Happy Memorial Day and Mystery Monday! Do you know what native tree is almost ripe with fruits?

Last week, we asked you about a gall produced by the wool sower gall wasp (Callirhytis seminator). A gall is an abnormal growth of the plant tissue usually due either to insects, viruses or fungi. In this case, the wool sower gall wasp lays its eggs in the plant tissue of the white oak tree and the larvae give off secretions that cause the “gall” to form. Within the gall, the larvae are protected and able to develop. This wasp is tiny (only about 1/8″ long) and does not sting humans. Interestingly, they operate on a two-generation alternating cycle, switching back and forth between laying their eggs in the stems and the leaves of white oaks.
#adkinsarboretum #mysterymonday #mysteryplant #insectsarecool #carolinecounty #ecology

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

Happy Mystery Monday! Do you know what we found on a white oak?

Last week, we asked you about the jumping spider (Phidippus sp). This jumping spider is likely a canopy jumping spider (Phidippus otiosus), though its behavior and location was more consistent with that of a bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax), so we get to learn about both! Both have iridescent pincer-like claws called chelicerae. Jumping spiders have highly evolved stereoscopic vision and are excellent hunters. The canopy jumping spider is often found in trees and positions its eggs in the bark of oak and pine trees. The bold jumping spider is known for being, well, bold and is commonly found. Bold jumping spiders are usually black with a characteristic white triangle on its abdomen. This particular jumping spider was hanging out in our workshop and was extremely friendly/inquisitive. It had iridescent green chelicerae and did not have the characteristic triangle of the bold jumping spider on its abdomen. So, say hello to a very friendly canopy jumping spider.
#adkinsarboretum #mysterymonday #jumpingspider #ecology #carolinecounty #fuzzyandforthcoming

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

Happy Mystery Monday! We met a very fuzzy and forthcoming spider — do you know what kind it is?

Last week, we asked you about deerberry (Vaccinium stamineum)! Deerberry is ericaceous and in the same genus as blueberries. Easily identified by their open bell shaped drooping flowers, deerberry blooms in May and is often found in dry, open woods. Birds and mammals will eat the berries and pollinators (especially bumblebees) will seek out the nectar. Brown elfin butterfly larvae will use ericaceous plants as a host plant and there are a number of native bees that specialize on Vacciniums. If you’re wondering what to plant in a dry, shaded area, a deerberry or fellow Vaccinium may be perfect to add beauty and ecological function to your yard.
#adkinsarboretum #mysterymonday #vaccinium #ericaceous #ecologicalfunction #fuzzyandforthcoming #carolinecounty #nativeplant

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

Happy Mystery Monday! Do you know what native shrub is blooming along some of our trails?

Last week, we asked you about the fleabane daisy (Erigeron annuus)! This native annual flower is a pioneer species that grows along fields and roadsides. These flowers bloom in May and vary from a light pink to white color. The common name is derived from a belief that the dried flowers helped to get rid of fleas. Like many other Asters, it provides nectar for pollinators. If you have it growing in your yard, allow it to reseed to encourage its growth and spread.
#adkinsarboretum #mysterymonday #fleabanedaisy #nativeannual #mysteryshrub #mysteryplant

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

Happy May Mystery Monday! April showers over the weekend have brought us May flowers! Do you know what these flowers are?

Last week, we asked you about the crane fly (Tipula sp.). Despite their looks, crane flies are not gigantic mosquitoes and they do not bite or sting. In their larval stage, crane flies look like large grubs and live either in water or underground. They spend most of this time eating decaying leaves and storing up energy for their adult stage. Adult crane flies live only for about a week and while most adults don’t feed, some will seek out nectar. Crane flies serve as important decomposers in the ecosystem and are often prey to spiders, beetles, praying mantises, birds, and dragonflies.
#streamecology #mysterymonday #adkinsarboretum #mysterybug #mysteryplant #whatsinbloom #aprilshowersbringmayflowers #cranefly

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

Happy Mystery Monday! What stunning insect did we find?

Last week, we asked you about Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium reptans)! Jacob’s ladder thrives in well-drained soil in the part shade. Naturally occurring in rich, moist woods and streambanks, this native perennial produces delicate bell-shaped blue flowers in the spring. It is an important source of pollen and nectar for native bees, especially bumble bees. Its common name is likely derived from the arrangement of leaflets, which look like rungs of a ladder. It is sometimes also referred to as Greek valerian.
#adkinsarboretum #mysterymonday #mysteryinsect #mysteryplant #jacobsladder #nativeephemeral #springflowers #carolinecounty

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.

Happy Mystery Monday! What spring blooming native plant is found in rich wooded slopes and stream banks?

Last week, we asked you about wood anemone (Anemone quinquefolia)! This delicate woodland wildflower has also been called “wind flower” perhaps because of how it trembles in the spring breeze. The flowers will close up on cloudy days or at night, limiting pollinator activity to sunny days. The wood anemone likes consistent moisture and is more commonly found in moist woods or at the base of tree trunks. Wood anemone produces seeds that contain elaiosomes. These elaiosomes contain lipids and proteins, which nourish and attract ants, which then disperse the seeds!
#adkinsarboretum #mysterymonday #forestecology #woodanemone #springflowers #springephemerals #carolinecounty #mysteryplant

Adkins Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum. For more information go here.