The Blue Ground Beetle (Carabus Intricatus): A Marvel of Nature’s Elegance

Winter is slowly coming to an end, but it is still very cold outside. On one of my recent walks through the woods, I came across the rather rare sight, when I spotted a Blue Ground Beetle (Carabus Intricatus) walking on the forest floor. While Blue Ground Beetles are known to hibernate during the winter … Continue reading “The Blue Ground Beetle (Carabus Intricatus): A Marvel of Nature’s Elegance”

Common Cluster Flies Copulating (Pollenia Rudis)

Spring has not yet arrived; we are still officially in the grip of winter. However, despite the lingering chill in the air, when the clouds part and the sun is granted permission to bathe the environment in its rejuvenating rays, the unexpected warmth draws out the early explorers. Among these are the Common Cluster Flies … Continue reading “Common Cluster Flies Copulating (Pollenia Rudis)”

10 Fascinating Facts About Red Velvet Mites (Trombidium Holosericeum)

Here are 10 interesting facts about the Red Velvet Mites (Trombidium Holosericeum): Classification: Red Velvet Mites are arachnids. They belong to the class Arachnida, which includes spiders, scorpions, ticks, and of course… mites. Arachnids are characterized by having eight legs, two main body segments (cephalothorax and abdomen), and no antennae. Red Velvet Mites share these … Continue reading “10 Fascinating Facts About Red Velvet Mites (Trombidium Holosericeum)”

Red Velvet Mites (Trombidium Holosericeum) and Their Love Affair with My Trail Cameras

I love the outdoors and go to the woods every day. I have a few trail cameras set up in the forest to monitor the animal activity, and one day I noticed a mite on the trail camera which is by the side entrance to the Injured Badger’s Sett. It was a Red Velvet Mite … Continue reading “Red Velvet Mites (Trombidium Holosericeum) and Their Love Affair with My Trail Cameras”

Cold-Blooded Wolf Spider and Snow Flea Encountered on Snow in Winter

The saga of unlikely creatures to come cross in the middle of winter continues with the encounter of a small spider, presumably a Wolf Spider and a Snow Flea. Nature truly is fascinating, as it showcases the unexpected resilience of its inhabitants in sub-zero temperatures. This year’s winter, much as the entire year, has been … Continue reading “Cold-Blooded Wolf Spider and Snow Flea Encountered on Snow in Winter”

Winter Crane Fly (Trichocera Annulata) – Insect That Flies in Freeze and Snow

Even though their name suggests that these insects are adapted for life in winter, it still surprises me to see Winter Crane Flies (Trichocera Annulata) flying about in the depths of it. I take regular, every day strolls through the woods – no poop – but even when I go when the outdoor temperatures are … Continue reading “Winter Crane Fly (Trichocera Annulata) – Insect That Flies in Freeze and Snow”

Early Spring Rain Draws Out Slugs, Dung Beetle and Fire Salamander

By looking at the calendar, one sees it’s the late April, so technically Spring. However the weather says it’s still Winter. It still freezes over night, and daytime temperatures barely hang above zero. Nevertheless, we just got an early spring rain and as I walked through the woods afterwards, I encountered previously familiar sights which … Continue reading “Early Spring Rain Draws Out Slugs, Dung Beetle and Fire Salamander”

My Mission to Save Life of Solitary Bee

As I was returning home after dusk on a cold winter day, I noticed a lone been on the porch. She was motionless. It was 0 degrees Celsius outside at the time, and whereas the night has just begun, the likelihood of the upcoming freezing temperatures was high. I knew right away that the cold-blooded … Continue reading “My Mission to Save Life of Solitary Bee”