Rick Travis and Michelle Connally, Class of 2018
These stunning macro photographs by Rick Travis capture the incredible biodiversity found across North Texas during the recent City Nature Challenge BioBlitz. From the iridescent, emerald sheen of the Dogbane Leaf Beetle (Chrysochus auratus) to the bold, warning colors of the Texas Milkweed Beetle (Tetraopes texanus), the collection highlights the intricate beauty of our local insect life. The series also documents fascinating behaviors and interactions, such as a Crab Spider (family Thomisidae) encountering potential prey and a Yellow-collared Slug Moth (Apoda y-inversum) resting in a unique, upright posture. Pollinators are well-represented by the industrious Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera), while the emerging Narrow-leaf Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia) signals the peak of spring in our local preserves like Erwin Park and Stewart Creek.
Western Honey Bee moving to another flower at Erwin Park, April 27
Yellow-collard Slug Moth doing yoga at the April 26 Heard Mothing event.
Crab spider with a new friend (or possibly dinner). Taken at the Heard Mothing event on April 26.
Lisa’s favorite insect, the Texas Milkweed Beetle. Photo taken at Stewart Creek Wetland Preserve April 24.
Dogbane Leaf Beetle peaking over a leaf, taken at Erwin Park on April 27. I had been stalking him for a photo, and he was on the lookout for me when I snuck up behind him to get the photo
The latest additions to the collection further showcase the vibrant life found at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and the Stewart Creek Wetlands Preserve. A striking top-down perspective of a Coneflower (Echinacea) about to bloom and the brilliant yellow flowers of the Prickly Pear (Opuntia) highlight the diversity of the local flora, alongside the showy, tubular blossoms of the Cobra Beardtongue (Penstemon cobaea). Wildlife activity is equally prominent, featuring a brilliant Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) alertly posing on a tree stump and clear evidence of leaf-cutter bees (Megachile) at work, leaving their signature perfectly circular “hole punches” in the leaves of a Redbud (Cercis canadensis). Together, these observations by Rick Travis provide a comprehensive and beautiful look at the ecosystem thriving within our community.
Cobra beardtongue at Erwin Park
Prickly Pear in flower at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Evidence of leaf cutter bees munching on Redbud leaves
An anole posing nicely on a tree stump at the Stewart Creek Wetlands Preserve in Frisco.
The coneflower about to bloom at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Whether it’s a Honey Bee at work or a Slug Moth striking a “yoga” pose, there is so much to discover in our North Texas preserves.
Check out all our observations from the recent CNC 2026 by clicking the link here and join the mission to document our local wildlife here: iNaturalist: Blackland Prairie Chapter 📸🐞
