It is another perfect summer morning in the park, cooler and drier than recent days, and despite, or perhaps because of, my announcement yesterday, I’ve got a photogenic new critter to show you today.
This pretty little butterfly, posing on some knotweed blossoms growing on the mudflats by the river, appears to be a female northern crescent (Phyciodes selenis), a true brushfoot, in the subfamily Nymphalinae, as are the American lady, red admiral, and common buckeye we’ve already seen in Estabrook.
While I was on the mudflats, I also spotted this little, maybe 2-3 inches long, painted turtle, small enough to walk on a water lily leaf floating on the river.
Meanwhile, back in the pond, I spotted this frog with a pretty good-sized tail, or maybe its a tadpole with four legs. I read that “the tadpole uses the nutrients stored in its tail as food, so until its tail is completely gone, it doesn’t need anything else to eat,” and this little critter appears to be right on the cusp.
Finally, here’s some big squash or maybe pumpkin blooming on the bank of an island in the river. Unfortunately, I can’t get any closer for better identification clues, but if any of you want to weigh in on what member of Cucurbita this is, please let us know.
And there you have it. I guess we’re not done yet, eh?
Signs of Life in Estabrook Park 
Thank you again got the lovely pictures and the introduction to the life style of the flora and fauna!😄
Joan
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You are welcome, Joan, and thank you for your kind words.
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Andy, what is the difference between a butterfly and a moth?
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From https://sciencebob.com/what-is-the-difference-between-a-moth-and-a-butterfly/
A moth and a butterfly sure can look alike, and they both belong to the same insect family (Lepidoptera) but there are a few differences to look for so that you can tell them apart:
– Butterflies usually rest with their wings closed, while moths rest with their wings open. (except for our little buddies, the skippers, which hold
their forewings and hindwings at different angles, known as the “jet-plane position.”)
– Butterflies have long, thin antenna, while moths have shorter feathery antennae.
– Butterflies generally gather food during the day while moths are seen more at nighttime. (except for our little buddy, the snowberry clearwing)
– Most moths make a silky cocoon, while butterflies usually make a shiny chrysalis
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