NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/625084
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2016 • NEBRASKAland 19 NEBRASKAland Visitor and Last issue's winner of the Visitor drawing was John Lewis of Mason City, Nebraska, who found the ailanthus webworm on page 56. Readers are encouraged to contact NEBRASKAland within 10 days after this issue's publication with the correct page number and name of this issue's "Visitor" – a critter found in Nebraska. We will then gather the correct entries and draw one to win a NEBRASKAland mug. To enter each month, write: NEBRASKAland Visitor 2200 North 33rd Street, Lincoln, NE 68503. Or e-mail: Tim.Reigert@Nebraska.gov with "Visitor" in the subject line of the message. HINT: This issue's visitor is not on pages 11, 17, or 19. This colorful orange, black and cream moth is the Ailanthus webworm (Atteva aurea), native to Central and South America. It is often mistaken for a beetle, due to the way it wraps its wings along its body when at rest. The moth likely doesn't overwinter in Nebraska, but rather adults migrate up from the south in the summer. Watch for these moths in the late summer and fall around flowers such as goldenrod. Female moths lay eggs on Ailanthus trees, (Ailanthus altissima), also known as Tree- of-Heaven. The caterpillars live and feed in groups inside loose webs they make around Ailanthus foliage, similar to webs made by eastern tent caterpillars. The damage caused by this insect is not significant, particularly since the Ailanthus tree, introduced to the U.S. from Asia, is considered to be a nuisance tree. Special thanks to Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist, Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Photo by Eric Fowler. The Fishes of Nebraska Nearly every state in the United States has a published book covering the natural history and distribution of fishes. Nebraska has been one of those states that have never had such a book. This was corrected this fall with the publication of The Fishes of Nebraska. Useful to naturalists, scientists, students and the layperson, Fishes will aide anyone wanting to identify a fish using a key through the meticulous illustrations of each of Nebraska's native and non-native fishes (more than 100 species). The guide also includes an insert of color plates of the fishes, distributional maps, species accounts and a description of the stream networks in the state and how geography, geology and human impacts have influenced fish species composition. The book sells for $39.99 and is available for purchase from the Nebraska Maps and More Store on the first floor of Hardin Hall at 33rd and Holdrege streets in Lincoln or by calling 402-472-3471. The book is also available at Amazon.com and Go.unl.edu/fishesofnebraska. ■ By Paula Hoppe Shortened daylight, a scarcity of resources and cold Nebraska temperatures have sent many birds flocking south, and it may seem the world has tucked itself in for winter. But step outside on a still evening and the quintessential "hoot" of the common great horned owl is easily heard. • Found statewide, great horned owls are one of our largest owls; they get their name from two feathered tufts on top of their heads. • These owls are nocturnal, but are readily seen and heard at dusk perched in open areas with large trees, from city parks to country shelterbelts statewide. • Listen for their calls to one another, the male with his typically deeper voice answered by the higher- pitched hooting of the larger female, as they establish or strengthen pair bonds and set up territories in January. • Nesting begins in February. Great horned owls do not build their own nests but use tree cavities, the nests of other large birds and even abandoned buildings, normally laying 2-3 eggs. • If you regularly hear duetting Great horned owls near your home, take advantage of the leafless trees and you just may spot a nest near you. ■ not significant, particu la d si ui o State Entomologist, Nebrask g f , p the Ail introd cons a nu Special thanks to State Entomologist, Nebrask d Watching Great Horned Owls PHOTO BY JUSTIN HAAG