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/902203
NEBRASKAland Visitor Last issue's winner of the Visitor drawing was Gail Griess of Sutton, Nebraska, who found the brown recluse spider on page 54. 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 page 14, 17, 23, or 52. The brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) is a medium- sized brown spider native to southeastern Nebraska. The state is at the northern edge of this spider's range, which extends south to Texas and east to Kentucky. Identifying characteristics include a distinct dark brown, "fiddle"-shaped patch right behind the eyes, and six eyes arranged in three pairs, instead of the more common eight eyes. The brown recluse is a nocturnal predator, spending the day tucked into dark crevices and venturing out at night in search of insects. They are not aggressive, preferring to escape when threatened. While brown recluse spider bites are uncommon, they are serious. The spider injects cytotoxic venom, which kills surrounding tissue. Seek treatment for any suspect bite, and attempt to collect the spider so it can be properly identified to assist with treatment. Special thanks to Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist, Nebraska Department of Agriculture. NOVEMBER 2017 • NEBRASKAland 23 A Tool-Holding Antler By Ryan Sparks One day while attending graduate school in Montana, I wandered into the Slide Inn on the banks of the Madison River. The fly shop's owner, Kelly Galloup, had a reputation as a trout- crazed wild child, and his fly-tying abilities and patterns are known all over the world. The shop displayed an eclectic collection of fishing memorabilia – antique bamboo rods, replicas of enormous brown trout, and photos of legendary anglers from days gone by. There was a ton of interesting objects to look at, but my eye jumped to Galloup's fly-tying desk. Perched atop it was a large elk antler, sporting every manner of fly-tying tools imaginable. I snapped a quick photo and was determined to make my own. That spring I found a whitetail shed that happened to sit flush on a table. Using 1/8th- and 3/16th-inch bits, I drilled several evenly spaced holes in the main beam of the antler. While my antler doesn't hold as many tools as Galloup's, it keeps every tool I use on a consistent basis organized, so I'm not fumbling around looking for my scissors or hackle pliers. I have seen other antler tool holders dyed with wood stain, but I prefer the natural color of the antler as I found it. If you can't find one that sits perfectly level, feel free to grind down the points or the base to make it stable. The result is a beautiful and efficient addition to your tying desk. ■ PHOTO BY JEFF KURRUS