Down but not out

Night Walk

The Falconer

Featured Holiday lights

Engelmann Woods Natural Area

There is a sandy borrow pit near the entrance where Cicindela scutellaris flavoviridis has been recorded. I didn't see any, although the day was overcast and cool (72°F). I did find several larval burrows in a moderately vegetated area near the deeper sand deposits that were occupied by Tetracha prob. carolina. I collected four 3rd instars using the "stab" or "ambush" method, where a knife is inserted into the soil about 1" from the burrow at a 45° angle. Then you wait—the larvae will eventually reappear at the top of the burrow but are extremely wary (and have excellent vision) and usually immediately drop back down. As a result, you have to watch carefully and as soon as the larvae reappears STAB the knife assertively into the soil to block the larva fro retreating. Then a simple twist of the knife to expose the larva is all that is needed. I prepared larval habitats by placing native soil and top layer in critter carriers and will attempt to rear the larvae to adulthood.

Top Sports

BugMan ™

Cowtown Bowman Archery Club, Wildwood Park, Tarrant Co., TX (2015-83)

3 Photos

Sign up to see the comments.

Sign up to view more activities from BugMan ™

Down but not out

Night Walk

The Falconer

Featured Holiday lights

Engelmann Woods Natural Area

Want to see more?

The #1 app for runners and cyclists

Sign Up for Free. Track your progress and reach goals. Join 100 million active people on Strava.

See More from BugMan