Tag: mountains

Ring-necked Snake

Steve Creek2023-02-05T04:53:53-06:00September 1, 2020|Categories: Snakes|Tags: arkansas, mountains, ouachita, ring-necked snake|

I photographed this Ring-necked Snake on the same day and location as the Red-bellied Snake I posted. This was on an Arkansas Country Road near my place in the Ouachita Mountains. The Red-bellied Snake and this Ring-necked Snake were my first time photographing these types of snakes.

The Ring-necked Snake is a small non-venomous species of snake that is native to North America. They are typically 12-18 inches in length and are characterized by their distinctive ring-like pattern around their neck. They feed on small insects and amphibians and are not considered to be dangerous to humans. Ring-necked Snakes are generally not aggressive and will often coil up and play dead when they feel threatened.

Habitat and Distribution

Ring-necked Snakes are found throughout North America, from southern Canada to Mexico. They prefer moist habitats, such as forests, fields, and wetlands, and are often found near streams, rivers, and lakes. They are also commonly found in suburban and urban areas where they hide under rocks, logs, and leaf litter.

Diet and Hunting Habits

Ring-necked Snakes are opportunistic feeders and eat a variety of prey, including earthworms, slugs, snails, and amphibians such as salamanders and frogs. They are able to swallow their prey whole and have a flexible jaw that allows them to consume larger prey items.

Behavior and Adaptation

Ring-necked Snakes are non-venomous and do not pose a threat to humans. They [Read More…]

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A Robber Fly With A Grasshopper

Steve Creek2023-02-05T03:55:20-06:00August 29, 2020|Categories: Insects|Tags: arkansas, mountains, ouachita, ouachita national forest, robber fly|

I spotted this Robber Fly with a Grasshopper on an Arkansas Country Road I like to walk near my place in the Ouachita Mountains.

Robber Flies, also known as Assassin Flies, are a group of predatory insects found all over the world. They are known for their aggressive hunting behavior and for feeding on other insects

Assassin Fly With A Grasshopper — Robber Fly With A Grasshopper

The Robber Fly will perch on a nearby leaf or stem and patiently wait for a grasshopper to come within range. When a grasshopper lands nearby, the robber fly quickly takes off, using its powerful wings to close the gap between itself and its prey.

Once it reaches the grasshopper, the robber fly uses its front legs to grab onto its victim, holding it tightly while it feeds. The robber fly has a long, needle-like proboscis that it uses to pierce the grasshopper’s exoskeleton and extract its body fluids. This feeding process can take several minutes, after which the Robber Fly will release the grasshopper and fly off in search of its next meal.

Gear Used:

Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM

Technical:

I [Read More…]

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Red-bellied Snake

Steve Creek2023-02-24T03:09:18-06:00August 27, 2020|Categories: Snakes|Tags: arkansas, mountains, ouachita, red-bellied snake|

This Red-bellied Snake was crossing an Arkansas country road I like to walk that is near my place in the Ouachita Mountains. I also photographed a Ring-necked Snake on this same day.

Arkansas is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many species of snakes. One species that is not well-known but deserves attention is the Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata). This small and slender snake is native to the state and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands.

Appearance

The Red-bellied Snake is named for the red or orange coloration on its belly, which is often visible when the snake is frightened and coiling up. However, the rest of its body is usually brown, gray, or black with a distinctive pattern of light and dark stripes or spots. It grows to a maximum length of about 15-18 inches.

Habitat and Diet

Red-bellied Snakes can be found throughout Arkansas, but they are most commonly encountered in the eastern part of the state. They prefer moist environments and are often found near water sources, such as streams, ponds, and swamps. They are also known to hide under rocks, logs, and leaf litter, as well as in crevices in tree bark.

These snakes feed primarily on small invertebrates, such as earthworms, slugs, and snails. They use their keen sense of smell to locate their prey and [Read More…]

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