Semester-long Species List project, inspired by Anna Tsing’s “This earth, this island Borneo” Throughout the semester, you will compile a list of 21 species (3 per week of the project) with which you regularly come into contact. The entries for 7 of these species should be accompanied by an image, a short (300-400 word) narrative …
Red-Winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus Adult male red-winged blackbird perched on a cattail. Image Credit: Connor Charchuk, Macaulay Library, 2019. The island I was born on is known for its large amount of songbirds. Located in the middle of Lake Erie, Kelleys Island is a stopping point for many songbirds as they migrate. One of the most common …
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura An adult mourning dove perched on a fence post. Image by Ryan Schain, Macaulay Library, 2014. The mourning dove is a small songbird found commonly in Midwestern backyards and natural open areas. Most people have heard this bird’s unique song, even if they are not familiar with the bird itself. The call is …
Common Milkweed
Asclepias syriaca Asclepias syriaca Seen on the sides of highways, open fields, and even gardens the common milkweed is most commonly known as a source of food and shelter for the monarchy butterfly. It is in fact known to provide for over 450 species of insects, butterflies included (Taylor). However, the species of monarch and …
Stink Bug, Halyomorpha Halys
If you ask anyone in Ann Arbor, or the rest of the country for that matter, what they think of Stink Bugs, they will usually react in disgust and recall how annoying these creatures act. Whether it is seeking refuge in people’s homes once winter approaches or unleashing a horrid smell when they feel threatened, …
Apple
Malus domestica https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-work/adam-and-eve/e0ca4331-fb89-47a7-9ba0-be0ece23426b Apples are something I eat nearly every day because of how little hassle they require to prepare (not to mention how delicious they are). What piqued my interest in learning more about the apple is the fact that there are so many varieties. When buying fruit at the grocery store, nobody thinks …
American Toad, Anaxyrus Americanus
American Toads, though physically small, are magnificent creatures that play important roles in whichever ecosystems they occupy. They are responsible for making sure insect populations do not skyrocket, which farmers around the country routinely praise. Many researchers further believe their toxins contain answers to current pressing medical issues. American Toads are between 50 millimeters to …
Pygmy Goat
Capra hircus "Pygmy Goat." (2018) Every few years, my family buys a few pygmy goats. These small creatures (about twenty inches tall on average) are commonly kept as pets, lawn maintenance specialists (they do eat a lot of grass), or as zoo attractions for young children due to their small size and easygoing disposition. A …
Blue Agave
A. tequilana https://www.gardenia.net/garden/a-beautiful-duo-with-agave-blue-flame-and-blue-glow Agave tequilana is a plant species native to the states of Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit, and Aguascalientes in Mexico. Agave can grow up to 7 feet in height and sprout flowering stalks from their center that can grow an additional 16 feet in height. The flowers on top, though commonly removed from the …
House centipede
Scutigera coleoptrata Sorry for even including a picture of this scary weirdo. Looking at him literally makes my skin crawl. [2] Pivoting now to a species that I hate, and have hated ever since I was a little kid - the house centipede. These things are so fast and so sensitive and have so many …
Wild Rose
Rosa acicularis https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=35205 My favorite flower is the rose however, it is not the rose that is what one thinks of initially. My favorite is the wild rose which is much different from the widely known roses originating from Asia. The wild rose native to North America has only 5 petals that are usually pink …
Ecological Empire 