Saturday, June 29, 2013

Milkweed Munchers






The Common Milkweed can be seen throughout most of Kentucky and is found on many Kentucky State Parks. Lake Cumberland does have milkweed plants in various areas of the park. The milkweed is a native plant.  Many people see the milkweed as a nuisance plant, but to the insect world it is their life line. 

As you can see the milkweed has numerous pods of buds on the plant.  As they mature and blossom they become an essential food source for many insects that are a very important part of pollination of other plants too. Keeping a healthy balance in nature is the key to ensuring the existence of food sources for everyone.

The Common Milkweed is a very beneficial to the insect world of nature.  The milkweed provides food and nourishment to numerous types of insects especially Monarch butterfly larvae, Swallowtail butterflies, Bumblebees, Honeybees, Ruby Throated Hummingbird, Black Carpenter Ants, and the beautiful Snowberry Clearwing Hawk Moth.  These are just a few insects that depend on the milkweed plant for food.



Here you can see the Snowberry Clearwing Hawk Moth sipping nectar from the beautiful purple blossoms.  Once the pods are in full bloom they provide a substantial food source for the moth.




Here we see the bumblebee and hawk moth dining together.  It is not unusual to see four to five bumblebees on one blossom.  The huge purple balls of nectar attract almost any hungry insect present.


So when you sneeze and snarl...remember the importance of the milkweed plant in nature.

For more information on the common milkweed plant visit the following websites:

http://natureinstitute.org/txt/ch/Milkweed.pdf
http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/common_milkweed.htm

Written by:  Kathy Myers- Volunteer
Photos by:   Kathy Myers- Volunteer

Friday, June 28, 2013

The Black Rat Snake, Friend or Foe?


        


Usually when most people see a snake of any kind the first response is a shrill scream to KILL IT, KILL IT!  One thing we humans need to learn though is that all snakes are not the same.  While we should in most cases try to avoid killing any snake, understanding snakes could accomplish that in many cases.

Always remember to never attempt to touch or pick up a snake unless you have been trained in proper snake identification and handling.  Knowing the difference in venomous and non-venomous snakes is essential  in the wild and could save your life.

At Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Robert Myers, the park naturalist captures a black rat snake each year to use in his snake programs. In the programs he covers snake facts/myths and behaviors.  The programs give guest a chance to see and touch a snake but in a controlled setting and with someone who knows and understands the snake and uses proper safety precautions.

The black rat snake is a very timid type snake.  They usually can be picked up correctly with no problems from the snake, with the exception of getting squirted with a little musk that has a very foul odor and taste.  The musk release is their way of protecting themselves from predators that might want to eat them. 

The black rat snake loves to dine on rodents, usually mice, but they will consume chipmunks, moles, lizards, frogs,  and other small mammals.  The black rat snake is a constrictor which means they bite their prey and then squeeze it until it suffocates before they eat it.




The black rat snake climbs very well in the trees. They are also  good swimmers,  which also allows the to get to various hunting locations easily.  Black rat snakes are often found around barns, houses, grain silos, and old buildings because of the food source present.  They have been known to be a farmer's best friend for killing mice and rats which damage, destroy, and carry diseases. 

Actually, you might find this snake in most locations where a food source is available.  The point to remember is that the black rat snake is non-venomous, non- aggressive, is helpful around farms and homes, and is only searching for food, so before grabbing the hoe or stick to KILL IT...step back and give it a chance to move on away.



To learn more about the black rat snake you can visit these online websites:
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians/Facts/Factsheets/Blackratsnake.cfm
http://muwww-new.marshall.edu/herp/snakes/black_ratsnake.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_rat_snake


Written by : Kathy Myers- Volunteer