Urban Wildlife - European Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

These rats have followed human activity all around the world, and are perfectly comfortable living off the refuse of the city.



european brown rat (rattus norvegicus)



european brown rat (rattus norvegicus)



european brown rat (rattus norvegicus)

Urban Ant - Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex sp.)

From a friend's yard



harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex sp.)

Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)

I have posted this species before - but this is another excellent example of a bat that does not fit the "brown or gray" category. The spotted bat is one of the most unique bats in North America, partly because of its huge ears, but also because of the three white spots on its back, and furry white underside.


They are rarely seen.



Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)



Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)



Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)



Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)



Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum)

Northern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius)

Bats are not generally noted for a great variety of colors or patterns, and they often come in various shades of brown of gray. But not always. Behold the northern yellow bat...



Northern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius)


These bats are noted for roosting in palm trees or in spanish moss. I have yet to photograph red bats, which I hope to do in the coming season.



Northern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius)



Northern Yellow Bat (Lasiurus intermedius)

Mexican Brown Bat (Myotis velifer)

Also called cave bats, or cave myotis, these were photographed in a limestone cave in Texas. Three cameras recorded the scene simultaneously as the bats flew in and out of the tight opening.



Mexican Brown Bat, also called a Cave Myotis (Myotis velifer)



Mexican Brown Bat, also called a Cave Myotis (Myotis velifer)



Mexican Brown Bat, also called a Cave Myotis (Myotis velifer)

La Plata Three-Banded Armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus)

Armadillos are one of those creatures that you have to get down on their level to appreciate. Standing at human height, they look like a giant pill bug scuffling around the forest floor, their face buried in the detritus as they forage. If you want to see their charming little face, you have get right down on the ground with them...



La Plata Three-Banded Armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus)



La Plata Three-Banded Armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus)



La Plata Three-Banded Armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus)

Barred Rock Chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus)

5 day old barred rock chicken (gallus gallus domesticus)



5 day old barred rock chicken (gallus gallus domesticus)



5 day old barred rock chicken (gallus gallus domesticus)

Green Bottle Fly

You don't want to know about the habits of the green bottle fly, a member of the blow fly family. But I have always admired the green iridescence of its exoskeleton.
The photo below paints something of an idyllic picture. Don't be fooled. Sure, this fly will enjoy an occasional meal of flower nectar - but If you want to know more about how this fly thrives - just go here.



green bottle fly (calliphora sp.) , a member of the blow fly family

Funny Face Grasshopper

My recent trip to the Salmonberry River involved driving through a bit of snow. But the final leg involved a steep descent into the warm and wet river canyon, where the insects were out in force. 


The insects are really starting to emerge from their winter torpor. I'm hoping to find some really cool subjects this year...



funny grasshopper face