Creature Feature: Let it Grow (Part 2)

Written by: Zachary Mork, Naturalist at JNC

Welcome to the fifth edition of our series where we uncover the origins and meanings of each month, and connect them to nature’s creatures. Last month’s edition focused on April, which discussed the buds and plants we see during the season of spring. This May will be a continuation of these spring references.

May is named after the Greek and Roman goddess known as Maia. Depending on the culture's mythology, Maia represented anything from fields, to growth, nourishment, and fertility. All of which are traits that continue to be associated with the season of spring. As more and more plants continue to grow and blossom throughout this month, let us investigate creatures that have connections to plants, both directly and indirectly. 

Stick Insects

Stick Insect

Known for their deception and camouflage, stick insects are members of the insect order known as Phasmatodea, of which there are approximately three thousand documented species. Some species of this group also happen to be some of the longest insects in the world!  Phasma comes from the Greek meaning “phantom”, likely referring to this insect's ability to blend in masterfully to its environment. Stick insects are herbivores, feeding on the leaves of trees and shrubs. At times, they display a rocking behavior, in which they move from side to side in a rhythm. Researchers have interpreted this act as a method to camouflage themselves by micking their environment, like a swaying branch in a breeze. 

It is not difficult to identify walking stick species within the state of Michigan. That is because there is only one species that is found: the Northern Walkingstick (Diapheromera femorata). This particular species is wingless, and is therefore limited from spreading tree to tree. Other characteristics about this species are its long antennae, which can grow up to approximately two thirds of its body length.

Orioles and their Nests

Baltimore Oriole and their nest

North American Orioles are members of the Icteridae family, which represents blackbirds of the New World (North and South America). Of the 108 species of Icterids, 32 are considered to be orioles. “Oriole” is derived from the latin aureolus, meaning “golden”. 

Michigan is home to the Baltimore oriole, named after its resemblance to a coat-of-arms of the English Lord Baltimore, who dates back to the 17th century. These birds spend their summer months in Eastern North America, and later migrate to the tropics of Central America and the southern tip of South America. When a female is ready to make a nest, they will tightly weave plant material into the shape of a pouch that then hangs at the end of a tree branch.

To spot the differences between males and females, look for a few field marks, such as the head and wings. A male's head is nearly all black, and displays white bars on their wings. Females will lack these characteristics, and will instead appear duller despite sharing the same coloration.