Just a sampling of some of the common "little critters" of springtime here in Northeast Tennessee…
Here's one of our most common terrestrial salamanders - the Eastern Red-Backed Salamander. Most salamanders lay their eggs in water, but the Red-Backed babies mature inside their eggs (laid under logs, guarded by mom) and hatch out as miniature adults!
Here's another oddball salamander. Eastern Newts start off in the water, then grow to a land-dwelling stage called the Red Eft. Red Efts eventually mature into adult newts that return to the water.
One of the first damselflies of springtime here is the Aurora Damsel. This one was kind enough to perch for a close look.
Like the damselflies, mayflies spend their "baby days" in the water, but hatch out as flying creatures. But, while damselflies may live for several months as adults, mayflies adult life is usually a day or less…
It's been a great spring for the swallowtail butterflies. Here's a Tiger Swallowtail enjoying Fetterbush nectar…
A Pipevine Swallowtail feeding at a Dwarf Crested Iris…
And another Pipevine Swallowtail out enjoying the springtime sunshine.
This White-Lipped Forest Snail and I both hope you enjoyed seeing a few springtime invertebrates. Thanks in advance for your comments & suggestions.
Originally posted by lesmore49 
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