water snake (Nerodia sp.)

I think this is a species of Nerodia, which is a non-venomous water snake. This is a young one, maybe 14 inches long. The best thing about this little snake is that he has made his home in my pond. I figure his parents must be around somewhere, but I haven’t seen them yet. I wonder who is king of the pond…the snakes or the bullfrog?

He came out of the pond while I watched.

I sat very still and watched as he moved out of the pond and onto the rock border. He moved very quickly – in spurts, then froze. I didn’t have my camera with me at first, but someone brought it to me while I kept my eye on him. I started to inch closer, and he tolerated me. I wound up on the ground with my face about 12 inches from his – and the camera between us. This is the view from that distance:

face to face

The light was fading, so I got up and left him to his nocturnal hunting. I guess I’ll get to watch him grow up.

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

This Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) caterpillar stopped me in my tracks as I walked by a small herb garden on my back patio. Most of the parsley is gone, but having this guy is worth it. I may plant more parsley, just to attract these beauties. I went out several times to check on him, and one day he was nowhere to be found. I looked all over for a chrysalis, but didn’t find one. I’m hoping he hid himself well…or he may have wound up as dinner for a bird. That would actually be ok too…a bird’s gotta eat.

Here’s a closeup, and another picture that shows the whole body a bit better:

Black Swallowtail caterpillar - closeup

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full-body shot

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The last cool creature I have to share is a Velvet Ant (Dasymutilla sp), which really is not an ant at all.

Velvet Ant (Dasymutilla sp)

This insect is actually a wasp with no wings. This one is probably a female due to her degree of fuzziness. Another common name for the Velvet Ant is Cow-killer. Do you really think an insect this small could kill a big ol’ cow? I’m not sure about that one. There are many species of Velvet Ant, and some are reported to have a terribly painful sting. I have encountered this wasp once before, so I knew to be careful. I also knew I needed to run inside to get my camera. And put on shoes.

blurry, but can see what the head looks like

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