The Unstartled Steppes of Dream
I am Ashley.
This is my personal blog. If you want just marine biology, go here.
I love the world; I really don't like people.
I balance all this animosity towards the human race with being an almost always kind and gentle being to all creatures.
I'm highly introverted and nature is my primary escape from humanity.
Creepy-crawly-slimy things are my favorites. Dinosaurs are fantastic.
Future marine biologist; presently an amateur entomologist, ichthyologist, artist, biologist, and writer.
Literature, video game, and music connoisseur.
I'm so full of passion for the world that it hurts.
I think a lot, I laugh a lot, I love a lot.
Almost none of the photos are mine and only some of the drawings are mine.
Listen in.
Little slug friend hitting the old slimy trail on my porch. :3
Salamander found at Pratt’s Falls, NY.
The marine skater (Halobates sericeus) is a member of the only truly marine genus of insects. It spends virtually its whole life on the surface of the ocean in moderately warm regions.
Females, which are larger than males, lay their eggs on floatsam; these eggs hatch into nymphs that go through five instar phases before becoming adults.
(Source)
The dune snail bee (Osmia aurulenta) is important for pollinating sand-dune plants. Unlike honeybees, they carry pollen in the rows of hair under their abdomens.
Males of the species emerge earlier in the season than females do and immediately scout out territories that include a snail shell within them. When the females emerge, they choose a mate and move the shell to be in the ideal position to carry and shelter her eggs.
(Source)
While there are almost innumerable marine arthropods, few—if any—insects are considered to be truly marine. Pictured above are shore bristletails (Petrobius maritimus), which live along the coast of the British Isles. They’re fast movers and use tiny spikes, called styles, on their ventral side to help grip slippery substrate. These adorable little insects spend their time feeding on detritus and hiding in rock crevasses. When disturbed, they can use their abdomens to catapult themselves short distances to safety.
Extremely territorial humming bird that came after my face a few times when I wouldn’t step away from the feeder.
Cute arthropods found on the roof.
A species of crab spider laying in wait in the bell of a lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis).
Common North American millipedes (Narceus americanus) found in Theresa, NY.
Yellowjacket wasp of the genus Vespula that I found nearing its death in my cabin. I put it outside in an effort to save it, but I think I might have accidentally made it something’s lunch.
