UGA Savannah River Ecology Laboratory

?? Meet Your Neighbor: Stumpy the Ambassador Alligator Stumpy, one of our ambassador alligators, has been caught mid-nap, clearly avoiding Thanksgiving prep. While he’s not bringing a dish to the table, Stumpy’s contributions to his wetland community are well worth celebrating. ?? Did You Know: Alligators have a unique approach to feeding. They’re opportunistic eaters, enjoying fish, turtles, and wading birds near their habitats. Despite their size, they’re surprisingly efficient; an 800-pound alligator eats less in a year than a 100-pound dog. ?? How to Welcome Them: If you encounter Stumpy or one of his neighbors, give them plenty of space and avoid feeding them. A peaceful environment with minimal human disturbance helps alligators thrive. #UGASREL #NovemberNeighbor #Alligator #Biodiversity #Wildlife #Thanksgiving #Research #Ecology #Gators

??? Dolomedes tenebrosus, or the fishing spider, is a fascinating arachnid known for its unique hunting techniques and adaptability. These spiders are skilled hunters found near water or in wooded areas that skim across water surfaces or dive beneath them to capture prey such as insects, tadpoles, and even small fish. ? Their size and bold coloration often lead to comparisons with wolf spiders. Still, fishing spiders stand out with their preference for aquatic environments and their ability to detect prey through water vibrations. #UGASREL #FishingSpider #Spider #Education #Nature #Ecology #Research #Arachnids

?? #FullCircleFriday: Meet Cullen Bishop, a 4th-grade Science and Math teacher at Hammond Hill Elementary, whose connection with the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory spans 17 years! Cullen was first introduced to SREL as a 3rd-grader at Jefferson Elementary, where he explored aquatic traps and participated in Science Fest events alongside Shaun Poppy and the rest of the team. ? Now, Cullen is encouraging his students to appreciate nature just as he did. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I think that this program is an amazing way for students to get to experience animals and nature in a way that no one else can offer.” ? We’re proud to celebrate Cullen’s story and the lasting impact of SREL’s outreach programs. Thank you, Cullen, for being part of the SREL community and inspiring the next generation to connect with nature! ? Pictured: Sean Poppy (left) and Cullen Bishop (right) at one of those impactful events. ? #UGASREL #FullCircle #FlashbackFriday #Throwback #ScienceEducation #Aiken #Augusta #CSRA #STEM

?? Meet Your Neighbor: North American Luna Moth Caterpillar The North American Luna Moth caterpillar is one of nature’s most fascinating residents. Found in timbered areas from Nova Scotia to Florida, this caterpillar feeds on native trees like hickory, walnut, and persimmon as it prepares for its transformation into an adult Luna Moth. ? ?? Did You Know? Luna Moths are named for their moon-like spots and were featured on a U.S. postage stamp. They also starred in the 2007 Lunesta commercials! As adults, they live for only about a week, focusing entirely on finding a mate. ? ?? How to Welcome Them: Support Luna Moth caterpillars by planting native trees and avoiding pesticide use. These small steps make a big difference in helping to sustain their lifecycle and promote biodiversity. ? Tune in next week to see more of our stunning neighbors in our #NovemberNeighbors series. ? #UGASREL #NovemberNeighbors #Ecology #Caterpillar #LunaMoth #Insect #Moths #Research #Biology

We caught this green anole napping upside down, cradled perfectly in a leaf! ?? These Southeastern natives are typically active during the day, basking in the sun or darting after insects, but their resting habits are just as fascinating to observe. ? Typically active during the day, green anoles can often be found basking in vegetation, perched on fences, or darting after their next meal. Males also display a pink throat fan, called a dewlap, to establish territory or attract a mate during the warmer months. ? Check out our website to learn more about this fascinating native reptile and its unique adaptations: https://lnkd.in/eziTUtXs ? #UGASREL #GreenAnole #Reptile #Lizard #Research #Ecology #Monday #MondayMotivation

?? Meet Your Neighbor: The Bess Beetle Pupa This bess beetle is currently in its pupal stage and will one day be vital to maintaining forest health. These beetles break down rotting wood and assist in cycling valuable nutrients and resources back into the environment.? ? ?? Habitat Preferences: Bess beetle pupae thrive in decaying wood, using it as both a shelter and a food source. Rotting logs provide the perfect environment for their development. ? ?? How to Welcome Them: Creating a beetle-friendly yard is simple; just leave decaying logs or wood piles undisturbed. This small action benefits bess beetles and helps sustain countless other decomposers. ? Keep an eye for some of our other features this month in our #NovemberNeighbors series! ? #UGASREL #NovemberNeighbors #Wildlife #Ecology #BessBeetle #Biodiversity #Research

Physalis angulata, or the Cutleaf Ground Cherry, is a plant well-suited to sunny, disturbed soils along fields and roadsides. Its small, edible fruits are enclosed in distinctive, papery husks, providing natural protection as they develop. This plant is able to thrive in challenging habitats. #Botany #NativePlants #EnvironmentalScience #UGASREL #Research #Education #Academia #Plants

This common musk turtle hatchling seems to be starting its journey with a little smile. The common musk turtle, native to the eastern United States, thrives in quiet, shallow waters with abundant vegetation. Primarily nocturnal, it forages for seeds, snails, and algae, contributing to the ecosystem in subtle ways. Known for its musky odor as a defense mechanism, this turtle also possesses an unexpected climbing ability, sometimes observed resting in trees. Despite its resilience, the species faces threats from water pollution and habitat loss, highlighting the need for continued conservation efforts to protect these aquatic environments. #Turtle #MuskTurtle #UGASREL #Research #Herpetology #Ecology

The Red-Banded Fungus Beetle (Bolitotherus cornutus) is an often-overlooked decomposer that feeds on polypore fungi, a group of fungi found on decaying trees. By consuming these fungi, the beetle aids in the breakdown and recycling of nutrients within forest ecosystems. This species is particularly adapted to forested regions, where it plays a role in nutrient cycling. #Forests #Beetles #Bugs #Insects #Decay #Decomposition #November #RedBandedFungusBeetle #UGASREL

Sceloporus undulatus, or the Eastern Fence Lizard, is a standout member of the Southeast's wildlife. With its rough, spiny scales, it's the only lizard in Georgia and South Carolina with this unique texture. Found mainly in open forests, these lizards contribute to a balanced ecosystem by feeding on insects and other invertebrates. Males are known for their vivid blue markings during breeding season, adding a splash of color to their rugged appearance. #EasternFenceLizard #Lizard #UGASREL #Wildlife #Herpetologist #Research #Ecology #Reptile