The Five-spotted Hawkmoth Caterpillar - Nature 94

We observed a big caterpillar in one of our tomatoes plants this morning. The caterpillar eats a lot of the tomato plant’s leaves.

Image 1- A big caterpillar on tomato's leaves

The caterpillar is a quite big, the length size might be 3 inches or 7.6 cm. The color is green with stripes, and a black horn on the tail.

Based on the GoogleID, this caterpillar belongs to the five-spotted hawkmoth caterpillar or also called as a tomato hornworm.

It is said that the caterpillar is commonly seen in the garden. In addition to tomatoes. It loves peppers and potatoes leaves.

Unfortunately, this caterpillar might be a plant pest. It is because it could consume great number of leaves.

Image 2- A green stripes caterpillar

In case of tomatoes, the five-spotted hawkmoth caterpillars can also destroy tomato fruit by boring into the fruit.

Image 3- The caterpillar consumed a lot.

When getting larger and larger at last stage devolvement, the caterpillar could eat an entire tomato plant within minutes.

Image 4- A caterpillar is moving under tomato branches.

Have you ever seen this kind of caterpillar?

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Purple Bell Peppers in the Farmer Market – Food 14

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Why are We Getting Obese Nowadays? - Part 2 – Healthy Life 20

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Why Passion Flowers could Attract Butterfly? – Science 13

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Mutant Genes in the Early Onset Familial Alzheimer's – Part 2 - Alzheimer's 6

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Could Avocado Reduce Metabolic Syndrome? - Part 1 – Healthy Life 21

Are Buff Orpington Chickens Excellent Pets? - Nature 93

 We posted a rooster on the run at our neighborhood:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : A Rooster on the Run - Nature 90

Image 1- A Buff Orpington hen

Many people have a Buff Orpington as a pet with some reasons, among them are its gentle temperament, low maintenance breeding and well survive in the variety of weather conditions.

Other reasons include:

1) Produce a quite number of eggs. The hen could produce up to 200 brown eggs per year. So, good choice for eggs in addition to the pet.

2) Beautiful chicken. It is good to add the bird to our backyard.  The Buff Orpington makes yard more beautiful.

they can add a touch of beauty to your backyard.

Image 2- A Buff Orpington loves to play.

We need to provide the hen with a coop and plenty of space to forage and roam. The Buff Orpington breeding needs high quality diet which contain high calcium and protein. 

Image 3- Chickens, just illustration

Do you know about the Buff Orpington breeding?

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Diet of Rose breasted grosbeak in Nature – Nature 25

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Tea Made of Hibiscus Flowers

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Have You Tried to Consume Any Forms of Coconut Products?

- The Rainbow Before Evening : The Mutant Genes in the Early Onset Familial Alzheimer's – Part 1 - Alzheimer's 6

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Purple Bell Peppers in the Farmer Market – Food 14

The Eastern Box Turtle Visited Our Yard - Nature 92

The name come from the habitat where turtle live, yes, habitat of this turtle is the eastern of United States, include our state Louisiana.

Image 1- The Eastern Box Turtle on the grass

The size of the turtle was about 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) in length. The carapace has brown color with markings. 

The scientific name of this critter is Terrapene carolina which is a terrestrial turtle. The Eastern box turtle may be found in habitats such as woodlands, meadows and forests (little forest).

We saw them have visited our yard several times. We gave them fruits, vegetables and fresh water. Actually, in nature, the Eastern Box turtles consume these foods in addition to worms and insects. 

Image 2- The antique car, just for illustration.

Just to let you know, it is illegal to remove or capture the wild Eastern box turtle in our state, Louisiana. However, we may buy them as a pet from certified breeding or legal pet shops.

Image 3- The turtle moving away.

Is it legal to capture terrestrial wild turtle in your areas?

# Previous postings:

- Rainbow Evening : Summer is a Perfect Time to Ride a Motorbike

- Rose breasted grosbeak Comes to Our Neighborhood – Nature 23

- GUTSY WOMEN of Hillary and Chelsea – Part 2 – Reading 10

- Local Property Tax for Funding Our City Transport System

- Rainbow Evening : Do You Know American Native Ginseng?

The Wildflower at the Corner - Nature 91

We have the tomatoes plants, and we saw a kind of wildflowers grow between them. Suddenly, the flowers blooming during the hot summer.

Image 1- The red wildflower, blooming

GoogleID has identified this wildflower as a Common zinnia, a scientific name for the flower is Zinnia elegans.

Yes, our neighborhoods have zinnia (The Rainbow Before Evening : Zinnia Flowers Grow Well in the Neighborhood – Nature 80), but we never planted this kind of zinnia.   

We believed that zinnia seed carried by wild birds, animals (raccoons or squirrels) or blown by the wind from nearby neighborhood, then voluntarily grown in the small garden. It is possible that zinnia will grow at other part of the yards.

Image 2 - Two wild zinnias in the garden

Actually, Zinnia elegans is one of the popular ornamental plant grown for its colorful flowers (red, yellow, orange, pink, purple and white). Blooming from summer to fall seasons.

Image 3 - Three wild zinnias in the garden.

Do you know about common zinnia?

# Previous postings:

- The Rainbow Before Evening : What kinds of foods are Consumed by Crowned Night Heron? - Nature 22

- The Rainbow Before Evening : What are Health Benefit of Eating Mango? - Part 2 – Health Life 19

- The Rainbow Before Evening : In what chromosomes are the gene mutation related to Alzheimer's Disease? - Part 2 - Alzheimer's 5

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Differences of Shale Oil, Crude Oil and Fracking – Science 12

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Summer is a Perfect Time to Ride a Motorbike

A Rooster on the Run - Nature 90

 We saw a beautiful rooster at the corner of our area this morning. Actually, he was moving from one spot to another.

Image 1- A roster at the roadside.

Just to let you know that our city, Baton Rouge allows for raising chickens, but depending on property sizes.

In case of properties smaller than an acre (4,047 square meters), we are allowed to have up to 3 hens only, and roosters are prohibited at all.

It is because roosters make noise quite loud, they are very vocal, especially in the early morning. 

The roosters may crow as early as 4.00 am, so who lives in a close-knit neighborhood will complain.

Image 2- Flowering, just for illustration.

If we have more than one acre land, we may ask a permit from city to have more hens and a rooster. Some people said that raising roosters may be a rewarding experience.

Image 3 - A rooster at the same spot

Have you experienced raising chickens?

# Previous postings:

- In what chromosomes are the gene mutation related to Alzheimer's Disease? - Part 1 - Alzheimer's 5

- Weekly Farmer Market at Our Neighborhood

- GUTSY WOMEN of Hillary and Chelsea – Part 1 – Reading 10

- CATS Transport System in Our City Baton Rouge, LA

- What kinds of foods are Consumed by Crowned Night Heron? - Nature 22

The Leaf-footed Bugs on the Plant - Nature 89

We saw insects on the leaves of bell pepper plant. After first searching through Google, we doubt about the kinds of insects.

Image 1- The Leaf-footed bugs on the bell pepper plant.

We wonder whether they are the Leaf-footed bugs or assassin bugs. The Leaf-footed bug is a bad buck, while assassin is a good bug.

We did further research, then we believe that the bug is the Leaf-footed bug. This bug is found in many countries, especially in the tropic and sub tropic regions. They look like love warmer climates.

Actually, the bug is commonly found in the southern states of America like in our state, Louisiana, and there are about at least 90 species of leaf-footed bugs across America. So, no surprise that the bugs attack our plants are leaf-footed bugs.

Image 2- The leaf-footed bug Vs Assassin bug (credit to LSU Ag Center).

Leaf-footed bugs consume on variety of plant, just some of them are vegetables, nuts, ornamentals and fruits. If the bugs present in great numbers, then they may cause significant damage to the plants.

Image 3- Tomatoes and peppers, illustration

Have you ever seen the Leaf-footed bugs?

# Previous postings:

- A Bird on the Exit Sign in the Library – Part 2

- Blueberry is One of Fruits Rich in Antioxidants – Food 13

- Parks for Dogs in My City Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Part 1

- Can Alzheimer's Disease be Passing Down from Parent to Child? - Part 2 - Alzheimer's 4.

- Crowned Heron Crawfishing Near Our Neighborhood – Part 1 – Nature 20

Storms in the Middle of Hot Summer - Nature 88

As you know, this hot summer may reach more than 100* F (38* C) in many places in the world. Unfortunately, summer is storms season too in our city.

Image 1 - The tree hit by storm at our areas.

We have experienced hit by several storms recently. We saw, there was a tree struck by wind, just few branches fell down.

However, other quick storms knocked down trees which brought down a slew of powerlines, then causing residents in the dark. 

Across our areas, outage effects on more than 2 thousand homes. Can you imagine darkness and no AC in the middle of higher temperatures?

Few stores around our neighborhood outage as well. Stores just accept cash, no credit or debit cards.

Image 2- Dark in one of Dolar General stores.

Moreover, actually, some storms brought much needed rain like several days ago. Our neighborhood got 1 to 1.5 inches of rain.

Image 3- The same tree, hit by wind.

How about in your areas?

# Previous postings:

- Rainbow Evening : A Bird on the Exit Sign in the Library – Part 1

-  Attractive Yellow Flowers at the Corner – Part 2 – Nature 19

- When the Georgian Chicken Came to My Kitchen – Part 2 – Food 12

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Can Alzheimer's Disease be Passing Down from Parent to Child? - Part 1 - Alzheimer's 4

- Rainbow Evening : A Bird on the Exit Sign in the Library – Part 2

A goat entered the lawn - Nature 87

We have morning walk as usual, and we saw surprising an animal, a goat entered the lawn of our neighborhood. 

Image 1- A goat entered a lawn at a neighborhood.

Never before have seen a goat around our areas. One of our neighbors said that the goat comes from nearby areas.

The male goat has been caught by two men from city animal control, then the goat owner is identified and going to be notified where to pick it up.

Owner said the goat escaped into the canal when he transported several goats from his farm to nearby markets few days ago.

Actually, we just have two goat farms, few miles from our city, Baton Rouge, they are Clark Farms and Goat Lady Farm.

Image 2- Peony, just for illustration

We love goat cheese, yes, we can buy it in the Walmart groceries, but if we want the fresh goat cheese, we go to farmer market, every Saturday. The market also sells meat and milk with reasonable prices,

Image 3- Crochet, illustration only.

Do you like goat meat, milk, or cheese?

# Previous postings:

-  How did Alzheimer find out the change in his patient's brain? - Part 1 - Alzheimer's 3

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- May Smartphones Lead You Older Quickly? - Part 1 – Health Life 18

- How did Alzheimer find out the change in his patient's brain? - Part 2 - Alzheimer's 3

JJ

Strange that Purple Magnolia Blooming in the Summer - Nature 86

We know, our neighborhood Magnolia, both white and purple Magnolias were blooming in the cold weather, about January to February in our areas.

Fig 01- Buds of purple Magnolia

Surprisingly, we have observed that our neighborhood Magnolias are covered with buds. It is weird, Magnolia blooming in the very hot summer.

Some neighbors said, the Magnolia did bloom last summer, then blooming again in the spring, January or February.

However. too hot temperature caused leaves turn brown. We just watering it more, trying to save the flowers.

As you might know, in the hot weather, the trees go through transpiration process in which they lose too much water, then the leaves start to turn brown. 

Fig 02- The white Magnolia flower

The process of brown color begins from the tips, then progress to the middle of the leaves. Finally, the leaves fall down. 

Image 3- Purple Magnolias at the corner.

Have you experienced with this kind of strange things? 

# Previous postings:

- Reducing Number of Amazon River Pink Dolphin? - Part 2 – Nature 17

- Rainbow Evening : Biscotti and “The Blissful Feast” by Teresa Lust – Part 1 – Reading 9

- Rainbow Before Evening : Lord of the Ducks in the Garden – Part 1 – Nature 18

- Corned Beef Harsh - The Popular Breakfast in Louisiana – Part 2 – Food 11

- How did Alzheimer find out the change in his patient's brain? - Part 1 - Alzheimer's 3

A Little Young Squirrel in her Nest - Nature 85

 We have experienced with babies' squirrel as we post previously:

-  The Rainbow Before Evening : The Four Weeks Old Baby Squirrel – Science 17

Image 1- Less than 10 weeks old squirrel

Just recently, we saw a little squirrel in her nest. She looks shy, and hiding in her nest when we approach her.

 

As we mentioned that in our state, Louisiana, squirrels have two breeding seasons that are around mid-December to February, and mid-June to August.

Hence, this little baby could be less than 10 weeks old, because after 10 weeks old, she would leave the nest.

At the age of 10 weeks or more, squirrels will be able to climb down and up the tress, so they be able to forage for foods in nature.

Image 2- The old tree, an artificial box

Interestingly, squirrels have their mate for life, however, in case their mate died, then they will find a new one.  A squirrel has average litters about 3 to 4 young.

Fig 03- A nest, and an old tree

Do you have an idea about young squirrels?

# Previous postings:

- Sweet Chocolate Candies and a Yummy Book – Part 2 – Reading 8

- Reducing Number of Amazon River Pink Dolphin? - Part 1 – Nature 17

- The Early Person who Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Diseases - Part 2 – Alzheimer's 2

- Corned Beef Harsh - The Popular Breakfast in Louisiana – Part 1 – Food 11

- The Rainbow Before Evening : Reducing Number of Amazon River Pink Dolphin? - Part 2 – Nature 17

A Dragonfly and Flowers in the Corner - Nature 84

Dragonflies are commonly seen fly over plants in our little garden at the corner from Spring to Fall. In our city, Baton Rouge, their peak seasons from July to September.

Image 1- A dragonfly in the corner

There are about 3,000 species of dragonflies in the world. Our state, Louisiana has about 118 species which are non-native and native species.

Some of dragonflies in our state are: Eastern pondhawks, Blue dashers, Common green darners, Red-veined darters, Great blue skimmers, Ebony jewelwings, Bluets, Forktail damselflies, and Meadowhawks.

Based on GoogleID, the above dragonfly (Image 1) was identified as the great blue skimmer (Libellula vibrans). This dragonfly is common seen to fly over rivers, lakes and ponds.

Image 2- The Alstroemeria psittacina flower, illustration

Interestingly the dragonfly can fly forward and backward with speed 35 miles per hour, and able to hover or making very sharp turns.

In the ecosystem, this critter is important to control mosquitoes which carry malaria.  You might surprise that a dragonfly may eat about 100 mosquitoes in a single day.

Image 3- The Virginia spiderwort flower, illustration

Do you know the number of dragonflies species in your areas?

# Previous postings:

- Could Botulinum Toxin be Turned to Beneficial Substance? - Part 4 – Science 10

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- The Best Tacos which I Love to Consume in Louisiana – Part 2 – Food 10

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- A Novel of Arian - Then The Fish Swallowed Him - Part 2 – Reading 6