https://stevenefbrown.com/2023/11/25/not-that-giorgia/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_7128.jpgimg_7128https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/img_7133.jpgimg_71332023-11-25T12:34:22+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/10/14/scroll/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_6260.jpgimg_6260https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_6259.jpgimg_6259https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_6258.jpgimg_6258https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_6256.jpgimg_62562023-10-14T01:22:07+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/10/08/oakland-morning/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_5996-1.jpgimg_5996-12023-10-08T12:56:30+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/10/04/iraqi-independence-day/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/img_5897-1.jpgimg_5897-12023-10-04T01:01:37+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/09/30/busy-pollinators/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/img_5641-1.jpgimg_5641-1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/img_5661-1.jpgimg_5661-1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/img_5659-1.jpgimg_5659-1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/img_5647-1.jpgimg_5647-1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/img_5644-1.jpgimg_5644-12023-10-01T15:16:55+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/09/27/look-closely/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/img_5549.pngimg_5549https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/img_5548.pngimg_5548https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/img_5529.jpgimg_55292023-09-27T23:19:36+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/09/27/golden-hour/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/img_5541.jpgimg_55412023-09-27T01:41:19+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/08/20/alameda-hornets/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/img_4607.pngimg_46072023-08-20T00:38:05+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/05/01/tiny-pollinators/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/img_1380.jpgimg_1380https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/img_1389.pngimg_1389https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/img_1388.jpgimg_1388https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/img_1386.jpgimg_1386https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/img_1383.jpgimg_13832023-05-01T17:18:46+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/04/22/gondola-returns/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/img_1067.jpgimg_10672023-04-22T23:28:37+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/04/22/special-delivery/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/img_1058-1.jpgimg_1058-1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/img_1058.jpgimg_10582023-04-22T22:42:54+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/03/21/walking-with-their-shadows/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_0126.jpgimg_0126https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_0127.jpgimg_01272023-03-21T00:42:15+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/03/17/two-fires-at-once/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_0041.jpgimg_0041https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_0039.jpgimg_0039https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_0031.jpgimg_00312023-03-17T14:52:41+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/03/09/who-will-clean-up/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_9873.jpgimg_9873https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_9867.jpgimg_9867https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_9870.jpgimg_9870https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_9832.jpgimg_9832https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_9762.jpgimg_9762https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_9760.pngimg_9760https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_9759.jpgimg_9759https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_9758.jpgimg_9758https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_9745.jpgimg_9745https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_9750.jpgimg_97502023-03-13T16:15:05+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2023/03/09/another-homeless-camp-burns/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/img_9049.jpgimg_90492023-03-09T02:05:06+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2022/08/31/lake-merritt-massacre/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/img_3305.jpgimg_3305https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/img_3298.jpgimg_3298https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/img_3292.jpgimg_32922022-08-31T23:25:50+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2022/08/31/the-day-after/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/img_3289.jpgimg_3289https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/img_3290.jpgimg_3290https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/img_3287.jpgimg_3287https://stevenefbrown.com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ps://stevenefbrown.com/2022/03/20/burma-road-flowers/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/img_5926.jpegIMG_5926https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/img_5986.jpegIMG_5986https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/img_5936.jpegIMG_5936https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/img_5930.jpegIMG_5930https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/img_5940.jpegIMG_5940https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/img_5952.jpegIMG_5952https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/img_5959.jpegIMG_5959https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/img_5982.jpegIMG_5982https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/img_5900.jpegIMG_5900https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/img_5981.jpegIMG_59812022-04-29T03:39:21+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2022/04/18/turtle-bones/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/img_6867.jpgimg_6867https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/img_6865.jpgimg_6865https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/img_6864.jpgimg_6864https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/img_6862.jpgimg_6862https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/img_6861.jpgimg_6861https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/img_6860.jpgimg_6860https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/img_6858.jpgimg_68582022-04-18T00:05:20+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2021/04/07/solo-day-on-diablo/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/img_6847.jpgIMG_68472021-04-07T00:50:51+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2020/09/16/still-more-smoke/2020-09-16T17:38:40+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2020/09/14/more-pelican-party/2020-09-14T23:46:50+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2020/09/13/pelican-party/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2161.jpegIMG_21612020-09-13T22:32:12+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2020/07/29/cousin-to-a-peanut-bug/2020-07-29T03:58:07+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2020/07/03/raccoons/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_9921.jpegIMG_9921https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_9919.jpegIMG_9919Comparing the skulls.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_9916.jpegIMG_9916Comparing the skull to another in our collection.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_9903.jpegIMG_9903https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_9895.jpegIMG_9895Identifying each bone.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_9884.jpegIMG_9884Vertebrae, ribs and leg bones.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_9883.jpegIMG_9883Scapulae.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_9882.jpegIMG_9882The skull of our raccoon.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_9879.jpegIMG_9879The dog wanted to help.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/img_9872.jpegIMG_9872Washing the bones.2020-07-03T01:17:14+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2020/06/02/mt-diablo-opens-up/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_8910.jpegIMG_8910An assassin bug in the tall grass.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_8906.jpegIMG_8906Libellula saturata.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_8903.jpegIMG_8903https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_8893.jpegIMG_8893https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_8885.jpegIMG_8885The ring-necked snake coils up its shocking red tail to startle predators.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/img_8878.jpegIMG_8878We hiked to our favorite hidden pond.2020-06-02T22:49:52+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2020/05/26/campus-life/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8478.jpegIMG_8478A tour group on the lawn of South Hall.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8527.jpegIMG_8527Baby spiders.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8577.jpegIMG_8577Bombus (bumble bee) visiting a California poppy.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8575.jpegIMG_8575https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8557.jpegIMG_8557https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8555.jpegIMG_8555Ginkgo at the music building.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8548.jpegIMG_8548Dandelion in the faculty glade.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8523.jpegIMG_8523Baby spiders.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8511.jpegIMG_8511Foeniculum vulgare at Hearst Mining Building.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/img_8506.jpegIMG_8506Hordeum vulgare and Evans Hall.2020-09-17T05:14:37+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2020/04/18/wonderland-of-weeds/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6639.jpegIMG_6639Grass grows tall in Oakland's parks during the stay-at-home edict.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6627.jpegIMG_6627Walking across park lawns is now akin to crossing a deep meadow.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6623.jpegIMG_6623https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6621.jpegIMG_6621Two species of thistle.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6619.jpegIMG_6619https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6614.jpegIMG_6614https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6613.jpegIMG_6613Weeds spreading out like "islands" in a green sea.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6610.jpegIMG_6610https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6664.jpgIMG_6664A selection of grass species from the park by Lake Merritt.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6661.jpegIMG_66612020-04-18T18:36:36+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2020/04/18/market-crash-reach-for-war-and-peace/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/jacques-louis_david_-_the_emperor_napoleon_in_his_study_at_the_tuileries_-_google_art_project-1.jpgJacques-Louis_David_-_The_Emperor_Napoleon_in_His_Study_at_the_Tuileries_-_Google_Art_Projecthttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6581.jpegIMG_6581https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6579.jpegIMG_65792020-04-18T21:40:12+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2020/04/09/closed-campus/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6244.jpegIMG_6244The south entrance to campus at Telegraph Avenue.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6238.jpegIMG_6238A lone dog walker in Sproul Plaza.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6233.jpegIMG_6233Dwinelle Hall and Plaza.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6231.jpegIMG_6231Wheeler Hall on the right, home to the university's English Department.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6229.jpegIMG_6229The Chancellor is out, but beautiful flowers are blooming outside her offices.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6227.jpegIMG_6227https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6219.jpegIMG_6219Campus has "gone to the dogs." Here one frolics in front of the empty University Library.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6215.jpegIMG_6215https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6181.jpegIMG_6181Le Conte Hall, where some of the world's greatest physicists have worked.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/img_6179.jpegIMG_6179After this crisis, will universities rethink their investment in bricks and mortar? I hope not.2020-04-10T03:29:35+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/08/13/new-nymphs/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_4570.jpgIMG_4570https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_4569.jpgIMG_4569https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/img_4554.jpegIMG_45542019-08-13T02:02:34+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/07/26/ready-to-pounce/2019-07-26T19:12:57+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/07/26/a-hardworking-father/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_2578.jpegIMG_2578Thousands of tiny treefrogs bounced every which way on the muddy shore of the hidden pond.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_2588.jpegIMG_2588Checking the net.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_2611.jpegIMG_2611Hyla regilla, or Pseudacris regilla, is the Pacific Treefrog, with a voice made famous in Hollywood movies and TV shows.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_2608.jpegIMG_2608A tadpole, probably Rana draytonii, with back legs already emerging. Just above it is a backswimmer, Notonecta.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_2614.jpegIMG_2614Checking the pond.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_2604.jpegIMG_2604Although he has a painful bite, I was lucky this time!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_2602.jpegIMG_2602A male "toe biter" -- we think it's Belostoma bakeri -- carrying eggs on his back.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_2599.jpegIMG_2599The female Belostoma glues the eggs to his back so he can protect them and so they will also get plenty of oxygen as he swims around.2019-07-26T02:02:30+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/07/26/drinking-off-of-flowers/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_3771.jpgIMG_3771https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_3767.jpgIMG_3767When I misted the flowers with water, this nymph took a drink.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_3763.jpgIMG_3763We also have green morphs of the same species. They hang out on flowers because many flying insects visit.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/img_3758.jpgIMG_3758A Tenodera sinensis nymph after about three molts.2019-07-26T01:42:25+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/06/10/mantis-drinking/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1588.jpegIMG_1588https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1579.jpegIMG_1579https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1576.jpegIMG_15762019-06-10T03:38:00+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/06/10/an-unusual-meal/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1574.jpegIMG_1574https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1572.jpegIMG_1572https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1569.jpegIMG_15692019-06-10T03:27:56+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/06/05/assassins-ambush/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1397.jpegIMG_1397https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1395.jpegIMG_1395A second assassin bug on a different tree. The many hairs all over its body and powerful legs help it grasp prey.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1389.jpegIMG_1389Although Aesculus californicus flowers aren't supposed to be good for bees, the bees don't seem to know that.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1383.jpegIMG_1383https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1378.jpegIMG_1378Lurking in ambush beneath one bunch of blossoms was a black assassin bug with bright red warning markings.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1371.jpegIMG_1371It was 94 degrees at noon along Burma Road trail on Mt. Diablo.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1368.jpegIMG_1368Millions of tiny leafhoppers populated the fields. One is visible on this flower-seed head.2019-06-05T02:47:24+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/06/04/mantis-shadow/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1269.jpgIMG_1269https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1255.jpgIMG_1255https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1252.jpgIMG_1252A fruit fly, which the baby mantids eat, even on the first day of their lives.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1244.jpgIMG_1244These are Tenodera sinensis, or Chinese mantids.2019-06-04T00:54:55+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/06/03/blooming-buckeyes/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_0995.jpgIMG_0995https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_0994.jpgIMG_0994https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_0999.jpgIMG_0999https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1006.jpgIMG_1006https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1002.jpgIMG_10022019-06-03T02:44:12+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/06/03/mt-diablo-jumper/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1042.jpgIMG_1042Jumping spiders have enormous eyes and excellent binocular vision.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1041.jpgIMG_1041https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1040.jpgIMG_1040https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1039.jpgIMG_1039The spider is well camouflaged by its cryptic gray coloration and mottled markings.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1035.jpgIMG_1035https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1032.jpgIMG_1032https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/img_1030.jpgIMG_10302019-06-03T02:26:31+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/04/29/making-an-iaito-bag/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_9875.jpgIMG_9875https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_9876.jpgIMG_9876After sewing the first two layers together and turning them inside out.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_9878.jpgIMG_9878Marking the bottom of the V-shaped opening at the top of one side of the long bag. At this point, it has been sewed and reversed once.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_9879.jpgIMG_9879https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_9880.jpgIMG_9880https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_9882.jpgIMG_9882The completed and tied bag with my iaito inside.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_9869.jpgIMG_9869Measuring the fabric for the outer layer, 55 1/2 inches long.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_9873.jpgIMG_9873My nemesis, the Singer model 4423!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_9870.jpgIMG_9870The bag must me turned inside out twice as it is being sewed, so the seams will all be smooth on the outside.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img_9868.jpgIMG_9868I still have my notes from Nov. 2008, the last time I made one of these bags as a gift for someone.2019-04-29T04:13:20+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/04/23/a-tiny-amazing-moth/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9638.jpgIMG-9638https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9642.jpgIMG-9642https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9646.jpgIMG-9646https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9652.jpgIMG-96522019-04-23T03:36:48+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/04/23/scolopendra-polymorpha/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9698.jpgIMG-9698https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9701.jpgIMG-9701https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9704.jpgIMG-9704https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9709.jpgIMG-9709Cleaning one antenna by chewing along its entire length.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9721.jpgIMG-97212019-04-23T03:22:26+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2013/08/09/uc-berkeley-chancellor-nicholas-dirks-on-affirmative-action-middle-class/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/onlinecourse.jpgOnline Courses2019-04-13T02:57:17+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2011/11/08/robert-reich-occupy-movement-not-part-of-class-war/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/reich.jpgReich2019-04-13T02:52:39+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/04/13/swallowtail-landing/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9360.jpgIMG-9360https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9359.jpgIMG-9359https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9358.jpgIMG-9358https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9357.jpgIMG-9357https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9354.jpgIMG-9354https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9352.jpgIMG-9352https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9349.jpgIMG-9349https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9342.jpgIMG-93422019-04-13T02:39:51+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/04/01/glass-snails/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9029.jpgIMG-9029https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9028.jpgIMG-9028https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9037.jpgIMG-9037https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9042.jpgIMG-9042https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9046.jpgIMG-9046https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-8928.jpgIMG-8928https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-8930.jpgIMG-8930https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-8931.jpgIMG-8931https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9024.jpgIMG-9024https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-9025.jpgIMG-90252019-04-01T01:54:35+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/04/01/copyeditors-curse-redux/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-8918.jpgIMG-8918https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/img-8919.jpgIMG-89192019-04-01T01:05:23+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/03/05/drops-of-water/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img-7902.jpgIMG-7902https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img-7901.jpgIMG-7901https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img-7900.jpgIMG-7900https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img-7865.jpgIMG-7865https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/img-7864.jpgIMG-78642019-03-05T19:25:17+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/01/04/biennial/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_6411.jpgimg_6411https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_6409.jpgimg_6409https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_6408.jpgimg_6408https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/img_6407.jpgimg_64072019-02-27T01:36:09+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2019/02/27/tiger-beetle-and-death-beetle/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_7658.jpgIMG_7658https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_7657.jpgIMG_7657Tiger beetle, probably Omus californicus, with prominent mandibles. No vegetarian this!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_7486.jpegIMG_7486A hitchhiking or phoracic mite on the back of the Nicrophorus beetle. Note also the complex orange tip of the beetle's antenna, which can smell the chemicals released by a decaying body from far away.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_7483.jpegIMG_7483Nicrophorus guttula on a deer scapula.2019-02-27T01:32:53+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/12/03/hanging-in-there/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_5543.jpgIMG_5543This male Tenodera sinensis can hang upside down, or sideways, using tiny tarsal claws on the ends of his legs.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_5553.jpgIMG_5553Even the raptorial front legs, armed with sharp spines and spikes for seizing prey, have delicate walking claws at the ends.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_5562.jpgIMG_5562One of the long, walking legs showing the tarsal claws, which allow the insect to grasp and hang from even a narrow stem.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_5558.jpgIMG_5558The mantis can extend the delicate tarsi of its front legs and use them for climbing or walking.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_5564.jpgIMG_5564The tarsal claws can also grab a blade of grass or the edge of a leaf.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_5548.jpgIMG_5548The closest relatives of praying mantises are the cockroaches and termites, also in the Dictyopterida.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_5607.jpgIMG_5607The front legs are particularly well adapted for clutching prey.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_5577.jpgIMG_5577https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_5565.jpgIMG_5565Dictyopterida in Greek means "net wings." Here the cerci at the end of the insect's abdomen are visible.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/img_5592.jpgIMG_5592Look closely! A tiny white caterpillar on a blade of grass in the terrarium, too.2018-12-03T00:57:32+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/10/16/katydids/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3989.jpegIMG_3989https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_4005.jpegIMG_4005https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3993.jpegIMG_3993https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_4015.jpegIMG_4015https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_4032.jpegIMG_4032https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_4031.jpegIMG_4031https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_4018.jpegIMG_40182018-10-16T01:45:19+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/10/12/green-eyes-grows-up/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3819.jpegIMG_3819Both made in China.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3781.jpegIMG_3781https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3782.jpegIMG_3782https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3805.jpegIMG_3805https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3804.jpegIMG_3804https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3786.jpegIMG_3786https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3785.jpegIMG_3785https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3768.jpegIMG_3768The adult male Tenodera sinensis has a long, narrow abdomen and fully functional wings, although he isn't a particularly graceful flier.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3773.jpegIMG_3773https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3849.jpgIMG_38492018-10-12T01:47:14+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/10/09/tiny-wasp/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3638-crop.jpgIMG_3638 crophttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3655.jpgIMG_3655https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3638.jpgIMG_3638https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3637.jpgIMG_3637https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3658.jpgIMG_3658https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3653.jpegIMG_36532018-10-09T02:49:18+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/10/08/stridulation/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3572.jpegIMG_3572https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3569.jpegIMG_3569A closeup view of the cricket's wings.2018-10-08T03:18:56+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/10/02/wild-bees/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/img_3174.jpegIMG_3174Wild bees buzzing around a hole in a gnarled oak tree off Diablo View Trail in Briones Regional Park on Sunday.2018-10-02T04:53:17+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/09/27/two-cool-spiders/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2891.jpgIMG_2891https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2896.jpgIMG_2896https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2885.jpgIMG_2885https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2889.jpgIMG_2889https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2857.jpegIMG_2857https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2856.jpegIMG_2856https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2853.jpegIMG_2853https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2877.jpegIMG_2877https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2884.jpegIMG_2884https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2865.jpegIMG_28652018-09-27T02:29:05+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/09/26/bat-rays-are-back/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2831.jpegIMG_2831Kieran teaching an impromptu science class about the rays.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2824.jpegIMG_2824About five rays were hanging out in the sunshine near the bird islands at the top of the lake.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2834.jpgIMG_2834https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2837.jpgIMG_2837Myliobatis californica in Lake Merritt, Oakland, California.2018-09-26T00:42:29+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/09/25/hello-green-eyes/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2736.jpegIMG_2736https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2745.jpegIMG_2745Details of the heavily spiked raptorial front legs, used to seize prey.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_27301.jpegIMG_2730Markings on the inside of the front legs are used to startle predators in deimatic displays.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2748.jpegIMG_2748https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2760.jpegIMG_2760The lighter morph's legs shade between pale brown and green in places.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2727.jpegIMG_2727https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2693.jpegIMG_2693Mottling on the ventral side of the abdomen. Note the similar pattern, but different color, in the lighter morph.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2710.jpegIMG_2710https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2696.jpegIMG_2696https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2717.jpegIMG_2717Cerci at the end of the abdomen.2018-09-25T01:54:52+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/09/15/personal-grooming/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2447.jpgIMG_2447A green morph of the same species cleaning itself. Mantises spend a lot of time keeping their legs and antennae clean.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2373.jpgIMG_2373https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2385.jpgIMG_2385The mantis cleans one of its antennae.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2382.jpgIMG_2382Chewing the antenna clean.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2380.jpgIMG_2380The mantis chews along the length of the sensitive antenna to clean it.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2375.jpgIMG_2375A late instar Tenodera sinensis nymph. Mantises like to hang out near flowers, which attract flying insects.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2432.jpgIMG_2432https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2429.jpgIMG_2429https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2444.jpgIMG_2444Like some other mantids, Tenodera sinensis comes in green and brown morphs.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2417.jpgIMG_2417A closeup of antenna cleaning.2018-09-15T18:11:16+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/09/15/praying-mantis-eggs/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2341.jpgIMG_2341Our mother mantis chose a crevice at the roof of our net cage.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2348.jpgIMG_2348The ootheca is sticky when created, but it hardens into protective armor for the eggs. The young mantis nymphs will be born in spring.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2345.jpgIMG_2345Close up detail of the ootheca.2018-09-15T00:56:43+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/09/12/big-blueberry-pie/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2248.jpgIMG_2248https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2247.jpgIMG_2247https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2240.jpgIMG_2240Not a drop of leftover egg wash went to waste!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2239.jpgIMG_2239Instead of a crust wash of half milk and half cream, I used an egg wash for the first time.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2235.jpgIMG_2235Dotted with some butter.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2236.jpgIMG_2236As always, my trusty kitchen assistant was ready to help!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2238.jpgIMG_2238Making the lattice -- I tried a diagonal crossing rather than 90 degrees.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2234.jpgIMG_2234The filling in the crust.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2233.jpgIMG_2233I bought four pints of blueberries at Berkeley Bowl this morning. It took that much to fill the giant, 10-inch pie tin!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2246.jpgIMG_2246The crust browned nicely in the oven -- 400 degrees for 20 minutes, then 350 degrees for 35 minutes more.2018-09-12T01:02:35+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/09/11/phoracantha-recurva/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2205.jpgIMG_2205https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2201.jpgIMG_2201https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2199.jpgIMG_2199https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2194.jpgIMG_2194https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_2203.jpgIMG_22032018-09-11T01:07:38+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/09/05/argiope-trifasciata/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_1745.jpegIMG_1745A large, purple thistle on the hillside near the spider.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_1750.jpegIMG_1750The spider's view is pretty spectacular, although orb weavers don't have good vision to appreciate it! They find prey by vibrations in their web, not by sight.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_1749.jpegIMG_1749Argiope trifasciata, the "banded garden spider," often builds its web in tall dry grass, or, in this case, star thistle.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/img_1717.jpegIMG_1717A solo coyote crossing one of the dry summer fields in Briones. It's barely visible, right in the center of the photo.2018-09-05T23:06:38+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/01/praying-in-the-library/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/keeping-a-wary-eye-crop.jpgkeeping-a-wary-eye-crophttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/upside-down-ootheca.jpgUpside down oothecaLater at night she laid her eggs in an ootheca under a box on my balcony.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/stylish-mantis-2.jpgStylish mantis 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/stylish-mantis.jpgStylish mantishttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/let-your-fingers-do-the-walking.jpgLet your fingers do the walkinghttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/let-your-fingers-do-the-walking-2.jpgLet your fingers do the walking 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/keeping-a-wary-eye.jpgKeeping a wary eyehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/i-can-read-upside-down.jpgI can read upside downhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/checking-out-the-dog.jpgChecking out the doghttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/checking-me-out.jpgChecking me out2018-08-29T03:33:09+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/08/29/a-good-head-on-his-shoulders/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1826.jpgIMG_1826https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1825.jpgIMG_1825Some insects can function for quite a while without a head.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1833.jpgIMG_1833She kept an eye on his headless body, which retained its wings, as it wandered around. Later she pursued it and ate the rest of him.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1832.jpgIMG_1832She calmly finished off his front legs after he escaped.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1828.jpgIMG_1828https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1820.jpgIMG_1820The female eating her mate -- note she only has a tenuous grip on his spindly walking leg, yet she's already consumed his head.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1824.jpgIMG_1824As our female ate the male's head and shoulders, his decapitated body made a break for it!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1850.jpgIMG_1850A century ago, William Wheeler was Harvard's "ant man."2018-08-29T03:09:17+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/08/28/hungry-mother/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1771.jpgIMG_1771As she ate one male, the second one watched and waited for his chance.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1783.jpgIMG_1783https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1784.jpgIMG_1784One easy way to identify Mantis religiosa is by the "bullseye" pattern inside the front leg.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1763.jpegIMG_1763https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1760.jpegIMG_1760The large, hungry female, who had just eaten a grasshopper, promptly seized one of the males and ate him, starting by biting off his head.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1805.jpgIMG_1805https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1814.jpgIMG_1814Success!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1810.jpgIMG_1810https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1803.jpgIMG_1803Close up view of the male Mantis religiosa, showing the spines on his raptorial forelegs and also his large eyes, which can see in almost every direction, and offer binocular vision to the front.2018-08-28T01:15:50+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/08/13/crab-spider-catches-bee/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1414.jpegIMG_1414It was 95 degrees on Mt. Diablo on Sunday afternoon.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1394.jpegIMG_1394Crab spiders -- this one could be Misumena vatia or Misumenoides formosipes -- wait on flowers for flying insects to land.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1400.jpegIMG_1400Look closely, on that flower -- a spider has captured a bee!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1422.jpgIMG_1422The bee is much larger than the spider that caught it.2018-08-13T01:13:59+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/08/12/a-popular-praying-mantis/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1336.jpgIMG_1336https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1331.jpegIMG_1331https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/two-males.jpgTwo malesSoon after that, a second male climbed aboard!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/eating-a-grasshopper.jpgEating a grasshopperMother-to-be or not, she's still a predator, and caught and ate this grasshopper while mating.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/mantis-religiosa-female.jpegMantis religiosa femalehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/mantis-religiosa-female-2.jpegMantis religiosa female 2This female mantis can't fly as she is too heavy. The slender, smaller males fly about in search of her.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/carrying-two-males.jpgCarrying two malesThe female is big and strong enough that she carried both males on her back as she crawled around the cage.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/eating-a-snack.jpgEating a snackhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/first-male-in-place.jpgFirst male in placeWithin minutes of our arrival one of the males climbed onto the female to mate with her.2018-08-12T00:58:27+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/08/06/a-day-in-the-swamp/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1199.jpgIMG_1199https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1193.jpgIMG_1193https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1173.jpgIMG_1173https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1180.jpgIMG_1180https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1187.jpgIMG_1187https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1207.jpgIMG_1207https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1206.jpgIMG_1206https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1204.jpgIMG_1204https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1189.jpgIMG_1189https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/img_1197.jpgIMG_11972018-08-06T00:53:34+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/07/15/tarantula-hunter/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pepsis_0386.jpegPepsis_0386https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pepsis_0387.jpegPepsis_0387https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pepsis_0385.jpegPepsis_03852018-07-15T23:46:03+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/07/13/spider-and-snail/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/helix-aspersa-climb-1.jpgHelix aspersa climb 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/helix-aspersa-climb-2.jpgHelix aspersa climb 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/helix-aspersa-climb-3.jpgHelix aspersa climb 32018-07-13T02:26:30+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/07/08/spider-drinking/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/araneus-drinking-1.jpgAraneus drinking 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/araneus-drinking-2.jpgAraneus drinking 22018-07-11T13:02:49+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/07/07/building-a-web/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_0226.jpgIMG_0226https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/img_0227.jpgIMG_02272018-07-07T03:50:43+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2018/02/26/praying-mantis-birth/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mantis-religiosa-nymphs-crop.jpgMantis religiosa nymphs crophttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mantis-religiosa-nymphs-4.jpgMantis religiosa nymphs 4https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mantis-religiosa-nymphs-3.jpgMantis religiosa nymphs 3https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mantis-religiosa-nymphs-2.jpgMantis religiosa nymphs 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/mantis-religiosa-nymphs-1.jpgMantis religiosa nymphs 12018-02-26T23:29:46+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/10/24/desk-lamp-monarch/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/butterfly-on-nose-crop.jpgButterfly on nose crophttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/monarch-on-lamp.jpgMonarch on lamphttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/chrysalis-close-up.jpgChrysalis close uphttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/kieran-and-monarch.jpgKieran and Monarchhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/butterfly-in-hand.jpgButterfly in handhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/butterfly-on-nose.jpgButterfly on nose2017-10-24T01:22:54+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/10/24/rattlesnake-dissection/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/studying-the-liver.jpgStudying the liverThe snake's long, thin liver.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/studying-the-liver-2.jpgStudying the liver 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/liver-closeup.jpgLiver closeupA close up of the liver. All the snake's organs have to fit inside its long, narrow body.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/lung-tissue.jpgLung tissueSpongy tissue of the lung.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/final-disposition.jpgFinal dispositionhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/musculature-of-the-head.jpgMusculature of the headMuscles of the head.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/side-of-the-head.jpgSide of the headhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/major-venom-gland.jpgMajor venom glandWe cut open one of the major venom glands on the roof of the mouth.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/snake-skin.jpgSnake skinDrying the skin.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/dog-and-snake.jpgDog and snakeAs always, our trusty assistant was there to help!2017-10-24T01:02:48+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/09/16/oncopeltus-fasciatus/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/oncopeltus-nymphs.jpgOncopeltus nymphsNymphs of Oncopeltus fasciatus.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/oncopeltus-adults.jpgOncopeltus adultsTwo adults of Oncopeltus fasciatus mating.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/nymphs-clustered-on-a-leaf.jpgNymphs clustered on a leafNymphs often cluster in large numbers.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/nymph-eating-a-seed.jpgNymph eating a seedThe nymphs actually eat the seeds of the milkweed plant, and can be found on its seed pods.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/nymph-eating-a-seed-2.jpgNymph eating a seed 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/nymph-eating-a-seed-3.jpgNymph eating a seed 3https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/nymph-eating-a-seed-4.jpgNymph eating a seed 4The nymph's proboscis is visible piercing the seed.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/nymph-eating-a-seed-5.jpgNymph eating a seed 5https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/milkweed-seed.jpgMilkweed seedDetail of a milkweed seed.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/nymph-wing-bud-detail.jpgNymph wing bud detailOncopeltus fasciatus undergoes incomplete metamorphosis -- unlike butterflies, the young bugs look similar to the adults.2017-09-16T00:25:10+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/09/16/drawing-a-dragonfly-twice/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/first-drawing-outline.jpgFirst drawing outlineFor the first drawing, I measured the dragonfly and multiplied everything by two.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/first-drawing-2.jpgFirst drawing 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/first-drawing-3-body-color.jpgFirst drawing 3 body colorhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/first-drawing-4-wing-detail.jpgFirst drawing 4 wing detailIn the first drawing I left the complex wing veins for last, but didn't draw them in complete detail.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/first-drawing-5-complete.jpgFirst drawing 5 completeThe first drawing completed.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/second-drawing-start.jpgSecond drawing startFor the second drawing, a day or two later, I started with the complex wing veins and the crosshatching on the compound eyes.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/second-drawing-midway.jpgSecond drawing midwayhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/second-drawing-3.jpgSecond drawing 3https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/second-drawing-done.jpgSecond drawing donehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/anax-junius-bullseye.jpgAnax junius bullseyeAnax junius is known by the "bullseye" on its head.2017-09-23T14:31:57+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/24/green-algae-thats-orange/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/orange-algae-distance.jpgOrange algae distanceA strange patch of orange in the wind-bent cypress trees caught my eye.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/orange-algae-underneath.jpgOrange algae underneathThough it looks at first glance like lichen, this is actually a species of Trentepholia, a free-living green alga that sometimes partners with fungi to form lichens.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/orange-algae-along-boughs.jpgOrange algae along boughsTrentepholia grows on tree bark where there's plenty of moisture in the air, such as along California's coast.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/orange-algae-in-cypress.jpgOrange algae in cypresshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cypress-with-orange-algae.jpgCypress with orange algaehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cypress-cone-with-algae.jpgCypress cone with algaeA cypress cone with Trentepholia growth.2021-07-08T15:41:58+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/24/megalorchestia-californiana/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/megalorchestia-palm-crop.jpgMegalorchestia palm crophttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/megalorchestia-on-sand.jpgMegalorchestia on sandMegalorchestia californiana, the "California Beach Flea."https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/megalorchestia-in-hand.jpgMegalorchestia in handhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/megalorchestia-field-guide.jpgMegalorchestia field guidehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/megalorchestia-macro-eye.jpgMegalorchestia macro eyeA detailed view of the beach flea's compound eye.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/megalorchestia-antenna-detail.jpgMegalorchestia antenna detailhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/megalorchestia-body-segments.jpgMegalorchestia body segmentsLegs and the translucent plates of its body segments.2017-07-24T15:33:39+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/17/blackberry-peach-pie/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cut-peach1.jpgCut peachThe peaches were fantastic.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/top-dough-rolled-out.jpgTop dough rolled outI rolled the top round out as a rectangle, so I could slice it into long strips.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/lattice-top-start.jpgLattice top startStarting the lattice top.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/lattice-top-2.jpgLattice top 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/lattice-top-3.jpgLattice top 3https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/edge-trimmed-and-folded.jpgEdge trimmed and foldedSome people fold the edge over-under, but I like to fold the lower round up over the edges of the lattice.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/perfect-pie.jpgPerfect pieAfter about an hour of baking, first at 400 degrees and then at 375, the pie is perfect!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/melon-baller1.jpgMelon ballerSometimes I use a mellon-baller to clean out the center of fruit.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/crimping.jpgCrimpingCrimping with a fork helps the crust stay closed during baking.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/canine-assistant.jpgCanine assistantAs usual, my canine assistant is ready!2017-07-17T22:03:37+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/17/corymbia-flowers/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/corymbia-tree-blooming.jpgCorymbia tree bloominghttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/corymbia-red-1.jpgCorymbia red 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/corymbia-red-2.jpgCorymbia red 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/corymbia-red-3.jpgCorymbia red 3https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/corymbia-white.jpgCorymbia whitehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/corymbia-red-4.jpgCorymbia red 4https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/corymbia-red-5.jpgCorymbia red 5https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/corymbia-fruit.jpgCorymbia fruithttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/corymbia-drawing-1.jpgCorymbia drawing 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/corymbia-drawing-2.jpgCorymbia drawing 22017-07-17T17:52:17+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/14/drawing-a-gopher-snake/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/snake-dark-spots.jpgSnake dark spotshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/snake-base-color.jpgSnake base colorhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/snake-spotting.jpgSnake spottinghttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/snake-scales.jpgSnake scaleshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/snake-illustration-complete.jpgSnake illustration completehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/pituophis-illustration-1.jpgPituophis illustration 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/pituophis-coloring.jpgPituophis coloringhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/pituophis-catenifer-detail.jpgPituophis catenifer detailhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/gopher-snake-1.jpgGopher snake 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/snake-on-a-letter.jpgSnake on a letter2017-07-14T15:57:30+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/12/dancing-aphids/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/parasitic-wasp-emerging.jpgParasitic wasp emergingThe tiny wasp, Lysiphlebus testaceipes, doesn't always make a successful exit from an aphid mummy. This one got tangled up during emergence and died.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/lygaeus-kalmii.jpgLygaeus kalmiihttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/lygaeus-kalmii-2.jpgLygaeus kalmii 2Milkweed bugs (Lygaeus kalmii) are also bright colored due to their toxicity.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/aphis-nerii-mummy-2.jpgAphis nerii mummy 2A "mummy" of a dead aphid, caused by the larva of a tiny, parasitic wasp.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/aphis-nerii-crowd.jpgAphis nerii crowdA crowd of Oleander Aphids (Aphis nerii) on a milkweed stem.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/aphis-nerii-mummies.jpgAphis nerii mummiesAnother aphid "mummy."2017-07-12T19:20:32+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/11/gilgameshs-dream/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/gilgamesh-dream.jpgGilgamesh dreamhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/gilgamesh-letter.jpgGilgamesh letter2017-07-11T15:53:26+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/11/assassin-bug-dont-touch/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/assassin-bug-1.jpgAssassin bug 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/assassin-bug-2.jpgAssassin bug 2An assassin bug in the genus Apiomerus. The red colors are a warning to predators, and the sticky hairs help it grab and hold prey.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/assassin-bug-3.jpgAssassin bug 3The assassin bug has a sharp beak used to pierce the arthropod armor of the insects it attacks. It also serves to pierce the skin of anyone foolish enough to pick it up!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/assassin-bug-4.jpgAssassin bug 4Assassin bugs are true bugs, as evidenced by the X pattern of their wings on their abdomens.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/assassin-bug-5.jpgAssassin bug 5The sticky hairs on the assassin bug's legs help it catch and hold prey. Some species also have sticky hairs all over their body, which pick up bits of dirt and pollen to camouflage them as they wait in ambush on flowers.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/apiomerus-sketch.jpgApiomerus sketchA good way to get to know an insect is to sketch it.2018-07-13T16:05:17+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/10/a-wasp-at-first-glance/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wasp-moth-2.jpgWasp moth 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/wasp-moth-1.jpgWasp moth 12017-07-10T16:10:38+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/10/hydrophilus-triangularis/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bullfrog-pond.jpgBullfrog pondThe bullfrog pond is ringed by much more green growth -- tall reeds and rushes -- than in past years.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/htriangularis1.jpgHtriangularis1Hydrophilus triangularis has a sleek, streamlined body and legs adapted for swimming. It appears black at first sight…https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/htriangularis2.jpgHtriangularis2Seen in the right light, though, Hydrophilus triangularis shows a beautiful green sheen.2017-07-10T15:49:46+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/07/downtown-oakland-fire/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fire-view-from-kaiser.jpgFire view from Kaiserhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_5926.jpgIMG_5926https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/img_5927-1.jpgIMG_5927-12017-07-07T15:53:26+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/06/molting-aint-at-all-easy/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/tsinensis-macro.jpgTsinensis macro2017-07-06T17:46:17+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/06/tenodera-sinensis-attack/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/hungry-tsinensis.jpgHungry Tsinensis2017-07-06T21:51:52+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/06/mount-diablo-badger/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/taxidea-3.jpgTaxidea 3https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/taxidea-2.jpgTaxidea 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/taxidea-1.jpgTaxidea 12017-07-06T16:18:07+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2017/07/06/cicadas-once-in-a-blue-moon/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/platypedia-4.jpgPlatypedia 4https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/platypedia-3.jpgPlatypedia 3https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/platypedia-2.jpgPlatypedia 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/platypedia-1.jpgPlatypedia 12017-07-06T15:53:54+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2016/08/22/sea-hares-return/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/pipefish.jpgPipefishA pipefish, which is a relative of sea horses. Probably in the genus Syngnathus.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/aplysia-in-hand.jpgAplysia in handA large, adult sea hare.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/aplysia-face.jpgAplysia faceThe "ears" on top of an Aplysia's face give it the nickname "sea hare."https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/aplysiae-on-shore.jpgAplysiae on shoreTwo large sea hares we carried (temporarily) ashore. They make a vivid purple ink for defense.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/aplysia-underwater.jpgAplysia underwaterA large sea hare in Lake Merritt.2016-08-22T22:44:26+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2016/08/20/more-mantis-molting/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/cannibal-remains.jpgCannibal remainsAll that was left of one of two Mantis religiosa we carried home in the same container!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dining-out-2.jpgDining out 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dining-out.jpgDining outA large Mantis religiosa eating a bee in the grass in Briones Regional Parkhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/rear-detail.jpgRear detailAnother view of the wings.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/wing-detail.jpgWing detailDetails of the delicate wings, which still hadn't dried and hardened.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/side-view-close-up.jpgSide view close uphttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/side-view-with-shed-skin.jpgSide view with shed skinhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/view-from-above.jpgView from aboveIn the morning we found our mantis had molted. It was already much larger than its cast-off skin, below.2016-08-21T22:29:52+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2016/08/20/dragonfly-day/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/aeshna-5.jpgAeshna 5https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/aeshna-4.jpgAeshna 4https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/aeshna-3.jpgAeshna 3https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/anax-1.jpgAnax 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/aeshna-2.jpgAeshna 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/aeshna-1.jpgAeshna 12016-08-21T22:27:49+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/beetle/2016-08-14T03:44:35+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2016/08/11/mites-on-a-harvestman/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mites-3.jpgMites 3https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mites-2.jpgMites 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mites-1.jpgMites 1Mites attached to a harvestmen found in lower Redwood Park.2016-08-11T16:53:11+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2016/07/27/mantis-ecdysis/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mantis-exo-detail-spines.jpgMantis exo detail spinesInsects and other arthropods wear their skeletons on the outside.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mantis-exo-detail-spines-2.jpgMantis exo detail spines 2The shed skin showing the serrated spines of the raptorial front legs.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mantis-exo-detail-tarsus.jpgMantis exo detail tarsusThe shed skin of the foot preserves all the detail, including the tarsal claws and sensory hairs.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/head-and-antennae.jpgHead and antennaeEven the long, hair thin antennae were carefully withdrawn from the old exoskeleton, leaving unbelievably thin empty tubes.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/abdomen-of-shed-skin.jpgAbdomen of shed skinThe empty abdomen of the cast skin.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/prothorax-and-head.jpgProthorax and headThe shed skin of the head, including the long, delicate antennae.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/wing-buds.jpgWing budsA magnified view of the shed skin, showing the hole in the back of the thorax where the insect broke free. Note the translucence of the skin, and the details of the four wings.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/size-comparison.jpgSize comparisonA size comparison between the adult and its shed skin.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/green-mantis-face.jpgGreen mantis faceThe long, delicate antennae were carefully pulled out of their old, tubular shells.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/tips-of-new-wings.jpgTips of new wingsThe tips of the new, full-length wings.2016-07-27T20:45:46+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2016/07/11/another-argiope-aurantia/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/argiope-in-field-web.jpgArgiope in field webArgiope aurantia in her native habitat.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/argiope-abdomen-detail.jpgArgiope abdomen detailhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/argiope-abdomen-2.jpgArgiope abdomen 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/argiope-cephalothorax.jpgArgiope cephalothoraxhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/argiope-abdomen-side-view.jpgArgiope abdomen side viewhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/argiope-spiny-leg-detail.jpgArgiope spiny leg detailhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/argiope-in-hand.jpgArgiope in handA spider in the hand is worth two in the bush!2016-07-11T15:10:46+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2016/07/11/new-green-mother/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/peucetia-stare.jpgPeucetia stareThe green lynx has settled in nicely, living on a plant that is exactly her color.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/lynx-lunch.jpgLynx lunchLast week, our green lynx lunched on an unwary meadow katydid.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/brown-mantis.jpgBrown mantisMantis religiosa arrived in the United States from Europe by ship in 1899, and has flourished ever since.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/green-mantis.jpgGreen mantisMantis religiosa, another ambush hunter in our terrarium.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/lynx-guarding-eggs.jpgLynx guarding eggsThe green lynx perches on her egg sac, wrapping her long, spiny legs around it.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/lynx-atop-egg-sac.jpgLynx atop egg sacThe mother lynx spider protects her eggs.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/lynx-legs-detail.jpgLynx legs detailPeucetia longipalpis atop her egg bundle.2016-07-11T14:47:53+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2016/06/27/rubyspots-and-vivid-dancers/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/queen-ant.jpgQueen antA queen ant, rescued from a spider's web above the creek.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/queen-ant-2.jpgQueen ant 2A winged queen ant, caught in a spider's web after her nuptial flight.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/exuvia.jpgExuviaThe exuvia, or cast-off skin of a damselfly.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/gyrinae.jpgGyrinaeWhirligig beetles.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/hetaerina-americana-male.jpgHetaerina americana maleA male American Rubyspot damselfly. https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/hetaerina-americana-side-view.jpgHetaerina americana side viewHetaerina americana, the American Rubyspot. The males use the bright red patches on their wings to attract mates.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/argia-vivida-side-view.jpgArgia vivida side viewArgia vivida, the Vivid Dancer.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/argia-vivida-stare.jpgArgia vivida stareArgia vivida.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/hiking-in-alameda-creek.jpgHiking in Alameda CreekHiking in Alameda Creek in Sunol.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/pacifastacus.jpgPacifastacusA large, grumpy crayfish.2016-06-27T00:56:19+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2016/06/21/green-lynx/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/lynx-eye-pattern.jpgLynx eye patternThe spider's legs and even its cephalothorax are translucent.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/lynx-eye-pattern-2.jpgLynx eye pattern 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/lynx-leg-setae.jpgLynx leg setaehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/lynx-abdomen.jpgLynx abdomenPeucetia longipalpis is the same color as the plants it prefers to hide on.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/lynx-cephalothorax-ventral.jpgLynx cephalothorax ventralThe opening of one of the spider's book lungs is visible just behind the fourth leg, a pale opening into the abdomen.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/lynx-ventral-view.jpgLynx ventral viewA view from beneath the spider, showing the coxae, or attachments of the legs to the cephalothorax.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/lynx-dorsal-white-chevron.jpgLynx dorsal white chevronThe white markings on the spider's abdomen identify her as P. longipalpis, rather than the more common P. viridans.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/lynx-face.jpgLynx facePeucetia longipalpis hunts by ambush or stalking.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/lynx-leg-shadow.jpgLynx leg shadowA shadow across the spider's abdomen shows the long setae, or sensory hairs.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/lynx-legs-and-eyes.jpgLynx legs and eyes2016-07-02T14:59:33+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2016/06/18/new-insects-and-spiders/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/assassin-bug-peek.jpgAssassin Bug peekThe assassin bug peeks through the grass in one of our terrariums. It stalks other insects, moving slowly, and then grabs them with its powerful front legs, which are covered with hairs that help capture prey.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/flower-beetle.jpgFlower beetleA beetle from the Serpentine Prairie. This species is often found inside flowers.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/treehopper.jpgTreehopperA treehopper.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/katydid-stare.jpgKatydid stareA katydid.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/katydid-abdomen.jpgKatydid abdomenThis katydid is a nymph, with its wings still not fully grown.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/orb-weaver.jpgOrb weaverAn orb weaver that spins its web in the grass on the Serpentine Prairie.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/orb-weaver-2.jpgOrb weaver 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/tree-hopper-2.jpgTree hopper 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/assassin-bug-ventral.jpgAssassin Bug ventralThe underside of our assassin bug.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/assassin-bug-dorsal.jpgAssassin Bug dorsalAn assassin bug from Mt. Diablo. The vivid red colors warn DON'T TOUCH!2016-06-18T04:38:34+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/11/23/bones-big-and-small/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/vertebra.jpgVertebraEven the vertebrae were enormous.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/pile-of-bones.jpgPile of bonesIn the tall grass we eventually found nearly all the bones of a long-dead cow, except the skull and some of the ribs. We did find two ribs and many vertebrae.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/tiny-mouse-bones.jpgTiny mouse bonesWe suspect that owls or hawks roost in the dead tree, since we found so many rodent bones.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/trunk-full-of-bones.jpgTrunk full of bonesBig bones in the boot of our car.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/muddy-trail.jpgMuddy trailhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/silhouetted-oaks.jpgSilhouetted oaksSilhouettes of huge oaks in the park.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/mouse-femur.jpgMouse femurA close up of the tiny mouse femur.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/femora.jpgFemoraAt home, we compared two femora.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/mouse-skulls-and-bones.jpgMouse skulls and bonesKieran organized the mouse bones beside his bed.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/in-his-bed.jpgIn his bedYou're not a true osteologist unless you sleep with your collection in your bed!2015-11-23T00:59:36+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/11/23/weird-galls/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/trunk-fungus.jpgTrunk fungusNot a gall, but rather an enormous fungus growing from the trunk of an oak tree!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/steep-slopes.jpgSteep slopesThe steep slopes of Mt. Diablo are covered with oak trees of many species.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/urchin-gall.jpgUrchin gallAn urchin gall made by Antron quercusechinus.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/more-crystal-galls-close.jpgMore crystal galls closeAnother view of A. crystallinus galls.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/double-handful.jpgDouble handfulSome leaves were completely covered with a mini forest of fuzzy galls.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/crystalline-galls-on-tree.jpgCrystalline galls on treeAndricus crystallinus galls on leaves still attached to an oak tree.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/andricus-crystallinus-galls.jpgAndricus crystallinus gallsTiny crystalline galls on a fallen oak leaf. We found thousands of these galls.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/double-oak-apple-reverse.jpgDouble oak apple reverseOak apple galls grow from the branches, rather than from the leaves.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/double-oak-apple.jpgDouble oak appleA double "oak apple" gall.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/crystal-gall-close-up.jpgCrystal gall close upA close view of a leaf with the A. crystallinus galls.2015-11-23T01:45:28+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/11/17/university-botanical-garden/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/tall-trunks.jpgTall trunkshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/viburnum-cinnamomifolium.jpgViburnum cinnamomifoliumhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/yellow-star-leaves.jpgYellow star leaveshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/tallest-tree.jpgTallest treehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/tropical-flower.jpgTropical flowerhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/sharp-prickers.jpgSharp prickershttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/tillandsia-lindeni.jpgTillandsia lindenihttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/rhododendron-arboreum.jpgRhododendron arboreumhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/rhododendron-mucronatum.jpgRhododendron mucronatumhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/creeping-devil-cactus.jpgCreeping Devil Cactus2015-11-17T20:57:32+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/09/30/if-i-only-had-a-brain/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/thumbs-up.jpgThumbs upReady to begin.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/sketching-the-brain.jpgSketching the brainKieran sketched the brain, noting some of its parts.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/holding-the-brain.jpgHolding the brainAt last he got to hold the brain, something he'd been eager to do!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/final-analysis.jpgFinal analysisIt was a good science project!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/dissection-gear.jpgDissection gearWe spread out all our dissecting equipment, and opened some old anatomy books to the diagrams of the human brain.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/cutting-the-brain.jpgCutting the brainHe cut the brain apart using a plastic knife included in the dissection kit. It's much easier to cut up a brain than to cut the tough heart muscle.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/brain-diagram.jpgBrain diagram"LITL BRAN" (little brain) and "BRAN ZTEM" (brain stem) plus "2HMZFERZ" (2 Hemispheres)https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/a-bit-of-brain.jpgA bit of brainHe examined parts of the brain after cutting them off.2015-09-30T16:28:33+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/09/30/cancer-carapaces/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/crab-carapaces.jpgCrab carapaces2015-09-30T16:08:24+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/07/09/uses-of-sea-slug-ink/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/doodle-sniff.jpgDoodle sniffhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/writing-with-it.jpgWriting with itThe ink was OK, but not great, for calligraphy.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/color-faded.jpgColor fadedThe color immediately washed out.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/net-splash.jpgNet splashYou never know what sort of wildlife you will encounter in Lake Merritt.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/aplysia-in-lap.jpgAplysia in lapSea hares are quite large. Our dog was very curious about them.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dipping-white-fabric.jpgDipping white fabricWe tested sea hare ink as a cloth dye...https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/dripping-white-fabric.jpgDripping white fabricThe ink did color the cloth at first...https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rinse.jpgRinseRinsing the cloth in water, though, quickly removed the color.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/aplysia-ink.jpgAplysia inkWe collected the viscous, violet ink of three large sea hares.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/letter-arrived.jpgLetter arrivedThe letter arrived the next day, so Aplysia ink seems to meet U.S. Post Office standards!2015-07-09T19:29:41+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/06/26/aplysia-invasion/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/sea-hare-ears.jpgSea hare earsAplysia are dubbed "sea hares" because of these ear-like projections.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/reaching-net.jpgReaching netYou can find a lot of curious creatures just by sweeping a net in the lake.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/purple-ink-on-hands.jpgPurple ink on handsYou might find a sea hare. Good thing the ink doesn't stain skin or clothes!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ink-blast.jpgInk blastThe color of the red marine algae they eat shows up in their shocking ink blast.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hah-toro.jpgHah toroAplysia californica up close.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/dripping-net.jpgDripping netYou never know what will turn up in the net!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/aplysiae-with-egg-mass.jpgAplysiae with egg massTwo sea hares with their tangled string egg mass.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/aplysia-left-turn.jpgAplysia left turnAn Aplysia in Lake Merritt this week.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/alameda-aplysia.jpgAlameda AplysiaWe first met Aplysia californica on the shore in Alameda.2015-06-26T00:09:50+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/06/15/u-s-navy-needs-you-as-a-proofreader/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/sonobuoy.jpgSonobuoyHow do you spell sonobuoy?2015-06-15T23:25:25+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/04/22/water-scorpion/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/sketch.jpgSketchI sketched the aquatic insect after we first found it.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/head-eyes-beak.jpgHead eyes beakThe sharp beak it uses to pierce the exoskeleton of its prey is visible here.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/raptorial-arms.jpgRaptorial armsLike a praying mantis, the water scorpion has evolved raptorial arms.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/four-walking-legs.jpgFour walking legshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/breathing-tube.jpgBreathing tubeThe breathing "tube" is two long filaments with bristles on them.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/four-legs.jpgFour legshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/head-and-thorax.jpgHead and thorax2015-04-22T17:08:27+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/04/22/euphydryas-chalcedona/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/top-view-of-head.jpgTop view of headhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/bottom-view-of-head.jpgBottom view of headhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/drying-out-in-terrarium.jpgDrying out in terrariumhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/release.jpgReleaseWe set the butterfly free in Redwood Park, where there's plenty of monkeyflower.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/just-emerged-from-chrysalis.jpgJust emerged from chrysalisThe new checkerspot just emerged from its chrysalis.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/wing-flexing.jpgWing flexing2015-04-22T17:03:11+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/04/22/another-crab-spider/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/setae-on-legs.jpgSetae on legsThe long, sensory hairs called setae are visible on the spider's legs. Crab spiders have very long front legs for capturing their prey.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/crab-spider-on-thistle.jpgCrab spider on thistleThis female waited patiently on a yellow thistle bloom.2015-04-22T16:52:28+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/03/13/swamp-study/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/trail-to-the-pond.jpgTrail to the pondEven our scanty winter rain has draped the hills in green!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/sampling-the-water.jpgSampling the waterUsing a pipette with a rubber bulb to sample the water.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pipette-sample.jpgPipette samplePutting the water sample in a container.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/in-the-second-pond.jpgIn the second pondThe second pond was much larger.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/checking-the-net.jpgChecking the netWe used various sweep nets to capture all sorts of creatures, including tadpoles, insects, and scuds.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/testing-depth.jpgTesting depthhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/first-day-bullfrog.jpgFirst day bullfrogOn our first day we caught the biggest bullfrog we've ever seen.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/second-day-hike.jpgSecond day hikeReturning on the second day, we hiked to a different pond.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/second-day-frog.jpgSecond day frogA medium sized frog from the second pond.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/second-day-frog-2.jpgSecond day frog 2On the second day we caught (and released) four or five big frogs.2015-03-13T01:03:27+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/03/13/close-up-world/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/crab-spider-on-poppy.jpgCrab spider on poppyThe spiders legs resemble the filaments inside the flower.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/crab-spider-on-petal.jpgCrab spider on petalA crab spider perched on a poppy petal.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/mantis-religiosa-nymph.jpgMantis religiosa nymphA newly hatched nymph of Mantis religiosa.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/bullfrog-eye.jpgBullfrog eyeOne of the bullfrogs we captured.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/new-damselfly.jpgNew damselflyDozens of frail, pale new damselflies dried their wings on the raft of duckweed atop the water.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/stenopelmatus-in-hand.jpgStenopelmatus in handA big Jerusalem cricket.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/stenopelmatus-in-hand-2.jpgStenopelmatus in hand 2Though the cricket, called a Potato Bug by some, looks scary, it is a harmless vegetarian.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/katydid-nymph.jpgKatydid nymphThe tiny nymph of a katydid we caught in our sweep net.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/cyclosa-turbinata-with-fly.jpgCyclosa turbinata with flyCyclosa turbinata is not afraid to tackle prey bigger than itself!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/stenopelmatus-spurs.jpgStenopelmatus spursJerusalem crickets use the spurs on their legs to dig tunnels underground.2015-03-13T01:02:01+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/03/06/have-a-heart/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/note-taking.jpgNote takinghttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/eagle-claw-scalpel.jpgEagle claw scalpelhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pig-heart.jpgPig hearthttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/wooden-probe.jpgWooden probehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/scissors-cut.jpgScissors cuthttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/looking-at-the-heart.jpgLooking at the hearthttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/studying-the-muscle.jpgStudying the musclehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/looking-inside.jpgLooking insidehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/final-study.jpgFinal study2015-03-06T17:42:21+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/03/06/train-trip/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/train-steps.jpgTrain steps2015-03-06T17:31:07+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/02/11/newt-ponds/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/daphnia.jpgDaphniaA Daphnia-type water flea seen through our microscope.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/copepod.jpgCopepodThe water teemed with tiny reddish copepods.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/nets-ready.jpgNets readyWe brought a lot of different nets! It was a day of mixed rain and sunshine, so we dressed for wet weather and ended up shedding layers, then putting them back on.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/small-blue-net.jpgSmall blue netKieran used a small fish tank net to catch creatures in the water.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/flooded-pond.jpgFlooded pondWater levels are much, much higher than they were a year ago.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/netting-newts.jpgNetting newtsThere were so many newts it was easy to catch three or four in a single swipe of the net.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/fossil-show.jpgFossil showKieran showed some marine fossils he found on the trail to his grandfather.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/on-the-muddy-trail.jpgOn the muddy trailOn the hike to the ponds.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/taricha-torosa.jpgTaricha torosaThis year the newts were healthy and happy looking.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/last-year-low-water.jpgLast year low waterA year ago there wasn't much water, and the rims of the ponds were mud flats.2015-02-12T14:49:15+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/01/25/first-monarch/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/butterfly-nose.jpgButterfly nosehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/ready-to-go.jpgReady to goWhen he was ready to fly away, we put him outside on some bushes in our terrarium.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/close-up-side.jpgClose up sidehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/close-up-wings-open.jpgClose up wings openhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/close-up-wings-shut.jpgClose up wings shuthttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/just-emerged.jpgJust emergedAfter splitting the shell of its chrysalis, the butterfly extended and expanded his wings.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/proboscis-close-up.jpgProboscis close upThe coiled tongue, or proboscis, is visible on the head.2015-02-06T13:05:39+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/01/16/caterpillar-dance/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8428.jpgIMG_8428The caterpillar found a perfect perch on a rack of bleached deer antlers Kieran brought home from Mt. Diablo last year.2015-01-16T19:21:50+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/01/12/chrysalis/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/caterpillar-curled-in-cage.jpgCaterpillar curled in cageOur largest caterpillar curled up at the top of its little cage.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/caterpillar-curled-2.jpgCaterpillar curled 2It spent most of the day motionless in this position.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/eating.jpgEatingThe other two are still busy eating, eating, eating. They are four or five times larger than a week ago.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/caterpillar-curled.jpgCaterpillar curledSometimes it curled a little tighter, other times it relaxed. It had fastened itself to the roof with a bit of strong silk.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/still-at-it.jpgStill at itEating, eating, eating.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/chrysalis-1.jpgChrysalis 1Overnight, the caterpillar transformed into a lovely green and gold chrysalis.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/chrysalis-2.jpgChrysalis 22015-01-12T19:18:05+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/01/12/gondola-sunset/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/two-gondolas-1.jpgTwo gondolas 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/two-gondolas-2.jpgTwo gondolas 22015-01-12T01:41:15+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/01/11/dinner-time/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8017.jpgDanaus plexippus 1Salad, anyone? Our Monarch caterpillars never stop eating, and they've tripled in size in a week.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8046.jpgDanaus plexippus 2The bitter milkweed makes Monarchs taste bad, which is why the adults are bright orange, to warn predators.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8054.jpgAraneus diadematusOur Cross Orb Weaver caught a fly for her dinner.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8067.jpgAraneus diadematus 2The species takes its name from the cross on its abdomen.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_8076.jpgAraneus diadematus 32015-01-11T00:31:47+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/01/09/ultraviolet-scorpion/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/close-up-hands.jpgClose up handsA scorpion in the hand is worth two in a bush!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/small-scorpion-in-hands.jpgSmall scorpion in handsA tiny Vaejovid scorpion.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_4483.jpgIMG_4483https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_4496.jpgIMG_4496Even our smallest scorpion, which could crouch on a dime, is easily spotted.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_4766.jpgIMG_4766Our scorpions hunt by waiting with claws wide for another critter to come along.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/img_4770.jpgIMG_4770No matter where they hide in the vegetation, the UV light finds them!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/big-uv-scorpion.jpgBig UV scorpionOur largest Uroctonus mordax, about 3 cm long.2015-01-09T00:48:08+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/01/08/hungry-hungry-caterpillar/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/caterpillar-1.jpgCaterpillar 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/caterpillar-2.jpgCaterpillar 22015-01-08T03:51:15+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/01/07/myliobatis-californicus/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bat-ray-belly-up-crop.jpgBat Ray belly up crophttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bat-ray-dorsal-surface.jpgBat Ray dorsal surfaceWe flipped it over to get a look at the dorsal side.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bat-ray-tooth.jpgBat Ray toothWe extracted one of the Bat Ray's curious teeth, which are used for cracking shellfish and crabs.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bat-ray-belly-up-on-shore.jpgBat Ray belly up on shoreThe dead ray lay belly up on the south shore of the lake.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bat-ray-tail.jpgBat Ray tailThough some of the long, whiplike tail was missing, we found the stump of the sting there.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bay-ray-head.jpgBay Ray headhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/bat-ray-face.jpgBat Ray faceThe eyes were damaged but still clearly visible.2015-01-07T15:00:26+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2015/01/07/caterpillars-and-chrysalis/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/swallowtail-caterpillars-2.jpgSwallowtail caterpillars 2Kieran spotted two fat Anise Swallowtail caterpillars on his way home from school in May.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/swallowtail-caterpillars.pngSwallowtail caterpillarshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/monarch-caterpillar-2.jpgMonarch caterpillar 2One of Kieran's Monarch caterpillars, happily munching milkweed.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/knotted-thread.jpgKnotted threadIt was very difficult to knot the thread holding the chrysalis in place.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/chrysalis-and-thread.jpgChrysalis and threadI tied the tumbled chrysalis to my desktop lamp.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/monarch-caterpillar.jpgMonarch caterpillarAnother Monarch caterpillar.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/chrysalis-close-up.jpgChrysalis close upA close up of the chrysalis tied to my lamp.2015-01-07T01:05:02+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/12/12/flood-patrol/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/summertime-pond.jpgSummertime pondIn dry summer months, the ponds are tiny.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/greater-egret.jpgGreater egretA greater egret.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/where-does-the-water-go.jpgWhere does the water goWhere does all that water go?https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/flooded-pond.jpgFlooded pondThe overflow ponds are doing their job -- this one has grown five- or sixfold.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/in-the-cattails.jpgIn the cattailsCattails along the overflow pond beside the estuary.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/wading.jpgWadingWading in the lake, which is at a very high flood stage.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/testing-playground-gear.jpgTesting playground gearTesting playground equipment.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/sequoia-cone.jpgSequoia coneThe cone of a giant sequoia, about the size of an egg.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/flood-patrol.jpgFlood patrolSuited up and ready for flood patrol!2014-12-12T00:36:17+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/11/24/mount-diablo-magic/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/marine-fossils.jpgMarine fossilsKieran found several sets of Turitella fossils.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/marine-fossils-close.jpgMarine fossils closeFossils of marine shells.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fungus-and-moss.jpgFungus and mossFungus and moss growing on a boulder.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/reading-beowulf.jpgReading BeowulfWe drank hot chocolate and read Beowulf in the forest.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/red-cone-galls-close.jpgRed cone galls closeRed cone galls.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/white-oak-leaf.jpgWhite oak leafA fallen white oak leaf shows what passes for autumn colors out here.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/more-serpentinite.jpgMore serpentiniteAnother chunk of green serpentinite, our state rock.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/red-cone-galls.jpgRed cone gallsTiny red cone galls on a white oak leaf. They're formed by a tiny wasp, Andricus kingi.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ancient-beer-can.jpgAncient beer canPeople have been partying up on Mt. Diablo for decades -- here's an ancient beer can with a pull tab.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/handful-of-galls.jpgHandful of gallsSome trees had more than one type of gall on them -- here's an enormous oak apple gall, made by the wasp Andricus quercuscalifornicus, and several leaves with red cone galls.2014-11-24T00:38:27+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/11/15/termite-friday/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/alate-scrum.jpgAlate scrumThese termites live out their lives literally under our feet.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/z-angusticollises.jpgZ angusticollisesA soldier and large nymphs of Zootermopsis angusticollis.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/z-angusticollis-worker.jpgZ angusticollis workerA large Zootermopsis worker or nymph.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/checking-the-tank.jpgChecking the tankBecause of their lifestyle and relative hardiness, Z. angusticollis are relatively easy to keep and observe in captivity.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/z-angusticollis-soldier.jpgZ angusticollis soldierA large soldier of Zootermopsis angusticollis.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/r-hesperus-emerging.jpgR hesperus emergingReticulitermes hesperus alates emerging from two holes in the trail.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/observing-r-hesperus.jpgObserving R hesperusYoung eyes at work!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/leaping-into-flight.jpgLeaping into flightEven a tiny pebble gives a bit of height and makes a launching platform!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/z-angusticollis-jar.jpgZ angusticollis jarOur makeshift termite tank.2014-11-15T01:55:07+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/11/15/another-spider/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/a-diadematus-crop-1.jpgA diadematus crop 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_2241.jpgIMG_2241https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/argiope-aurantia.jpgArgiope aurantiaEarlier in the summer a fat mama Argiope aurantia made her web in the foliage of Kieran's terrarium.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/a-diadematus-crop.jpgA diadematus crop2014-11-15T01:28:59+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/11/15/geophilomorph/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_1978.jpgIMG_1978So much to learn, so little time!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_1985.jpgIMG_1985Lithobiomorph, or stone centipede, on the left, and Scutigera on the right.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_2232.jpgIMG_2232Soil centipedes are curious creatures who always have an odd number of pairs of legs, from 31 to 181.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_2235.jpgIMG_2235Not only can they walk and run with so many legs, they are equally comfortable moving forward or backward.2014-11-15T01:11:56+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/11/15/minuscule-mushrooms/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_2287.jpgIMG_2287https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_2290.jpgIMG_2290https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_2292.jpgIMG_2292https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_2284.jpgIMG_2284https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_2299.jpgIMG_22992014-11-15T00:48:38+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/11/14/crab-spider/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/crab-spider-main-image.jpgCrab spider main imagehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/crab-spider-crop.jpgCrab spider crop2014-11-14T03:12:48+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/11/14/mushrooms/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/copper-cap.jpgCopper caphttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/white-in-wood-chips.jpgWhite in wood chipshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/tiny-copper-caps.jpgTiny copper capshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/tiny-umbrellas.jpgTiny umbrellashttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/fallen-flowers.jpgFallen flowershttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/yellow-leaf-with-drops.jpgYellow leaf with dropshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/spangled-leaf.jpgSpangled leafOvernight rain spangled the world with tiny silver droplets.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/tiny-droplets.jpgTiny dropletshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cap-in-the-leaves.jpgCap in the leaveshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/star-cap.jpgStar cap2014-11-14T02:52:10+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/11/07/cactus-lemonade-and-chess/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/getting-started.jpgGetting startedWe used 2 cups of water, the juice of 2 lemons, and 2 prickly pear fruits.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/scooping-out-1.jpgScooping out 1Kieran enjoyed scooping out the guts of the fruit.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/captured-pieces.jpgCaptured piecesWe played two chess games and drank all the lemonade.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/scooping-out-2.jpgScooping out 2The prickly pear stains the lemonade a vivid color.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/blending.jpgBlendingHe enjoyed running the blender.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/strained-into-pitcher.jpgStrained into pitcherWe strained the liquid to remove the seeds.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ready-to-drink.jpgReady to drinkKieran loves this drink because of its color.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/delicious.jpgDeliciousHe drank as much as he could.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/what-move-to-make.jpgWhat move to makePondering his next move.2014-11-07T02:29:57+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/11/03/aliens-in-the-lake/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/stalking-crabs.jpgStalking crabsWe waded in the lake with nets this morning.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nudibranchs-in-tube.jpgNudibranchs in tubeKieran, with his sharp eyes, spotted and caught a half dozen nudibranchs in the lake.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/nudibranchs-on-my-desk.jpgNudibranchs on my deskNudibranchs on my desk.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/single-nudibranch-in-tube.jpgSingle nudibranch in tubeA nudibranch climbs the side of the container.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/spider-crabs-in-containers.jpgSpider crabs in containersWe plopped the spider crabs in bowls of lake water to study them.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/spider-crab-and-pachygrapsus.jpgSpider crab and PachygrapsusWe also caught a shore crab, Pachygrapsus, on the right.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/spider-crab-in-hand.jpgSpider crab in handOne of the spider crabs Kieran found.2014-11-03T03:26:07+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/10/29/bonsai-bougainvillea/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/bonsai-bougainvillea-close.jpgBonsai bougainvillea closeA bonsai bougainvillea in full bloom!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/b-glabra-plaque.jpgB glabra plaquehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/bonsai-bougainvillea-in-situ.jpgBonsai bougainvillea in situhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/dwarf-pine.jpgDwarf pinePint-sized pine.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/japanese-maple.jpgJapanese mapleAcer palmatum, a Japanese maple.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/garden-in-oakland.jpgGarden in OaklandThe bonsai garden is another treasure practically in the shadow of downtown buildings.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/azalea.jpgAzaleaAn azalea.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/general-grant.jpgGeneral GrantThe famous "General Grant" tree, well over a century old.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/pomegranate.jpgPomegranatePuny pomegranate.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/tiny-redwood.jpgTiny redwoodReduced redwood.2014-10-29T02:48:35+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/10/29/copyeditors-curse-ii/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/star-wars-cover.jpgStar Wars coverI've been reading the original "Star Wars" trilogy aloud to my son.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/hirsute-tantalus.jpgHirsute TantalusAnd my copyeditor's curse has struck again on page 180!2014-10-29T02:35:10+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/10/22/new-spider/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_8731.jpgIMG_8731https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_8738.jpgIMG_8738https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_8757.jpgIMG_87572014-10-22T21:30:11+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/10/13/vireyas/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/orange-blooms-1.jpgOrange blooms 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/orange-blooms-2.jpgOrange blooms 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/orange-blooms-3.jpgOrange blooms 3https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/pink-blooms-1.jpgPink blooms 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/edanoi-ssp.jpgEdanoi ssphttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/white-blooms.jpgWhite bloomshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/epiphyte-vireya.jpgEpiphyte Vireyahttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/pink-blooms-and-leaves.jpgPink blooms and leaveshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/yellow-blooms.jpgYellow blooms2014-10-13T17:49:00+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/10/04/oaklands-bee-hotel/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/bee-hotel-2.jpgBee hotel 2Oakland's bee hotel uses wood of all types and nesting spaces of many diameters. Some spaces are packed with sawdust, and there are even some paper drinking straws for use as nest tubes!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/bee-hotel-1.jpgBee hotel 1A sign near the hotel gives information about some of the tenants.2014-10-04T03:45:40+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/10/04/trachemys-scripta/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/meditation.jpgMeditationKieran is also keen on meditating in the Japanese Garden.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/close.jpgClosehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/closer.jpgCloserhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/nearly-touching.jpgNearly touchinghttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/should-i-grab-it.jpgShould I grab ithttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/taking-a-peek.jpgTaking a peekhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/got-it.jpgGot ithttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/you-take-a-look.jpgYou take a look2014-10-04T03:06:47+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/09/20/bones/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/gull-skull-3.jpgGull skull 3A gull skull found on Alameda's Crab Cove beach.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/vertebrae-study.jpgVertebrae studyVertebrae are conserved -- they look very similar in many different creatures, from shrews to whales.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/squirrel-skull.jpgSquirrel skullA California Ground Squirrel skull found in Briones.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/bovine-skull.jpgBovine skullA big skull at a friend's house.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/assembly-required.jpgAssembly requiredKieran has a replica human skull, too, that he got for Christmas.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/bison-jaw.jpgBison jawI bought him the mandible of a bison.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/deer-mandible.jpgDeer mandibleHe found this deer mandible himself in a dry Mt. Diablo creek bed.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/shark-jaws.jpgShark jawshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/what-should-i-do.jpgWhat should I dohttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/which-connects-to-which.jpgWhich connects to which2014-09-20T00:59:27+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/09/18/finger-puppets/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/nuts-on-a-bench.jpgNuts on a benchWhile resting in the palmetum we found a lot of palm nuts.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/palm-nut-pile.jpgPalm nut pileKieran collected a handful of suitable nuts and brought them home.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/palm-nut-faces.jpgPalm nut facesWe used a marker to draw faces on the nuts.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/fitting-on-fingers.jpgFitting on fingersWill they fit? Some have perfect holes in the bottom, while others have holes in the side, perhaps chewed by squirrels.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/checking-them-out.jpgChecking them outKieran tries the nuts on his fingers.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/five-finger-nuts.jpgFive finger nutsThe nuts are perfect for finger puppets!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/palm-trees.jpgPalm treesThe crepuscule of the palmetum is a cool refuge on a hot day like today.2014-09-18T01:57:06+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/09/11/lunchbox-pictures/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/blue-morpho.jpgBlue Morphohttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/burying-beetle.jpgBurying beetlehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/mantis-mama.jpgMantis mamahttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/mantis-juvenile.jpgMantis juvenilehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/migratory-grasshopper.jpgMigratory grasshopperhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/cicada-skin.jpgCicada skinhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/bat.jpgBathttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/w-pond-turtle.jpgW pond turtlehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/baby-water-striders.jpgBaby water stridershttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/bullfroglet.jpgBullfroglet2014-09-11T23:34:35+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/09/11/arboreal-salamander-eggs/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/aneides-lugubris.jpgAneides lugubrisOne adult salamander was nearby.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/a-lugubris-with-eggs.jpgA lugubris with eggsOne adult Aneides guarded the clutch of dangling eggs.2014-09-11T23:29:02+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/09/11/lakeside-garden/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/vespula-pennsylvanica.jpgVespula pennsylvanicaYellow jacket drinking.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/trachemys-scripta.jpgTrachemys scriptaKieran spots a red-eared slider.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/v-pennsylvanica-in-flight.jpgV pennsylvanica in flightA yellow jacket comes in for a landing.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/sciurus-niger.jpgSciurus nigerA fox squirrel.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/sceliphron-caementarium.jpgSceliphron caementariumSceliphron caementarium, a yellow-and-black mud dauber.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/sciurus-niger-sipping.jpgSciurus niger sippingFox squirrel gets a drink.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/looking-for-the-turtle.jpgLooking for the turtleKieran scouts the pond for the turtle.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/skipper-1.jpgSkipper 1A skipper type butterfly.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/skipper-2.jpgSkipper 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/acer-palmatum.jpgAcer palmatumJapanese maple.2014-09-11T01:10:34+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/09/10/flat-tire/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/nap-time.jpgNap timeThat was rough! Time for a nap!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/tire-back-into-rim-1.jpgTire back into rim 1Easing the tire back onto the rim with my fingers only -- this is to avoid piercing it again with a tool.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/tire-back-into-rim-2.jpgTire back into rim 2At last, it's back in and the tire is seated on the rim.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/wheel-back-on.jpgWheel back onUsing a wrench to put the wheel back on. The tension device comes after this.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/tension-device-restored.jpgTension device restoredhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/wheel-off.jpgWheel offI got the wheel and the tension device off carefully.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/tire-levers.jpgTire leversMy tire levers -- an essential tool for changing a flat -- were gone! Kieran likes to steal them because they make great spaceships. I looked everywhere and couldn't find them, so I had to go to the bike shop and buy more!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/patch-ready.jpgPatch readyPreparing to put on the patch.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/tube-and-patches.jpgTube and patchesI got my patch kit ready -- it has glue, sandpaper, chalk to mark the spot where the hole is, and patches.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/patch-in-place.jpgPatch in placeOnce the patch is on …2014-09-10T20:44:04+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/09/10/mouse-in-a-bottle/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/tiny-top-view.jpgTiny top viewIt was so tiny it could have crouched on a coin.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/curious-creeping.jpgCurious creepingWhiskers working!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/mouse-in-bottle.jpgMouse in bottlehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/mouse-face.jpgMouse facehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/side-view.jpgSide viewhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/hanging-mouse.jpgHanging mouse2014-09-10T17:18:13+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/09/10/fistful-of-alligator-lizards/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/first-elgaria-long-tail.jpgFirst Elgaria long tailAlligator lizards have a very long tail compared to the length of their body.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/first-release.jpgFirst releaseKieran carefully set the first lizard on a rock to release it.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/first-release-2.jpgFirst release 2Releasing the first lizard.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/peering-at-first-one.jpgPeering at first oneKieran carefully studied the first alligator lizard we caught.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/watch-out-they-bite.jpgWatch out they biteHe knows from our previous experience that they bite, and so is careful.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/elgaria-closeup.jpgElgaria closeupA closeup of the colorful scales on the lizard's back.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/prehensile-tail.jpgPrehensile tailElgaria use their prehensile tail in climbing.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/second-elgaria.jpgSecond ElgariaStudying the second lizard.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/sypetrum-corruptum.jpgSypetrum corruptumWe also caught a dragonfly, which I think was Sympetrum corruptup, a species of meadowhawk.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/studying-s-corruptum.jpgStudying S corruptumKieran held the dragonfly carefully before setting it free.2014-09-10T03:10:25+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/09/05/in-oaklands-palm-garden/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_2199.jpgIMG_2199https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_2237.jpgIMG_2237https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_2155.jpgIMG_2155https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/agapanthus.jpgAgapanthushttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/red-berries-peeking.jpgRed berries peekinghttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_2175.jpgIMG_2175https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_2182.jpgIMG_2182https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_2184.jpgIMG_2184https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_2188.jpgIMG_2188https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/img_2191.jpgIMG_21912014-09-05T00:38:55+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/09/02/how-to-mail-ants/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/formica-closeup.jpgFormica closeuphttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/blank-envelope.jpgBlank envelopeFind an envelope to hold the tube and whatever else you're sending.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/addressing.jpgAddressingAddress the envelope.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/post-office.jpgPost officeHead to your local post office, because it will take a bit of extra postage.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/formica.jpgFormicaThen get back out in the field and find some new ants to study! These are some species of Formica, I think, from San Bruno.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ants-under-20x.jpgAnts under 20XKieran's fire ants under 20 power magnification.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/ants-under-10x.jpgAnts under 10XI took a couple photos using my iPhone camera through the eyepiece of the microscope. Here they are under 10 power lenses.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/transport-tube.jpgTransport tubeA small plastic tube with a snap closed lid is perfect for mailing.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/colored-ant-sketch.jpgColored ant sketchA colored illustration I made of one ant.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/sketches-2nd-set.jpgSketches 2nd setI made a second, more detailed set of sketches using the scope.2014-09-02T03:41:05+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/09/02/red-legged-frog/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/night-searching.jpgNight searchingWe often stay past dark to hunt for frogs with flashlights.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/night-frogs.jpgNight frogsThe lights reflect from their eyes and also seem to mesmerize them, which makes it a bit easier to catch them.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/a-tiny-damselfly.jpgA tiny damselflyWe always find dozens of tiny, delicate damselflies.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/bullfrog-belly.jpgBullfrog bellyThe bullfrog's belly also looks strikingly different.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/rana-catesbeiana-face.jpgRana catesbeiana faceThe American bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, looks quite different.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/shrunken-pond.jpgShrunken pondThe pond, though shrunken, is far from dry (photo taken from the middle, where it's about five feet deep).https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/young-bullfrog.jpgYoung bullfrogEven when they're barely adults, bullfrogs are already huge!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/p-regilla.jpgP regillaWe also find plenty of Pseudacris (Hyla) regilla, or Pacific Tree Frogs.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/checking-out-rana.jpgChecking out RanaKieran was thrilled to find a species we'd never encountered before.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/checking-out-rana-2.jpgChecking out Rana 2He examined the new frog carefully, from all sides.2014-09-02T03:32:54+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/09/02/snake-in-the-grass/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/snake-in-the-grass.jpgSnake in the grassKieran spotted our climbing serpent and had a good laugh.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/aquatic-garter-snake.jpgAquatic garter snakeThamnophis atratus -- this juvenile small enough to fit comfortably on my palm.2014-09-02T03:32:01+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/28/fire-ants/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ants-under-scope.jpgAnts under scopeThat tiny reddish dot under the microscope is a pile -- yes a pile -- of five or six ants!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ant-notes.jpgAnt notesMy notes and sketches after examining the ants under our microscope.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ant-books.jpgAnt booksWe've got some wonderful ant books. But even that ain't enough for an easy ID.2014-08-28T03:39:53+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/25/diablo-delights/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/antlers-in-lap.jpgAntlers in lapAfter finding this, Kieran declared he wanted to be an osteologist.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/first-deer-skull-diablo.jpgFirst deer skull DiabloThis isn't the first deer skull we've discovered on Mt. Diablo. We found another several years ago.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/holding-up-bones.jpgHolding up bonesThe purpose of our expedition was to look for bones.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/skunk-in-its-den.jpgSkunk in its denA striped skunk in its den.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tarantula-climb.jpgTarantula climbhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/spotting-a-striped-skunk.jpgSpotting a striped skunkWith his sharp eyes, Kieran spotted the skunk before I did.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/head-rack.jpgHead rackhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/mephitis-mephitis.pngMephitis mephitisAnd out of it!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/beautiful-feather.jpgBeautiful featherKieran collected feathers as we explored, mostly from wild turkeys, whose dinosaurian footprints were visible in the dust of the trail.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tarantula-other-shoulder.jpgTarantula other shoulderWhich wandered over Kieran!2014-08-25T15:21:12+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/23/speedy-sweet-potato-pie/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/eaten-with-relish.jpgEaten with relishAfter the picnic -- everyone loved it!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/all-done1.jpgAll doneAll done!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/butter-and-sugar.jpgButter and sugarButter and sugar for the pie filling.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/sweet-potatoes-ready.jpgSweet potatoes readyThe boiled bits of sweet potato, ready to be pureed.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/mashed-sweet-potatoes.jpgMashed sweet potatoesTwo cups of mashed sweet potatoes, and a bit more for a big pie like this one.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ready-to-mix-filling-0838.jpgReady to mix filling 0838Filling ready to mix at 8:38.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/ready-to-pour-0841.jpgReady to pour 0841Ready to pour into the pie shell at 8:41.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/in-the-oven.jpgIn the ovenInto the oven a moment later.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/poured-0843.jpgPoured 0843Poured into the shell at 8:43.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/finished-pie-1010.jpgFinished pie 1010Pie done baking at 10:10. A big pie like this takes 75 minutes or more at 350 degrees F.2014-08-23T22:14:06+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/19/my-fathers-pencils/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/pencils-on-my-desk.jpgPencils on my deskMy father collected pencils almost like fetish objects.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/pencils-box-2.jpgPencils box 2They came from many countries. "Moustache Brand" No. 2 smooth drawing pencils from Briarcliff, N.J. anyone?https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/overview-1.jpgOverview 1A rainbow of pencils.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/overview-detail.jpgOverview detailhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/overview-detail-2.jpgOverview detail 2Manufacturers used to put a lot of effort into branding their pencils. Does this level of love, effort, elan, still exist?https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/chung-hwa-boxes.jpgChung Hwa boxesHe had several boxes of Chinese pencils.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/boxed-pencils-1.jpgBoxed pencils 1Beside them were others from Germany (made in Malaysia, though) and Tennessee.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/pencils-box-3.jpgPencils box 3https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/red-and-green.jpgRed and greenUtrecht professional red drawing pencils in various grades, plus a Kimberly 2H from the U.S.A.'s "General Pencil Co." and a Castell 9000 H from Germany.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/overview-top.jpgOverview topSome pencils were made triangular, so they wouldn't roll off the table. Japanese pencils look like a package of chopsticks.2021-05-03T06:50:00+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/19/tarantula/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doe-and-fawn.jpgDoe and fawnKieran spotted a doe and fawn grazing at the top of a hill.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/doe-and-fawn-wave.jpgDoe and fawn waveHe waved to them.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tarantula-1.jpgTarantula 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tarantula-2.jpgTarantula 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tarantula-3.jpgTarantula 3https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tarantula-4.jpgTarantula 4https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tarantula-5.jpgTarantula 5https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/tarantula-6.jpgTarantula 6https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gastropod-fossil-page.jpgGastropod fossil pageWe're not sure what they are, but we're working on it.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/marine-fossils-mt-diablo.jpgMarine fossils Mt DiabloSome gastropod fossils in the rocks in Little Pine Creek's dry bed.2014-08-19T22:04:30+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/19/trip-to-the-library/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/water-dog-lake.jpgWater Dog LakeWe also did some field work over the weekend at Water Dog Lake in Belmont. Good and muddy.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/now-you-see-rana.jpgNow you see RanaSunday evening we caught Rana catesbeiana in Briones. Now you see him!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/now-you-dont-see-rana.jpgNow you dont see RanaAnd now you don't!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/triceratops-skulls.jpgTriceratops skullsThe library has Triceratops skulls in its lobby.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/using-the-dictionary.jpgUsing the dictionaryUsing the dictionary to look up "beetle."https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/snakes-top-view.jpgSnakes top viewSnakes in the library!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/counting-human-teeth.jpgCounting human teethCounting human teeth (and checking the two of his that are loose).https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/amer-j-bot.jpgAmer J BotReading his grandfather's paper in the American Journal of Botany.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/exposed-to-art.jpgExposed to artBack outside on campus, I exposed Kieran to some art, and he decided to truly appreciate it he had to climb it.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/holding-r-catesbeiana.jpgHolding R catesbeianaIt's important to combine library research with field work, and soon we'll be back in the field!2014-08-19T02:49:19+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/15/drawing-a-beetle/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/outline-plus-pencils.jpgOutline plus pencilshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/outline.jpgOutlinehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/shading-the-thorax.jpgShading the thoraxhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blackening-legs.jpgBlackening legshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/shading-the-elytra.jpgShading the elytrahttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/done.jpgDone2014-08-15T00:49:22+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/12/new-dragonfly/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dragonfly-drying-3.jpgDragonfly drying 3Because the delicate wings have been folded up, accordion style, inside the tight skin of the nymph, it is a long and risky process to unfold them and prepare for flight.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dragonfly-drying-2.jpgDragonfly drying 2The bullseye pattern on the dragonfly's head, a characteristic of Anax junius, is visible.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/dragonfly-drying.jpgDragonfly dryingThe imago, or adult, had fully emerged from the nymphal shell, and was drying and extending its wings.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/exuviae.jpgExuviaeThe cast off exuviae of darner dragonflies, collected near the Lake Merritt estuary.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/exuviae-2.jpgExuviae 2The cast off exuviae of darner dragonflies, collected near the Lake Merritt estuary.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/diary-dragonfly.jpgDiary dragonflyI had already written about the previous night's emergence in the diary I keep for my son.2014-08-12T15:18:41+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/09/copyeditors-curse/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gaudy-night-goal-for-gaol.jpgGaudy night goal for gaol"Jukes was removed to goal."https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/new-lattimore-page.jpgNew Lattimore pageIn the shiny, new edition, "sceptered" was changed to "scattered."https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/munro-and-allen-cover.jpgMunro and Allen coverIf you don't happen to have a handy bound edition of the Greek text around, it is also online!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/iliad-a-282-greek-text.jpgIliad A 282 Greek textThe Greek text from Munro and Allen's edition.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/original-lattimore-page.jpgOriginal Lattimore pageThe page of my old edition of Lattimore, marked with my underlinings, has "sceptered."https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/gaudy-night-cover.jpgGaudy Night coverGaudy Night, when Harriet Vane returns to Oxford.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/new-lattimore-iliad-cover.jpgNew Lattimore Iliad coverI looked forward to reading the new edition of Lattimore's classic translation.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/old-lattimore-cover.jpgOld Lattimore coverMy old, beloved college edition of Lattimore's translation.2014-08-09T18:58:07+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/09/writing-a-letter/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/night-letter-view.jpgNight letter viewI finished the letter late last night.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/anax-and-envelope.jpgAnax and envelopehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/first-letter.jpgFirst letterWriting the first letter of he address.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/first-name.jpgFirst nameI learned calligraphy from Alfred Fairbank's 1932 book, A Handwriting Manual.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/second-letter.jpgSecond letterSome people measure and draw faint pencil lines to get things straight, but I just eyeball it.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/second-name.jpgSecond nameI leave the crossing of the Ts until the words are done.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/crossing-the-ts.jpgCrossing the TsTs can be crossed with a flourish.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/second-line.jpgSecond lineAgain, I just eyeball the angles and position of the second line. I don't get out my protractor.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/second-line-2.jpgSecond line 2I like larger initial capitals.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/post-office-box.jpgPost office boxThe double F in "Office" gives a chance for a fun flourish.2014-08-09T15:56:43+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/07/devils-darning-needle/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/first-look.jpgFirst lookWe were careful how we held it -- two fingers gently on the thorax, where those mighty wing muscles are. That way we didn't touch its wings.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/does-the-bernouli-principle-apply.jpgDoes the Bernouli principle applyKieran held it carefully, and the insect buzzed its wings in his hand. When he let it free, it flew swiftly away.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/how-does-this-thing-fly-1.jpgHow does this thing fly 1Dragonflies haven't changed much in hundreds of millions of years. Why mess with success?https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/a-close-look-1.jpgA close look 1Anax junius is a fierce, voracious predator that catches smaller insects in flight.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/a-close-look-2.jpgA close look 2Dragonflies, the Top Gun pilots of the insect world, are not easy to catch, so we were lucky to get a good look at this one.2014-08-07T23:40:30+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/07/swamp-day/2014-08-07T23:20:29+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/salamander/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo14.jpgphoto(14)https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-15.jpgKieran and Williamhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-14.jpgphoto 1(4)https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo131.jpgphoto(13)https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo121.jpgphoto(12)https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-13.jpgphoto 1(3)https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-23.jpgphoto 2(3)https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-32.jpgphoto 3(2)https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo-4.jpgpoppieshttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/photo11.jpgCoyote2014-08-06T01:40:50+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/06/strawberry-rhubarb-pie/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/all-done.jpgAll doneAll done and ready to eat with some ice cream!2014-08-06T01:33:11+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/02/keep-a-safe-distance/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/grumpy-crayfish-2.jpgGrumpy crayfish 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/grumpy-crayfish-1.jpgGrumpy crayfish 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140801-203445-74085701.jpg20140801-203445-74085701.jpg2014-08-04T15:41:16+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/critter/2014-08-04T15:38:57+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/about/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/kikisfirstday012-copy.jpgKieran's first day on EarthKieran's first day on Earthhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ks_portrait.jpgKS_portrait2014-08-01T23:41:19+00:00weekly0.6https://stevenefbrown.com/2014/08/01/therapy-insects/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/another-therapy-bug.jpgAnother therapy bugYet another therapy insect at work! We should get some little vests for them to wear!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/a-peaceful-moment.jpgA peaceful momentA peaceful moment.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/making-its-escape.jpgMaking its escapeThen it headed up the pillow.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/heading-for-his-ear.jpgHeading for his earIt headed right up for my dad's ear, tickling him and making him laugh and laugh!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/lets-try-a-brown-one.jpgLets try a brown oneNext up -- a brown one, who turned out to be much more lively!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/fingertip-laugh-2.jpgFingertip laugh 2When I was a boy, my father often took me out to catch critters. Now's my chance to return the favor.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/fingertip-laugh.jpgFingertip laughDad thought this unique experience was hilarious.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/michaelangelo-mantis-moment.jpgMichaelangelo mantis momentOur Michaelangelo mantis moment, when Kieran introduces his grandfather to a "therapy bug."https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/another-green-one.jpgAnother green oneHere's yet another green one. We captured six that day.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/heres-a-brown-one.jpgHeres a brown oneThough all the same species, M. religiosa, some are green and others are brown, like this one, which perfectly matches the tall, dry grass.2014-08-01T17:42:43+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/mantis-in-situ/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/mantis-mouth.jpgMantis mouthI've seen horror movies that had scenes like this!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/the-only-safe-place.jpgThe only safe placeThis grasshopper has found a safe place to hide, for now!https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/green-mama-eating.jpgGreen mama eatingThis one also enjoys an upside down meal. One problem researchers have raising mantids in the lab is that they always hang upside down from the lid of the cage, and it's hard to get food up to them.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/brown-mantis-eating.jpgBrown mantis eatingThey love to eat upside down. This one starts with a grasshopper drumstick.2014-08-01T17:17:03+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/playground/2014-08-01T17:09:27+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2011/11/02/storm-and-strike-shake-oakland/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/oakland-tent-city-2.jpgOakland Tent City 2Though Oakland police cleared Frank Ogawa Plaza a week ago, it is once again a tent city.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/tree-down-maple-ave-oakland-5-600.jpgTree down Maple Ave Oakland 5-600A block of Maple Avenue in the Laurel District was completely closed Wednesday morning due to a downed tree.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/tree-down-maple-ave-oakland-15-600.jpgTree down Maple Ave Oakland 15-600A block of Maple Avenue in the Laurel District was completely closed Wednesday morning due to a downed treehttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/storm-leaves-oakland-22.jpgStorm leaves Oakland 22The first big blow of the winter season shredded thousands of leaves off trees and blew them into large drifts in the Glen Park area.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/borax-smith-palms-2.jpgBorax Smith Palms 2As though in sympathy with the strike the big winds tore down dozens of heavy, saw-toothed fronds from a line of 51 Mexican fan palm trees along Ninth Avenue planted by Francis Marion “Borax” Smith, certainly a member of the “1 percent” in Oakland a century ago.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/fallen-fan-palms-4.jpgFallen Fan Palms 4A woman clearing the heavy, thorny palm fronds out of her yard on Ninth Avenue said the city was not coming to clean up the storm debris, which was heaped along asphalt and sidewalk for several blocks beneath the tall trees. “They told us they aren’t coming,” she said. “No money.”https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/fallen-fan-palms-47.jpgFallen Fan Palms 47Storm debris was heaped along asphalt and sidewalk for several blocks beneath the tall trees.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/oakland-gondolier-alessandro-uccelli-600.jpgOakland Gondolier Alessandro Uccelli-600Alessandro Uccelli, a gondolier who rows Venetian gondolas on Lake Merritt, would not venture out on the choppy water Tuesday afternoon. “I’ve never seen it like this,” he said.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/occupy-oakland-police-3-600.jpgOccupy Oakland Police 3-600Once they cleared up from the storm, businesses and residents had to face the protests, which shut down four or five blocks along Broadway centered on City Hall.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/occupy-oakland-go-bears-8-600.jpgOccupy Oakland Go Bears 8-600A variety of causes were supported by slogans in the tent encampment at Oakland City Hall.2014-08-01T16:59:55+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2011/10/25/occupy-oakland-sidewalk-art/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy_oakland_art_00.jpgOccupy_Oakland_Art_00https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy_oakland_art_02-600.jpgOccupy_Oakland_Art_02-600https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy_oakland_art_04.jpgOccupy_Oakland_Art_04https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy_oakland_art_06a.jpgOccupy_Oakland_Art_06ahttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy_oakland_art_08-600.jpgOccupy_Oakland_Art_08-600https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy_oakland_art_73.jpgOccupy_Oakland_Art_73https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy-oakland-currency-chaos-1.jpgOccupy Oakland Currency Chaos 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy-oakland-currency-chaos-7-600.jpgOccupy Oakland Currency Chaos 7-600https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy-oakland-art-9.jpgOccupy Oakland Art 9https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/occupy-oakland-helos-2-600.jpgOccupy Oakland Helos 2-600Helicopters flew all through the night over Lake Merritt.2014-08-01T16:49:20+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2011/12/02/common-sense-takes-an-executive-order/2014-08-01T16:44:20+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2011/11/15/politics-and-park-evictions-in-oakland/2014-08-01T16:39:16+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/04/04/get-your-farnesene-online-thanks-to-amyris/2014-08-01T16:36:15+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2013/04/20/construction-and-deconstruction-at-uc-berkeley/2014-08-01T15:56:53+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/31/turtle-and-two-rattlesnakes/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/crotalus-oreganus-2.jpgCrotalus oreganus 2https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/crotalus-oreganus-1.jpgCrotalus oreganus 1https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5549.jpgIMG_5549Kieran releasing western pond turtle.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5536.jpgIMG_5536Western pond turtle peeking out.https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5472.jpgIMG_5472Western pond turtle (belly).https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5467.jpgIMG_5467Western pond turtle.2014-08-01T15:26:14+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/purple-princess-petal/2014-07-29T22:00:53+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/29/summer-evening/2014-07-29T21:54:15+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2013/10/18/librarians-vs-search-engines-in-uc-berkeley-report/2014-07-23T23:19:44+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/05/07/uc-berkeley-bans-tobacco-kills-revolution/2014-07-23T23:19:10+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/05/07/bicycle-coffee-where-every-day-is-bike-to-work-day/2014-07-23T23:12:54+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/06/30/uc-berkeley-science-of-happiness-course-attracts-50000-online-students/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/hellmanwarren437_sb11-600.jpgHellmanWarren437_sb11-600https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bicycle-coffee-delivery.jpgBicycle Coffee deliveryhttps://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/happy.jpghappy2014-07-23T23:11:44+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/nake/2014-07-19T23:28:02+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/strike-a-pose/2014-07-19T23:25:04+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/poppies/2014-07-19T23:22:56+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/pomegranate/2014-07-19T23:22:07+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/fossil-found/2014-07-19T23:20:49+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/coyote/2014-07-19T23:20:09+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/blue-bellied-skink/2014-07-19T23:19:31+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/serpentine-prairie/2014-07-19T23:16:51+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/crayfish-in-a-cup/2014-07-19T23:12:58+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/what-a-fun-guy/2014-07-19T23:12:11+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/toe-biters/2014-07-19T23:10:48+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/while-usa-wastes-226m-vacation-days-french-take-every-one/2014-07-19T21:50:45+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/former-starbucks-next-to-a-starbucks-empty-2-years-to-become-another-cafe/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/starbucks1.jpgstarbucks2014-07-19T21:22:33+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/drought-gondola-servizio-turns-dryness-to-dollars/2014-07-19T21:13:57+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/kava-massih-an-architect-learning-to-let-go-and-when-not-to/2014-07-19T21:07:03+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/07/19/globe/2014-07-19T20:24:07+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/06/10/former-astronaut-jeff-wisoff-tapped-as-livermore-lab-associate-director/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/astronaut.jpgSpace ShuttleImage and caption credit: NASA2014-07-04T01:17:03+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/2014/04/08/peets-coffee-opens-store-steps-from-the-white-house/https://stevenefbrown.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/coffee.jpgcoffee2014-07-04T01:07:34+00:00monthlyhttps://stevenefbrown.com/image-portfolio/2014-07-03T23:02:21+00:00weekly0.6https://stevenefbrown.comdaily1.02023-11-25T12:34:22+00:00