions, comments, or corrections leave them below. While niche, this platform provides a unique opportunity for naturalists, professionals, and enthusiasts to share their insights and stories regarding the amazing biodiversity that surrounds all of us. If you are interested in visiting the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area preserve or attending public events, please check the links below for more information.

Please note that the VOF owned and operated Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is protected by the Commonwealth of Virginia under the Virginia Department of Conservation Recourses. Except for certain specific situations, camping, fires, unleashed pets, hunting, off-road vehicles and removal or destruction of plants, animals, minerals or historic artifacts are prohibited. Please respect our community natural and cultural resources.

ABOUT #BullRunMountainsNaturalPreserve
The Bull Run Mountains are the easternmost mountains in Virginia. Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is approximately 2,350 acres that serve as a living laboratory that sits in the backyard of our nation’s capital. The preserve contains 10 different plant community types and a plethora of regionally uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. In 2002, this land was dedicated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a natural area preserve to protect the unique ecosystems found here. As the owner and manager of the preserve, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation is committed to protecting the special ecosystem found here and sharing it with the public through managed access.

Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram: @bullrunmountains
Facebook: Virginia Outdoors Foundation (Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve)
Our website: VOF RESERVES: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Meetup: Public events: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Guided Hikes Group
Meetup: Volunteer opportunities: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Volunteers

Publicado el septiembre 5, 2022 08:25 TARDE por mjwcarr mjwcarr | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

31 de agosto de 2022

Observation Highlight of the Week: Heterodon platirhinos (Eastern Hognose Snake)

Observational Highlight #14: Heterodon platirhinos (Eastern Hognose Snake)
Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve



© Deneith Reif (@dendrologith), all rights reserved (used with permission)


Hello everyone,

Welcome back to our observational highlight series for The Preserve! This marks our first entry for this series in 2022. Hopefully, this will be the first of many more based on the great observations being made all across the Bull Run Mountains. This year alone, our community has accumulated over 1,800 observations! To keep this section differentiated from the ongoing #biodiversityhighlights, this series will focus on recent notable observations uploaded into the BRMNAP collection project. As our biodiversity series continues we will likely discuss in more detail the biology, morphology, and ecology surrounding some of the observations highlighted here - so stay tuned for weekly content!

This week's highlight with feature two recent observations for the South Section of The Preserve and involve one of the most interesting snakes in Virginia - the Eastern Hognose, Heterodon platirhinos. The most recent observation was uploaded by VOF-BRMNAP Conservation Assistant Deneith Raif (@dendrologith), who managed to capture the characteristic "throat-flaring" behavior that the species demonstrates when threatened. The second observation was uploaded by iNaturalist user @ldf131, whose amazing observation marks only their second contribution here on iNaturalist (keep it up!).

Our native snake species receive a disproportionate amount of negative press, especially in regards to species like the hognose, which are commonly misidentified as the venomous timber rattlesnake, copperhead, and cottonmouth (which do not occur this far North in Virginia). The species also provide a valuable ecological service This is done, in part, by checking native frog and toad populations, which the species almost exclusively predates. The Hognose snake sometimes referred to colloquially as a puff adder, can be found in pine-hardwood-dominated forests, edge habitats, and woodland adjacent fields with associated sandy soil types. Such habitats can be found along the Eastern portion of the green trail. With primary habitat and the high Anuran populations (especially Anaxyrus spp.), the Preserve would seem to be the perfect place for a Hognose to set up residence. However, this being said, this author has yet to observe the species across any area of the Preserve and is more than a bit jealous of the observers.

To determine whether you have spotted a hognose snake at Bull Run, look for the diagnostic upturned rostral scales (up-turned nose), for which the species gets its namesake. The defensive neck flaring behavior can also be a helpful behavior to note, although other species are also capable of this. Colorations and patterns can prove confusing with this species in particular due to the high degree of variation. More detailed information regarding identification and behavior can be found on the Virginia Herpetological Societies website. An example of this variability has been observed here at The Preserve. This individual was spotted last year sporting a more red coloration than our highlighted individuals.

We'll take a further at this species and other Bull Run native snakes in a future #biodiversityhighlight.



© ldf131, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)


Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this short article please leave a comment below to help us gauge community impact for our annual summary. Additionally, if you have any questions, comments, or corrections leave them below. While niche, this platform provides a unique opportunity for naturalists and enthusiasts to share their insights and stories regarding the amazing biodiversity that surrounds all of us.

If you are interested in visiting the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area preserve or attending public events, please check the links below for more information.

ABOUT #BullRunMountainsNaturalPreserve
The Bull Run Mountains are the easternmost mountains in Virginia. Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is approximately 2,350 acres that serve as a living laboratory that sits in the backyard of our nation’s capital. The preserve contains 10 different plant community types and a plethora of regionally uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. In 2002, this land was dedicated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a natural area preserve to protect the unique ecosystems found here. As the owner and manager of the preserve, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation is committed to protecting the special ecosystem found here and sharing it with the public through managed access.

Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram: @bullrunmountains
Facebook: Virginia Outdoors Foundation (Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve)
Our website: VOF RESERVES: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Meetup Events: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Guided Hikes Group

Publicado el agosto 31, 2022 01:23 MAÑANA por mjwcarr mjwcarr | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

17 de agosto de 2022

Biodiversity Highlight - Series #2: Passalidae of the Bull Run Mountains

Biodiversity Highlight (Series #2): Horned Passalus Beetle (Odontotaenius disjunctus)
Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve


Odontotaenius disjunctus (Horned Passalus Beetle) - A full life history of the species spotted within a rotting log on the Northern Section of The Preserve
© Michael J. W. Carr, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC); (Larvae [Left], Pupa [Center], Adult [Right])


Hello again everyone,

Last week we completed our first biodiversity highlight series investigating the Lucanidae, or stag beetles found within the Bull Run Mountain Natural Area Preserve. This week we will be starting and completing our second highlight series while focusing on the Passalidae family! Luckily for this author, the Passalidae of our Mountain haven includes only one species - Odontotaenius disjunctus, or the bess beetle. This family deserves an early mention in our biodiversity series as it is one of the most charismatic and ubiquitous "big" beetles present within the Bull Run Mountains and the greater Northern Virginia Area. Odontotaenius disjunctus has many colloquial names including the horned passalus beetle, the patent leather beetle, the Betsy beetles, bess beetle, and even the Jerusalem beetle. Whatever you might call this curious insect, Odontotaenius disjunctus may be the best gateway beetle for the young and old. This can be chalked up to the species' overall docileness, slow movement, reluctance to fly, and charming stridulation. The species can be found throughout our area, including urban areas where decaying wood is available - yup, this week's mention is another saproxylic species (this may be a trend)!

My personal favorite colloquial name for this species is the bess beetle, which I will use for the rest of this article. It's also a ritual of mine to whisper "bess beetles are the best beetles" whenever I turn them up along a nature walk - whether they appreciate the recognition or not, no one will ever know, but I like to think it brings me luck in finding other interesting species while bugging.

The bess beetle is a remarkable model for some uncommon and interesting behavioral traits that are uncommon among Coleoptera. Most notably their colonial habits, their use of bioacoustic communication, and atypical display of brood care. These behaviors are somewhat disputed, but the species demonstrates pseudo-eusocial characteristics which are extraordinary among insects outside of Hymenoptera (think of our local Polistes [paper wasps] species), and Isoptera (termites). This ‘almost’ eusocial behavior can be viewed relatively easily when encountering a colony in the wild. Sprinkled across a thoroughly excavated fallen log you may find tens of beetles clumsily making their way into conspicuous cavities that branch and spread invisibly below the surface. This matrix of tunnels branches and terminates throughout the log supporting the entire lifecycle of the beetles. From egg to adult, the complete metamorphosis of the beetle takes place within the ever more broken down bosom of heartwood until the adults must disperse to find new host wood.


Odontotaenius disjunctus (Horned Passalus Beetle) - A mature and freshly molted adult pair observed in Richmond, Virginia

© Ashley McFad (@ashleymcfad), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)


The highlighting of this species so soon in our deep dive into Bull Run Mountains insect biodiversity isn’t without proper planning. As you may have recognized, this species of Coleoptera looks incredibly similar to some of our previously mentioned Lucanidae highlights. With the typical beetle-ish appearance, similar-looking clubbed antenna, and a pair of moderately large mandibles you would not be docked points for confusing the two. The families of Passalidae and Lucanidae are close relatives within the greater taxonomic classification. However, the nuance of coleopteran identification is on full display with our bess beetle. Let’s work through my description above: the typical beetle-ish appearance is actually distinguished by the bess beetles in their elongated form, deeply striated elytra, and shiny, raven-black coloration. This sets it apart from the somewhat similar looking Drocus sp. of Lucanidae. The clubbed antenna can prove to deceive when you aren’t familiar with the great variety of antenatal forms found in Coleoptera. The feature to note is that the bess beetle does not have a geniculate antenna, it doesn’t have an “elbow” and only curves with the intent of the beetle. Finally, those large mandibles, while mildly intimidating, are more robust and toothed in comparison with our local Lucanidae species.

Altogether, the bess beetle is a rather unique-looking beetle when you look more closely. The species does not display notable sexual dimorphism and only varies slightly in size among individuals.


Odontotaenius disjunctus (Horned Passalus Beetle) - Larval specimen observed in Maryland

© Dave (@djgphotographics), some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)


Does the image above look familiar? If you saw our last post covering the “white grub” form of the Lucanidae it probably does! The bess beetle also has scarabaeiform larvae, but with a twist. In their larval form, the grubs of Lucanidae and Scarabiadae beetles can be difficult to tell apart, however, the larvae of the bess beetle have a unique morphology that can make a quick ID easy. At first glance, you might be able to tell the differences between the two types of larvae. The bess beetle larvae are a bit more elongated in appearance; more extended instead of coiled into themselves. The head of the bess beetle larvae also projects further away from the body than other white grubs. The biggest difference and the one which will help you get a positive ID within The Preserve is the lack of a third pair of developed legs. With only four legs the bess beetle larvae stand apart from its scarabaeiform larvae brethren. Interestingly, that final pair of legs is not absent in the larvae but has reduced into a peg-like form that acts as a sound-making apparatus. It is suspected that the stridulations of the larvae are used in signaling adult bess beetles to indicate hunger. Stridulation is not uncommon in larvae beetles, but its use of it in communication within a colonial setting is.

To take another side track off of the species itself, let’s quickly cover the process in all beetle utilizes to reach their best selves - complete metamorphosis or Holometabolous. Within the insect world, there are several forms of metamorphosis. These include little to no metamorphosis, or Ametabolous, where the insect develops without significant changes in its morphology. In this process of development, the adult form of the insect resembles a larger form of its juvenile shape (most prevalent in primitive insects like springtails and silverfish. Another metamorphic process is partial metamorphosis, or Hemimetabolous, where the life cycle of the insects consists of three developmental stages: egg, nymph, and adult. This process is like that of the cicada or grasshopper, where nymphs look similar to adults but lack wings and fully developed morphology. Finally, the final process of metamorphosis is what the sour bess beetle utilizes as a developmental life strategy - complete metamorphosis. This process is also utilized by Diptera (flies) and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) where the life cycle includes four stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult. In our banner image for this post, you can see the three life stages beyond the egg which the bess beetle passes through in its life cycle. A remarkable thing to see all at once when observing nature!


Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this short article please leave a comment below to help us gauge community impact for our annual summary. Additionally, if you have any questions, comments, or corrections leave them below. While niche, this platform provides a unique opportunity for naturalists and enthusiasts to share their insights and stories regarding the amazing biodiversity that surrounds all of us.

If you are interested in visiting the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area preserve or attending public events, please check the links below for more information.

ABOUT #BullRunMountainsNaturalPreserve
The Bull Run Mountains are the easternmost mountains in Virginia. Virginia Outdoors Foundation - Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is approximately 2,350 acres that serve as a living laboratory that sits in the backyard of our nation’s capital. The preserve contains 10 different plant community types and a plethora of regionally uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. In 2002, this land was dedicated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as a natural area preserve to protect the unique ecosystems found here. As the owner and manager of the preserve, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation is committed to protecting the special ecosystem found here and sharing it with the public through managed access.

Follow us on Social Media!
Instagram: @bullrunmountains
Facebook: Virginia Outdoors Foundation (Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve)
Our website: VOF RESERVES: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve
Meetup Events: Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve Guided Hikes Group

Publicado el agosto 17, 2022 06:03 TARDE por mjwcarr mjwcarr | 1 comentario | Deja un comentario