Kids in the Biosphere - You are doing GREAT!

 Hi Everyone!

It seems the farther into summer we go, the larger the things we are finding in the Biosphere, just check out these amazing observations:

Tall invasive Mullen                                                          A Moose in Sans Souci                                                   A Black Bear            
Spotted by the Eaton Family                                         Spotted by the Denune Family                           Spotted by the Reicheld Family

Fun Facts: 

Mullen is an invasive species, this means it is not normally found in this area but has been brought here by people. This can have a negative impact on native species. Can you think of another invasive species?

 The moose is the largest member of the deer family. Unlike other species in this family it is a solitary animal that does not live in herds. 

Black bears have a FANTASTIC sense of smell, even better than a dogs. They are 85% herbivore, which means plants make up a large portion of their diet.

Time to reveal the answer to the POP QUIZ in the last post: what are some of the differences between a moths and butterflies? They have a lot in common but here are some different features:

1. Activity - Moths are nocturnal, which means active at night. Butterflies are diurnal or most active during the day. If you see something on a flower during the day it is probably a butterfly whereas if something is flying around a porch light at night, it is a moth.

2. Wings - When a moth is resting its wings will lay at its sides. A butterfly however, unless basking, will hold its wings upright.

3. Antenna - A butterfly's antenna are wider at the tips, moths tend to look fuzzier and more feather like.

Remember: sometimes a species doesn't follow these guidelines so it is best to use multiple features to tell what you are looking at!

Three cheers for sandy ant hills and yellow duck bills...