Wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) can be distinguished from other local frogs by their dark “mask” extending back from each of their eyes. The rest of their body can vary from light tan to reddish brown; in fact, a single individual can vary their coloring seasonally. While other species, like the green frog, are often found in close proximity to water year round, wood frogs are rarely seen in association with water other than during the spring breeding season when they…
American dagger moths (Acronicta americana) are a fairly nondescript gray moth, perfect for camouflaging itself against mottled tree trunks during the day (see this BugGuide link for pictures of adult American dagger moths). The caterpillar of the species, on the other hand, is one of the fluffiest larval lepidopterans I’ve ever encountered. It is covered in dense hairs, called setae, which are yellow in younger instars and turn white as the caterpillar ages. There are also longer pairs of black…