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  Topic: Wildlife, What's in your back yard?< Next Oldest | Next Newest >  
Wesley R. Elsberry



Posts: 4991
Joined: May 2002

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 09 2012,08:11   

Quote (The whole truth @ Dec. 09 2012,01:32)
 
Quote (Wesley R. Elsberry @ Dec. 08 2012,17:35)
It didn't look like any snake I know of in the area, so, yeah, I think legless lizard is a good call.

But I'm not a herpetologist.

What area (state, etc.) is that Wesley?


ETA: It appears to be of the genus Ophisaurus. Glass lizards are variable in coloring and markings. Take a look at Ophisaurus ventralis on this page:

http://www.mister-toad.com/photos.....os.html

Palmetto, in the Gulf coast of Florida.

Eastern Glass Lizard looks like a good match.

Here's more detail on the head.



--------------
"You can't teach an old dogma new tricks." - Dorothy Parker

    
The whole truth



Posts: 1554
Joined: Jan. 2012

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 10 2012,06:49   

Quote (Wesley R. Elsberry @ Dec. 09 2012,06:11)
Quote (The whole truth @ Dec. 09 2012,01:32)
 
Quote (Wesley R. Elsberry @ Dec. 08 2012,17:35)
It didn't look like any snake I know of in the area, so, yeah, I think legless lizard is a good call.

But I'm not a herpetologist.

What area (state, etc.) is that Wesley?


ETA: It appears to be of the genus Ophisaurus. Glass lizards are variable in coloring and markings. Take a look at Ophisaurus ventralis on this page:

http://www.mister-toad.com/photos.....os.html

Palmetto, in the Gulf coast of Florida.

Eastern Glass Lizard looks like a good match.

Here's more detail on the head.


It looks like a good match to me too. It's a gorgeous critter no matter what it's called. :)

--------------
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. - Jesus in Matthew 10:34

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. -Jesus in Luke 19:27

   
Henry J



Posts: 5786
Joined: Mar. 2005

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 10 2012,10:20   

But will it come when it's called? :p

  
qetzal



Posts: 311
Joined: Feb. 2006

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 12 2012,23:46   

Yeah, I couldn't be sure I was seeing external ear openings in the original, but they look pretty clear in the head shot. So definitely a legless lizard, not a snake.

  
Wesley R. Elsberry



Posts: 4991
Joined: May 2002

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 13 2012,08:10   

It's the same pic, just a different crop and resize operation.

Nikon D600, Nikkor AI 24mm f/2.8 @ f/8, 1/100s, ISO 3200.

--------------
"You can't teach an old dogma new tricks." - Dorothy Parker

    
qetzal



Posts: 311
Joined: Feb. 2006

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 13 2012,08:29   

Viewed from my iphone, at least, the head shot is much clearer. No doubt a function of how it's being displayed, not the photo itself.

  
OgreMkV



Posts: 3668
Joined: Oct. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 13 2012,09:54   

I find this fascinating, but I have a question (I do mammals and fossils, not living lizards).

One of the descriptions I read for legless lizards vs. snakes was that legless lizards have long tails and short bodies, while snakes have long bodies and short tails.

How in the heck do you tell where the body ends and the tail begins on critters that are just tubes?

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Henry J



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(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 13 2012,12:47   

Take an x-ray of its skeleton?

Or run the thing through your hands feeling for bones?

  
Wesley R. Elsberry



Posts: 4991
Joined: May 2002

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 13 2012,12:48   

Quote (OgreMkV @ Dec. 13 2012,09:54)
I find this fascinating, but I have a question (I do mammals and fossils, not living lizards).

One of the descriptions I read for legless lizards vs. snakes was that legless lizards have long tails and short bodies, while snakes have long bodies and short tails.

How in the heck do you tell where the body ends and the tail begins on critters that are just tubes?

Position of the anus.

On many snakes I've seen, there's a noticeable narrowing of the body post-anus. I didn't really pay that close attention to this on my Eastern glass lizard. It isn't apparent from any of the photos I have, either.

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"You can't teach an old dogma new tricks." - Dorothy Parker

    
OgreMkV



Posts: 3668
Joined: Oct. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 13 2012,12:51   

Quote (Wesley R. Elsberry @ Dec. 13 2012,12:48)
Quote (OgreMkV @ Dec. 13 2012,09:54)
I find this fascinating, but I have a question (I do mammals and fossils, not living lizards).

One of the descriptions I read for legless lizards vs. snakes was that legless lizards have long tails and short bodies, while snakes have long bodies and short tails.

How in the heck do you tell where the body ends and the tail begins on critters that are just tubes?

Position of the anus.

On many snakes I've seen, there's a noticeable narrowing of the body post-anus. I didn't really pay that close attention to this on my Eastern glass lizard. It isn't apparent from any of the photos I have, either.

That's very useful information.  However...

I am NOT going to go around lifting up the skirts of these things to try and figure out if it's a legless lizard or a snake.  ;)

Remind me at some point to tell you the story of the spotted snakes.

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Ignored by those who can't provide evidence for their claims.

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qetzal



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Joined: Feb. 2006

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 13 2012,14:37   

Quote (OgreMkV @ Dec. 13 2012,12:51)
That's very useful information.  However...

I am NOT going to go around lifting up the skirts of these things to try and figure out if it's a legless lizard or a snake.  ;)

Yes, much easier to look for external ear openings. Snakes don't have 'em. Also, lizards can move their eyes in their sockets. Snakes can't.

 
Quote
Remind me at some point to tell you the story of the spotted snakes.


Let's see - what's the proper straight line here. How about, "Were they spotted all over?" :)

  
OgreMkV



Posts: 3668
Joined: Oct. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 13 2012,14:47   

During the various wars of the British Empire, a general was assigned to a new unit in India.  When he arrived at his new command, he was horrified.  The camp was in horrible condition and then men were even worse.  Even the best of them looked bedraggled and almost fearful all the time.

Finally, he called his adjutant. “What’s going on then?  This camp is in a horrible state.”

“Sir,” replied the adjutant.  “It’s the spotted snakes sir.”

“Spotted snakes?  What spotted snakes?”

“Sir.  The spotted snakes are all over the area.  They are small and vicious and not scared of man nor beast, sir.  One bite can put the strongest man in the hospital for weeks.”

“I will not have my camp controlled by spotted snakes.  Adjutant, gather the men.”

Once the entire command was gathered together, the general stood in front of them.  “I will show you how to deal with spotted snakes,” and he held up one that he had found.  The men gasped.

“Men.  You grab the snake just behind the head, so it can’t bite you.  Then you run your other hand just above the hand holding the snake.  You put your thumb just behind the head of the snake, grip tightly with your fingers, apply pressure with your thumb and… pop his head right off.”

The general demonstrated, making a satisfying popping sound as the snake’s head flew off.

Soon, the only sound you could hear all through the camp was the popping sound of spotted snakes heads flying off.  The men cheered up, the camp improved and the general was pleased.

Pop… pop… pop… all day and night.

Soon, the pops decreased as the men killed most of the spotted snakes in the camp and the surrounding countryside.  Finally, it was quite throughout the camp and everyone was in high spirits.

One morning the general was reviewing reports when the adjutant brought in two mauled soldiers.

He jumped up, “What happened to you men?”

“Spotted snakes sir.”

“Spotted snakes?  I thought I told you how to deal with spotted snakes.”

“Yes sir, you did.”

“Then how did spotted snakes do this to you?”

“Well sir.  We was out on maneuvers and me and my mate saw a spotted snake leaving the tent.  Well, sir, we did just what you said.  I grabbed the snake, just behind the head and I ran my thumb up behind the snakes head… and I realized I had my thumb up a tiger’s arse.”

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Ignored by those who can't provide evidence for their claims.

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Robin



Posts: 1431
Joined: Sep. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: Dec. 24 2012,07:31   

A couple of things to add from a few outings.

First, my fav:

Barred Owl (Strix varia)
Not the best pic, but then these guys are not easy to sneak up on.

And a fox who came by our feeders for a snack:




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we IDists rule in design for the flagellum and cilium largely because they do look designed.  Bilbo

The only reason you reject Thor is because, like a cushion, you bear the imprint of the biggest arse that sat on you. Louis

  
Robin



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Joined: Sep. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: Jan. 22 2013,07:37   

Practiced some "moving target" photography last weekend. Finally starting to get a few shots of moving critters I like. This one in particular came out nice I think:


Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

Not as good as the subject was really too far away, but I still think it's an ok shot:

Juvenile Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

--------------
we IDists rule in design for the flagellum and cilium largely because they do look designed.  Bilbo

The only reason you reject Thor is because, like a cushion, you bear the imprint of the biggest arse that sat on you. Louis

  
OgreMkV



Posts: 3668
Joined: Oct. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: Jan. 22 2013,08:14   

Those are awesome!!  I love the vulture and the fox shots (but I'm a mammal guy at heart).

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Ignored by those who can't provide evidence for their claims.

http://skepticink.com/smilodo....retreat

   
Robin



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Joined: Sep. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: Jan. 22 2013,09:54   

Quote (OgreMkV @ Jan. 22 2013,08:14)
Those are awesome!!  I love the vulture and the fox shots (but I'm a mammal guy at heart).

Thanks Ogre!

--------------
we IDists rule in design for the flagellum and cilium largely because they do look designed.  Bilbo

The only reason you reject Thor is because, like a cushion, you bear the imprint of the biggest arse that sat on you. Louis

  
The whole truth



Posts: 1554
Joined: Jan. 2012

(Permalink) Posted: Jan. 24 2013,00:33   

Way cool:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs....84.html

--------------
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. - Jesus in Matthew 10:34

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. -Jesus in Luke 19:27

   
Robin



Posts: 1431
Joined: Sep. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: Jan. 30 2013,10:37   

Quote (The whole truth @ Jan. 24 2013,00:33)
Way cool:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs......84.html

That is way cool! Thanks for sharing that TWT!

--------------
we IDists rule in design for the flagellum and cilium largely because they do look designed.  Bilbo

The only reason you reject Thor is because, like a cushion, you bear the imprint of the biggest arse that sat on you. Louis

  
The whole truth



Posts: 1554
Joined: Jan. 2012

(Permalink) Posted: Jan. 30 2013,23:10   

Quote (Robin @ Jan. 30 2013,08:37)
Quote (The whole truth @ Jan. 24 2013,00:33)
Way cool:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs......84.html

That is way cool! Thanks for sharing that TWT!

You're welcome Robin, and I want to add that I really enjoy the pictures you post and the pictures that other people post.

--------------
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. - Jesus in Matthew 10:34

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. -Jesus in Luke 19:27

   
k.e..



Posts: 5432
Joined: May 2007

(Permalink) Posted: Feb. 16 2013,08:40   

Here is something that flew into my exploration camp one evening May 2008 across the Muso River from Kakoda New Guinea

The worlds biggest butterfly.
A female Queen Alexandra's birdwing Butterfly.







I've got some photos of a bit of wildlife in Africa if anyone is interested....

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"I get a strong breeze from my monitor every time k.e. puts on his clown DaveTard suit" dogdidit
"ID is deader than Lenny Flanks granmaws dildo batteries" Erasmus
"I'm busy studying scientist level science papers" Galloping Gary Gaulin

  
The whole truth



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Joined: Jan. 2012

(Permalink) Posted: Feb. 16 2013,12:38   

k.e., that's a moth, and a big one at that, apparently of the genus Attacus.

I'd be interested in seeing your pictures from Africa.

--------------
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. - Jesus in Matthew 10:34

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. -Jesus in Luke 19:27

   
k.e..



Posts: 5432
Joined: May 2007

(Permalink) Posted: Feb. 16 2013,21:31   

Quote (The whole truth @ Feb. 16 2013,20:38)
k.e., that's a moth, and a big one at that, apparently of the genus Attacus.

I'd be interested in seeing your pictures from Africa.

Actually TWT in this case what looks like a moth is actually a female Ornitoptera Alexandrae.

Here's a female and male photo from the web.



Here's a photo from Africa as the result of a bit of wild night life, caused by the 2 legged variety.

The photo is of the bridge of large rig tender that towed our construction barge into the African Atlantic Gulf of Guinea from Doualla Cameroon. We were towed about 40km off the coast from the Bakassi Peninsular on the border between Nigeria and Cameroon. Overnight the local rebels who are pretty antsi peppered the tug with some serious lead.


Needless to say we didn't stay long.



--------------
"I get a strong breeze from my monitor every time k.e. puts on his clown DaveTard suit" dogdidit
"ID is deader than Lenny Flanks granmaws dildo batteries" Erasmus
"I'm busy studying scientist level science papers" Galloping Gary Gaulin

  
The whole truth



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Joined: Jan. 2012

(Permalink) Posted: Feb. 17 2013,05:24   

k.e., I'm going to have to respectfully disagree. That is definitely a moth. The comb-like antennae, among other things, are a dead giveaway. I was wrong about yours being in the genus Attacus. Yours is likely a female Hercules Moth (Coscinocera hercules). Coscinocera and Attacus are obviously closely related though. Take a look at this page for pictures of a male and female birdwing:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki....irdwing

And this page for Coscinocera hercules:

http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/sample5....le5.htm

And for an example of Attacus, look at this page for Attacus atlas:

http://ifysk.blogspot.com/2012....as.html


Wow, those rebels weren't very friendly. What year did that happen?  Was anyone injured on the boat? More pictures from Africa please.

--------------
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. - Jesus in Matthew 10:34

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. -Jesus in Luke 19:27

   
Alan Fox



Posts: 1556
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(Permalink) Posted: Feb. 17 2013,07:25   

I'm sure TWT is right on with his identification, k. e. Apart from the feathery antennae, which confirm it is a male Attacus or closely related species, the triangular eye-spots and "snake head" shape to the fore wings clinch it.

The Wikipedia illustrations for Attacus and Ornithoptera alexandrae make it quite clear. Your web photo must be someone else's misidentification.

  
k.e..



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(Permalink) Posted: Feb. 17 2013,09:18   

Thanks for the updates on my MOTH! TWT and "Renard".
The confusion came from the wrongly attributed Wiki photo and the location near Popandetta which is the habitat for the Queen Alexandra's birdwing butterfly.
My insects wing shape much more closely resembles the Hercules moth.


The tug photo was taken in 2009.  Only a few months after Nigeria handed back the Bakassi Peninsular to Cameroon after a long legal battle and a period of conflagration. The locals make a good living from 'entertaining' involuntarily incarcerated foreign oil workers for a variable time ended by the transfer of large amounts of cash to their couriers from said workers companies.

--------------
"I get a strong breeze from my monitor every time k.e. puts on his clown DaveTard suit" dogdidit
"ID is deader than Lenny Flanks granmaws dildo batteries" Erasmus
"I'm busy studying scientist level science papers" Galloping Gary Gaulin

  
The whole truth



Posts: 1554
Joined: Jan. 2012

(Permalink) Posted: Feb. 17 2013,15:26   

Quote (Alan Fox @ Feb. 17 2013,05:25)
I'm sure TWT is right on with his identification, k. e. Apart from the feathery antennae, which confirm it is a male Attacus or closely related species, the triangular eye-spots and "snake head" shape to the fore wings clinch it.

The Wikipedia illustrations for Attacus and Ornithoptera alexandrae make it quite clear. Your web photo must be someone else's misidentification.

Hi Alan, thanks for your comment, but I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with your male gender assignment to k.e.'s moth. Both sexes of Coscinocera hercules have comb-like (feathery) antennae but the male antennae are larger than the female. The male has bigger 'sniffers' (my own term), so that he can find her by her pheromones. Also, in the pictures at the page linked directly below, the tails of the female and male Coscinocera hercules are quite different, and the female matches k.e.'s moth.

http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/sample5....le5.htm



More pictures of a female Coscinocera hercules:

http://minibeastwildlife.blogspot.com/2012.......es.html

http://www.lochmantransparencies.com/p10688.....es-moth

And a male:

http://www.lochmantransparencies.com/product....D=10685


Both sexes of Attacus atlas have comb-like (feathery) antennae too, as can be seen here:

http://butterflycircle.blogspot.com/2012.......-1.html



If anyone wants to read some interesting articles about moths, click on these links:

http://blog.case.edu/case-ne....ne....t

http://www.sciencedaily.com/release....117.htm

ETA: another link to an article:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/release....820.htm

Edited by The whole truth on Feb. 17 2013,13:39

--------------
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. - Jesus in Matthew 10:34

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. -Jesus in Luke 19:27

   
The whole truth



Posts: 1554
Joined: Jan. 2012

(Permalink) Posted: Feb. 17 2013,15:33   

Quote (k.e.. @ Feb. 17 2013,07:18)
Thanks for the updates on my MOTH! TWT and "Renard".
The confusion came from the wrongly attributed Wiki photo and the location near Popandetta which is the habitat for the Queen Alexandra's birdwing butterfly.
My insects wing shape much more closely resembles the Hercules moth.


The tug photo was taken in 2009.  Only a few months after Nigeria handed back the Bakassi Peninsular to Cameroon after a long legal battle and a period of conflagration. The locals make a good living from 'entertaining' involuntarily incarcerated foreign oil workers for a variable time ended by the transfer of large amounts of cash to their couriers from said workers companies.

k.e., it sounds like you've had some very interesting adventures. Do you have a blog where you tell about them?

--------------
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. - Jesus in Matthew 10:34

But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. -Jesus in Luke 19:27

   
Alan Fox



Posts: 1556
Joined: Aug. 2005

(Permalink) Posted: Feb. 17 2013,15:42   

Quote
Both sexes of Coscinocera hercules have comb-like (feathery) antennae but the male antennae are larger than the female.


I'm going to blame the camera angle for foreshortening and making those antennae larger than actual size.

  
k.e..



Posts: 5432
Joined: May 2007

(Permalink) Posted: Feb. 18 2013,07:14   

Quote (The whole truth @ Feb. 17 2013,23:33)
Quote (k.e.. @ Feb. 17 2013,07:18)
Thanks for the updates on my MOTH! TWT and "Renard".
The confusion came from the wrongly attributed Wiki photo and the location near Popandetta which is the habitat for the Queen Alexandra's birdwing butterfly.
My insects wing shape much more closely resembles the Hercules moth.


The tug photo was taken in 2009.  Only a few months after Nigeria handed back the Bakassi Peninsular to Cameroon after a long legal battle and a period of conflagration. The locals make a good living from 'entertaining' involuntarily incarcerated foreign oil workers for a variable time ended by the transfer of large amounts of cash to their couriers from said workers companies.

k.e., it sounds like you've had some very interesting adventures. Do you have a blog where you tell about them?

TWT I might write up some of the adventures when I retire, my very rewarding career still involves travel to various projects around the world.

And thanks for the introduction to the Hercules moth, in the flesh they are truly awesome, Herulean even :)

--------------
"I get a strong breeze from my monitor every time k.e. puts on his clown DaveTard suit" dogdidit
"ID is deader than Lenny Flanks granmaws dildo batteries" Erasmus
"I'm busy studying scientist level science papers" Galloping Gary Gaulin

  
Freddie



Posts: 371
Joined: Oct. 2009

(Permalink) Posted: Feb. 18 2013,17:29   

Glad this forum is starting to come out of winter hibernation!  It was an almost spring-like morning in Southern England (if a little chilly). Managed to get out and about and take a few photo's.  Plenty of Robin's and Blue Tits / Great Tits around.  I'm also seeing way more pair's of Chaffinch's this year than last, the wet weather must suit them.

Juvenile Robin



Blue Tit about to take flight (it did so about 1/10s after I took this)



Goldfinch (common but striking) next time one of the buggers will point in the right direction for the camera.



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Joe: Most criticisims of ID stem from ignorance and jealousy.
Joe: As for the authors of the books in the Bible, well the OT was authored by Moses and the NT was authored by various people.
Byers: The eskimo would not need hairy hair growth as hair, I say, is for keeping people dry. Not warm.

  
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