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Miami Herald
12-05-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
‘Weird-looking' bug with ‘bulging eyes' found for first time in 2 states. See it
A small insect, which researchers described as 'weird-looking' and 'bouncy,' was recorded for the first time in Connecticut and Minnesota, expanding the bug's known geographical distribution, researchers said. Gelastocoris oculatus — also known as the toad bug for its 'bulging eyes' that resemble a toad — was previously recorded in 38 states and three Canadian provinces, according to a May 2 study published in BioOne, a non-profit bioscience research journal. Toad bugs live on mud and sand along the shorelines of ponds and streams, Arkansas Aquatic Diversity, a conservation organization, said in a September post on Facebook. They can be found year round, but are mostly seen between March and October. Their tan, gray and brown camouflage patterns protect them from visual predators, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. The insects have rough, warty backs like toads too. To learn of the new locations for the bugs, the entomologist who wrote the study, the late Raul Nascimento Ferreira, looked for bugs in museum collections and his personal collection and used a wild M5 stereomicroscope to identify the species, according to the study. Not only does the toad bug have features that make it look like a 'tiny toad,' but it also hops around like one, researchers said. 'They are considered to be opportunistic predators and scavengers,' researchers said, adding that they feed on smaller insects. The bug's family name, Gelastocoridae, means 'laughing' or 'funny bug,' experts said. They believe whoever named the bug was amused by them. Ferreira died March 7 at his home in Connecticut. He was 85.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rare and endangered birds in Louisiana. These 6 can be found in the state
While the exact number is difficult to gauge, there are approximately between 11,000 and 20,000 different bird species. Out of all these species, 12% of all living birds, approximately 1,200 species, are considered endangered, threatened or vulnerable. In relation to this, approximately 6% of all living birds, which is around 573 species, are defined as ecologically rare. A species of bird is considered rare if it has a small population size, a limited or declining range, is found outside of its usual habitat or is found during unusual times. In Louisiana, there are a number of rare birds that can potentially be found, with some being resident, non-migratory species and others being migratory species that make Louisiana their wintering habitats. The Black-capped Petrel is a pelagic seabird that's known to forage in the Gulf Stream and has been observed off the coast of Louisiana. Although, this bird nests exclusively on Hispaniola Island in the Caribbean, according to the Environmental Conservation Online System. Black-capped Petrels are medium-sized with a blackish-brown cap and collar, blackish-brown upper-body, a primarily white under-side, pink feet and long, black-framed wings. These birds are currently listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The whooping crane stands at nearly five feet tall and are considered the tallest birds in North America. These birds have a wingspan of seven-and-a-half feet and are white with rust-colored patches on the top and back of the head, have yellow eyes, as well as black legs and bills. Whooping cranes are listed under the Endangered Species Act and are also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as well as under Louisiana state law. Historically, whooping cranes were found in Louisiana as a resident, non-migratory flock, and were also migratory birds that wintered in the state, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Documentation of Eastern Black Rails in Louisiana is rare, as the species is cryptic in nature and difficult to observe, however, a small population was recently documented in the southwest region of the state. This elusive bird is often difficult to spot due to its dark colors, with speckles of white throughout, which camouflage it within dense marshes. The Eastern Black Rail was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2020 and is considered critically endangered. Currently, the bird is listed as a Tier 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the Louisiana Wildlife Action Plan, according to Audubon Delta. The Piping Plover is a small, migratory shorebird that is known to nest and feed along coastal sand and gravel beaches in North America. This species migrates to the southern Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and Louisiana's southwestern shoreline is considered a critical wintering habitat, according to BioOne. Piping Plovers are listed under the Endangered Species Act, and Louisiana's barrier islands support approximately 85% of the wintering population. However, due to coastal erosion throughout the Gulf Coast, this species' crucial wintering habitats are rapidly disappearing, although, recovery plans are in place. The Red-cockaded woodpecker has a black-and-white barred back with a large, bright-white cheek patch. This species predominantly resides in mature, open longleaf pine forests within the Southeastern U.S. Red-cockaded woodpeckers are listed under the Endangered Species Act and has very limited habitat requirements, which makes long-term viability of the species difficult. However, through the Safe Harbor Program, the bird's habitats are being restored and maintained, says the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The rufa red knot is considered a federally threatened species and was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2014. This bird migrates annually from its breeding grounds in the Canadian Artic to wintering regions, such as the Southeastern U.S., Northwestern Gulf waters and the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. Rufa red knots are medium-sized shorebirds, measuring about nine to 11 inches length, with distinctive red plumage appearing during mating season. Within the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, the area of Laguna Madre is a crucial wintering ground for this species, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Red River Wildlife Refuge: Bossier City C. Bickham Dickson Park: Shreveport Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge: Tallulah Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge: Monroe J.C. "Sonny" Gilbert Wildlife Management Arena: Harrisonburg Kisatchie National Forest's Longleaf Trail: Cloutierville North Toledo Bend State Park: Zwolle South Toledo Bend State Park: Anacoco Pintail Wildlife Drive: Cameron Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge: Franklin Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area: St. Francisville Louisiana State University Campus Lakes: Baton Rouge City Park: New Orleans Bayou Petit Caillou at Marguerite Moffett Audubon Sanctuary: Chauvin Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@ This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: What are Louisiana's rarest birds and where can they be observed?
