Western Fox Snake

This western fox snake (Elaphe vulpine) are common in river and stream valleys like the Skunk River Greenbelt  where I found this confident reptile!  This snake is a valuable consumer of rodents and kills its pray by constricting.  Young western fox snakes feed on frogs (this one was hunting frogs) or young mice.  Adults have been know to eat birds and their eggs out of nests.

Prairie Phlox

Prairie phlox (Phlox pilosa) was everywhere in bloom at Doolittle Prairie in white and dark pink!

Great Spangled Fritillary

Sweet find by my good friend Jake of a great spangled fritillary (Speyeria cybele) avoiding the rainfall by hiding under an eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) branch.  This abundant butterflies is found throughout the state, and its larvae host on violets!

Wave that Flag

Wow found my first, blue flag iris (Iris virginica)!  It's an incredibly beautiful breathtaking flower one I've been hunting for awhile!

Smooth Green Snake

The smooth green snake (Opheodrys vernalis) is a threatened species in Iowa.

Twelve-spotted Skimmer

This is a twelve-spotted skimmer (Libellula pulchella).  Without the white spots (on the wings) that males have we know its a female.

Spiked Lobelia

Spiked lobelia (Lobelia spicata) roots were used by native americans for purgatory purposes.

Prairie False Indigo

Prairie false indigo (Baptisia leucantha) is a wonderful prairie plant that grows 2-5 feet on rich tailgrass prairies.  Its seedpods have been used by pioneer children for toy rattles!