Ontario has 9 native species of turtles: the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera), Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), Yellow-throated or Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina), and Eastern Musk
Long Point’s Insects
Insects are the most biodiverse group of animals on Earth, with over 200,000 species described. The Long Point Basin on the north shore of Lake Erie has over 4,500 species of insects! Insects are highly variable in form – some of the more well-known groups are beetles, butterflies, moths, ants,
Mottled Duskywing
Introduction
The Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis) is one of over 850 species of lepidatarians (butterflies and moths) occurring in Norfolk County and one of 5 species of duskywings (Erynnis sp.) in the Skipper Family (Hesperiidae). It is a small butterfly with a wingspan of 2.5-3.5 cm, completely brown on both
Long Point Basin’s Forests – A Conservation Priority Place in Canada
Introduction
Norfolk County supports between 25% and 30% forest cover, among the highest percentage in southwestern Ontario, just behind Bruce County (~40%) and Grey County (~50%). This large concentration of habitat supports a vast diversity of wildlife species – including many threatened species and those with southern affinities – sometimes
What is the Carolinian Zone?
Introduction
If you have visited the Lake Erie region of southwestern Ontario, and are interested in ecology or conservation, chances are that you read or heard the term “Carolinian Life Zone”, or “Carolinian Forest” at least once. This interesting term used by botanists to describe the southernmost region of
Northern Leopard Frog
Throughout the Great Lakes Region, amphibians are vital to healthy ecosystems. Sensitive to environmental change, amphibians serve as bioindicators, utilized by ecologists to measure the level of pollution within an ecosystem. In total, 6 species of typical frogs (genus Lithobates) are found in Ontario, including the Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates
American Beech
American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) is one of the most ecologically important tree species in the Great Lakes Region. The scientific name means “large-leaved beech” – it has larger leaves than European Beech (Fagus sylvatica), which is more familiar to botanists and horticulturalists. It is widely distributed across Eastern North America,
Grey Ratsnake
The Grey Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides) is a non-venomous constrictor in the Colubridae family. It is one of two species of Pantherophis ratsnakes, the other species being the much more common Eastern Foxsnake (Pantherophis vulpinus). Foxsnakes are widely distributed across the Lake Erie Region (including Rondeau, Pelee, and the Long Point
Long Point’s Reptiles
The Long Point Basin along Lake Erie (extending from Port Stanley to Port Dover), is home to 19 species of reptiles, encompassing 7 turtle species and 12 snake species. This region contains the largest remaining natural habitats on the Canadian side of Lake Erie, with a very high concentration of
Northern Map Turtle
Introducing Long Point’s Turtles
Ontario has 9 native species of turtles: the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera), Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), Yellow-throated or Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata), Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene