The Butternut Woollyworm... and the value of iNaturalist

I'm excited to hear that bugguide thinks my photo of the Butternut woollyworm is actually the first one to be posted on their bugguide from Texas so far. While it is not the first sighting in Texas, I'm just excited I am able to contribute something useful to bugguide after my many 'Frasses'. That is bugguide's terminology for you photo not being useful on their site. I know it is not the first sighting as there are 5 other postings on inaturalist in the Oliver Nature Park area of the same creature in 2014 and 2015. This really shows the power of how a crowd sourcing tool can uncover creatures that are around that may not have been seen by others.

http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/6190213

Besides finding new creature for bugguide, I've also been able to find some new records for Collin County, at least for Rich Nelson, the PhD that keeps track of all the plants that grow here. Here are two plants that I found that he has now added to his list.. Of course these are new invasives. So again, I was happy to share what I see with someone that finds it valuable for their research.

Alligator Weed: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/5944743
Branched Broomrape: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/5515830

In addition to these, I've had several people ask to use my photos for which I'm thrilled. For example,
The Indian Chapter of Master Naturalist used my robber fly to show the halters in one of their newsletters: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3690985 and also I had a mason bee company ask to use this one on their website: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/2773125 .. Here is their website with my picture which is so cool: http://foothillbee.com/osmia-ribifloris.html .

So I hope others are able to find value in what I post going forward and if you do, please let me know. I'm always happy to share my photos...Melanie

Posted on 21 August, 2017 02:14 by butterflies4fun