Shaw Nature Reserve

In the morning we learned about the botanical and floral diversity in pollination biology. For example, the different mating and breeding systems for plants, as well as the history of categorizing flower types to better associate the pollinators and the appropriate pollinator syndrome.

Photographed a Syrphid during a break.


Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis)

In the afternoon, we headed to a different part of Missouri Botanical Garden outside the city. It is called Shaw Nature Reserve.

So many new plants and insects to identify and photograph!


It's a beautiful place with all types of habitats - forest, meadows, prairies, etc.


First damselfly of the year.





Unknown bee-like fly.  Not sure if it is a Syrphid or not.


Definitely a bee.


Indian paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) that I recognize from my days working in Carden Plains.

Some unknown but beautiful flowers:

Unknown Shield bug on pussytoes.


Trying to photograph a Carpenter Bee in flight using manual focus.  Not a very good job.


Someone told me this bee is collecting oil from the oil glands from this flower.  Not sure if it is correct or not.


Tick waving its legs trying to grab a passer-by.


Treehopper!


My first time seeing a treehopper.  What an amazing creature - well-camouflaged and with the thorn-like shape, I would not eat it if I am a predator.


Large wolf spider with egg sac.  It is about the size of your palm!


Tadpoles in potholes along the trail.  Hopefully they develop soon or the water stays there.  Otherwise, they might ran out of water soon.


Red Admiral.


Unknown caterpillar.  It was here when people saw a wild lizard.  I am bummed that I didn't see it myself.


Magnificent Easter Tiger Swallowtail!


Saw two toads on the trail.  I believe this is a Fowler's Toad (Bufo fowleri), a species at risk (or endangered) back in Ontario.


While everybody took a break, I saw this injured Carpenter Bee walking around on the ground.  Poor fella.


Arriving at the Wildflower Garden.



Almost wilted.


Sign on forest edge songbirds.  I saw a Tufted Titmouse in the forest today.  Lifer!


Unknown fly with red eyes.



Hawkmoth (Hemaris sp.)!  It was my first time seeing this animal.  What a strange creature - clear wings, fuzzy like moth moths, but almost the size of a hummingbird (and behave like one too).


The lighting was not very good at the spot, but I did the best I could to capture the images.



Last animal before our trip came to an end - Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) - the state bird of Missouri, and one that I have never seen before!

I have just overwhelmed with the diversity of animals and plants that I have seen here.  It's an incredible place to be, and I am lucky to come and visit it.