The variegated meadowhawk, Sympetrum corruptum, is a migratory perching dragonfly found in much of North America and parts of South America. It is known to perch on twigs and bushes, as well as on the ground or long grasses, hence the name “meadowhawk.” Like many other dragonflies in the family Libellulidae, it hunts small flying insects and…
Field Notes: Urban Cat-astrophes
Many of my colleagues have lived alongside nature since birth, but I grew up in Seoul, Korea, where people rarely pass a tree on their way to work, and their exposure to nature generally begins and ends with household pets. Although I came to grad school thinking that my interest in animals and nature might…
Arts & Crafts: Penguin Picnic
Check out this explorer’s tasty creation!
Sunday Sketch: Cleaning crimes!
A fun fact about cleaner fish!
Field Frame Friday: Cicada Chimney
What’s this mud spire doing in the middle of the jungle? Some cicada species, like the creator of this muddy tiny tower here, build mud chimneys to protect themselves from predators and harsh weather like rainforest storms! [Photo and caption by Allison Lau] Béguin, C. F. (2020). The Nymph Architect of the Cicada Guyalna chlorogena:…
Sunday Sketch: Donkey Drawings
A fun fact about donkeys!
Field Frame Friday: Still & Stealthy Herons
The great blue heron (Ardea herodias) is a major predator of salmon and one of the many dangers that out-migrating juveniles face (Sherker et. al. 2021). The largest North American heron, this bird hunts in shallow water environments like marshes, floodplains, and even agricultural fields. They wade incredibly slowly through the water and often remain still for…
Sci Hero: Ada, Countess of Lovelace
The Ethogram believes that science should be accessible and diverse in order to increase the sense of belonging within the science community. Each month we highlight a “Sci Hero” so the next generation of scientists and naturalists may be inspired.
Field Notes: Why are some cows horny? The structure and function of horns
If you’re driving through the foothills of California, you will likely see lush rolling hills speckled with lots of cows! If we look closely at these cows, we can see physical differences between individuals. They may be a different size, or color, or they may have horns while others do not. While most people may…
Science Heroes: Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace
Science Heroes: the column highlighting scientists and naturalists that if you don’t know, you should! This month highlights the first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace!