#porkfish

You get a Porkfish

Sea Life Helsinki

Sea goldie

Porkfish

Stripey

Blacktip reef shark

Sweet lips

Nursehound

Small-spotted catshark

Thornback ray

Sea bass

Cloudy catshark

European lobster

Flounder

Longspine snipefish

Boarfish

Swallowtail sea perch

9.3.25

Porkfish

Anisotremus virginicus

Observed 8.21.25 in the aquarium at Rainforest Cafe on Galveston. This species of grunt fish is native to the waters of Brazil up to Florida including the Gulf of Mexico.

They grind their teeth that makes a pig-like grunting sound which is how they got their name. They use their swim bladders to make the grunts echo causing a sound that can scare off predators.

They live in and around rocky areas and shallows reefs. They feed on invertebrates on the sea floor with the aid of sensory pores on their chin.

Young porkfish are usually found acting as cleaners for larger fish, picking parasites off their scales. This behavior plays a part in keeping their habitat healthy.

They are a social fish species and can be found in schools. It’s a little sad that this guy was all by himself in the tank.

#porkfish #Anisotremusvirginicus #citizenscience #native #fish #grunt #saltwater #aquarium #nature #september #september3 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day246

9.4.25

Traub’s Rain Lily

Zephyranthes traubii

Observed all along Stewart Road on Galveston Island 9.4.25. This perennial flower is native and endemic to Texas and northeastern Mexico, really thriving in coastal areas.

You can find these flowers blooming from bulbs after heavy rains from summer to fall. These bulbs, like other rain lily species, are poisonous to dogs and cats. They typically grow to about 9 inches tall and have white, fragrant flowers.

The genus name “Zephyranthes” translates to “flower of the west wind” based on the Greek God of the west wind, Zephyrus.

#traubsrainlily #Zephyranthestraubii #citizenscience #native #endemic #flower #flora #nature #outdoors #september #september4 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day247

9.5.25

Robber Fly

Triorla interrupta

Observed on the Heritage Trail at Galveston Island State Park 9.4.25. Native to the southern US, including Galveston. They are the only species in the genus Triorla found in North America.

These insects are ambush predators that can be found in grassy fields and on trails, like this one. Out of over 1000 species in over 100 genera of robber flies in North America, this species is the dominant predator in this particular hunting ground habitat.

They will ambush and capture their prey in mid-flight and then inject a paralytic that liquifies the insides so that they can easily digest their food.

They will attack insects including but not limited to dragonflies, butterflies, moths, horse flies, bees and wasps. The last two being a preferred choice for their nutritional content.

#robberfly #Triorlainterrupta #citizenscience #native #insect #nature #outdoors #september #september5 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day248

9.6.25

American Pokeweed

Phytolacca americana

Observed this native herbaceous perennial on the Alligator Loop trail in Galveston Island State Park 6.13.25.

Except for the young shoots, this entire plant is toxic, especially the roots. In deep southern culture the young shoots are carefully prepared to make poke salad. The dark purple berries have been used for ink and dye.

Most animals steer clear of this toxic plant but a few species are able to handle the toxins. Songbirds, especially robins and cedar waxwings, eat the berries and help spread the seeds. Along with raccoons, foxes, and opossums. It also attracts pollinators with bright pink flowers.

This plant usually dies after the first fall cold snap but will grow back from its root crown the falling spring.

#americanpokeweed #Phytolaccaamericana #citizenscience #native #plant #flora #nature #outdoors #september #september6 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day249

9.7.25

In honor of National Grandparents Day

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

Observed 9.5.25 at Galveston Island State Park. Their native range encompasses southeastern Canada, down through the east and Midwest of the US, down as far as Guatemala and Belize. Both Texas and Missouri are included in this range.

Just like my Grandparents, these birds are monogamous and mate for life. Unlike other songs birds, both female and male cardinals sing to each other while courting and defending their territory.

The red plumage of the males comes from carotenoids in the berries and fruit that they eat. Their name comes from the distinctive red robes of the catholic church’s Cardinals. Every once in a while a yellow Northern Cardinal is spotted and this is a genetic mutation called xanthroism.

Their crest is used in similar ways as our eyebrows are, to show agitation or to make themselves look more appealing to a potential mate.

The Northern Cardinal is seen as a symbol of loyalty, devotion, and love. In some cultures it is believed that when a Cardinal appears it is a departed loved one bringing a message.

#northerncardinal #Cardinaliscardinalis #citizenscience #cardinals #birds #native #nature #outdoors #september #september7 #2025 #picoftheday #project365 #day250

Most of my grandparents live(d) in Missouri and I’ve always thought of them whenever I see one. It is even more so now that a few have passed. I think the traits and characteristics embody all of my grandparents though and I’m so lucky to still have some in my life. I love you 💕 Grandma & Pa Wilson, Grandma & Pa Chase, and Grandad & Grandma Garber 💖

9.8.25

Western Giant Swallowtail

Heraclides rumiko

This native species was observed 9.7.25 at Galveston Island State Park and ranges from southwest US down to Central America. It can over lap with the Eastern Giant Swallowtail in Texas. The two species were thought of as one until 2014. A study of DNA and male genitalia helped separate the two species. I look at many guides and papers before deciding to go with the Western Giant Swallowtail.

The WGS lives in more open and dry environments while the EGS prefers forests. The warmer parts of the WGS range allows them to skip hibernation and produce more generations per year while the EGS in colder climates will overwinter as a chrysalis.

The larvae like citrus plants to feed on so farmers of groves for lemons and oranges consider them pests. The larvae also have a color that resembles bird poop and smell they use against predators.

#westerngiantswallowtail #heraclidesrumiko #citizenscience #native #giantswallowtail #butterfly #insect #nature #outdoors #september #september8 #2025 #picofthday #project365 #day251

9.9.25

Southern Emerald Moth

Synchlora frondaria

The moth was spotted a while back ago in the breezeway at Galveston Island State Park and the caterpillar was spotted on the heritage trail in the park 9.7.25. This species is native to the southern and eastern US including the Gulf coast states.

Adults look similar to the Wavy-lined Emerald Moth but the Southern Emerald has more jagged white lines on the wings. The caterpillars camouflage themselves with bits of plant they are feeding on, this is called decorative crypsis. In this case it used pieces of a Lindheimer’s Doveweed. It was very small and I’m surprised I spotted it in the first place!

They are nocturnal and are attracted to artificial lights. Their green color can fade to yellow over time.