u/naturephotog9

A pair of Lance-tipped Darners in the wheel at Havenwoods State Forest in SE Wisconsin this evening.

I found this Butler’s Garter Snake, a species of special concern in Wisconsin, hanging out in some tall grass at Havenwoods State Forest this morning.

Last week during the heat wave I ventured out in search of my favorite butterfly. I’ve had luck in the past at Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg, WI. I eventually found a couple, with one being very accommodating. It let take as many photos as I wanted. I even left it in search of other subjects and it was still there where I left it an hour later. Absolutely gorgeous butterfly.

I managed to find a couple Elfin Skimmers (Nannothemis bella) after a lot of searching. At only about 3/4 of an inch they aren’t easy to find. This is a female.

Here’s a couple, new to me, herps from yesterday. The Ornate Box Turtle is state endangered and a really cool looking animal. The Bullsnake alerted me to its presence in the underbrush by hissing at me and trying to mimic a rattlesnake. It was a pretty convincing display.

I saw this large snake in the underbrush. It rattled its tail, I do know that it isn’t a rattlesnake, and hissed at me. I think it’s a juvenile Central Ratsnake. Am I correct?