Nature Moncton Nature News: Aug 31 2022

NATURE MONCTON NATURE NEWS

August 31, 2022 (Wednesday)

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Edited by: Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

**Lisa Morris got an excellent photograph of an insect we are hearing a lot from at nights at this time of year, the Fall Field Cricket (Gryllus pennsylvanicus). Late-summer is their mating time and the males sing (stridulate) loudly at nights to attract females. This species occasionally tries to overwinter in our homes to create some unexpected night sounds!

**On yesterday’s edition, Louise Nichols submitted an interesting report with photos of the later season orchids Nodding Ladies’ Tresses and Yellow Ladies’ Tresses. Unfortunately, the photos did not attach but are reattached today as eye candy. Scroll back to yesterday’s edition to read Louise’s comments.

**We are moving into that time of year when mushrooms will be more abundant especially as we get cooler nights and more moisture.

Nelson Poirier attaches a photo of the amanita species, Tawny Grisette. This species shows the basal cup (universal veil) that is a feature of the amanita species to help with identification. In this species, the booted base (universal veil) is clearly seen above ground level whereas in other amanita species, it is just below ground level and easy to not notice. The Tawny Grisette also differs from most amanita species in not having a prominent partial veil on the stem. Most amanita species are problematic as edibles and to be avoided even though the Tawny Grisette does happen to be non-toxic.

Another mushroom illustrated is the Pigskin Poison Puffball. Again, this mushroom is not an edible being one of the few puffball species that are not edibles. They are usually easily recognized by the rough warty skin and when sectioned in half show a black interior. That black interior rule has exceptions as the photo illustrates showing an uncommon white interior!

It is also the time of year when many plants will sport berries. Nelson attaches photos of two berry reproducing shrubs: the Chokeberry and Wild Raisin.

The Chokeberry berries illustrated are fully ripe and not toxic, but their flavour leaves a lot to be desired as edibles.

The Wild Raisin berries illustrated have not ripened yet and will be turning dark blue when ripe. The berries are non-toxic and edible, but the large seed does not leave much of the tasty pulp.

Nelson Poirier

Nature Moncton

nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com