Lacewing

Friend or foe? While the delicate-looking adult green lacewings mostly drink nectar and munch on pollen, their larvae are hardy predators, feasting on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Farmers consider them a beneficial insect!

Photo: Lacewing by Katie Julian/USFWS.


#animal #insect #lacewing #nature #wildlife 


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Crayfish Burrow

From Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge:

Who lives here? It's not who you might expect! Burrowing crayfish make tunnels in damp soil that go all the way down to ground water. The little chimney-like soil stack they leave behind is made from the material they throw out as they burrow. 

Photo: Crayfish burrow by Erin Adams/USFWS.


#animal #crustacean

Green Fly | Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

Hello, mysteries of the universe! Insects as a biological class are one of the largest and most diverse, but also the least known. For every one species we've identified, there are likely at least 6 more species that have yet to be cataloged.This commonly-seen, metallic green fly could probably be identified by an insect expert, but the thrill of discovery is always with us as we look closely at the natural world around us!

Photo: Green fly by Katie Julian/USFWS.

#Animals #Insects #Pollinators 

Common Red Poll | Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

Common red polls are occasionally spotted moving through the refuge during the winter months. These talkative, energetic birds often travel in flocks and are frequently spotted at backyard feeders.

Photo: Common redpoll by Courtney Celley/USFWS.

#animal #bird #nature #wildlife #USFWS

Mouse Tracks | Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge

Oh the stories of the snow! Fresh fallen snow shows even the little tail drag of a mouse making its way into the prairie. 

Photo: Mouse tracks by Katie Julian/USFWS.