Friends of Marie Curtis Park

Beautiful design, isn’t it? These are the burrowing trails of the Scolytidae (Bark beetle). Bark beetles reproduce in the inner bark of many North American trees, choosing already weakened, dying or dead hosts. #LongBranchTO

Enchytraeidae on a dead rotting tree covered in Lemon Drop fungi. Enchytraeidae (or Pot Worms) are 1020 mm in length and are anatomically similar to earthworms. Sexual reproduction in enchytraeids is hermaphroditic and functions similarly to that in earthworms.... Cocoons may contain one or more eggs and maturation of newly hatched individuals ranges from 65 to 120 days. They feed predominantly upon fungi, decaying organic matter and different nutrients in soil. Interesting creatures to watch on your next nature walk! #mariecurtispark #LongBranchTO For more info on these creatures, here is a great source: https://www.sciencedirect.com//immunology-an/enchytraeidae

Beautiful snowy scenery! #LongBranchTO

Granulated Ground beetle (Carabus granulatus). Both, adults and larvae are predatory, mostly feeding on ants, aphids, caterpillars, maggots, slugs and worms. Known to overwinter in the adult stage, mostly under rocks safe from the elements and under fallen trees. Look at this GORGEOUS exoskeleton! ... More info: https://eol.org/pages/1035198

Close-up of a flock of Cedar Waxwings grooming themselves near Etobicoke Creek before flying South. Cedar Waxwings diet is mostly insects and fruit, they can even get intoxicated from eating overripe berries that have started to ferment and produce alcohol! They eat in shifts. One group will eat first and then moves out of the way for the next group to come in. This is very polite compared to most birds, who just try to grab what they can individually.... #LongBranchTO More info: https://cwf-fcf.org//encyc/fauna/birds/cedar-waxwings.html

Puffballs! (Gasteromycetes). Really interesting fungi! Instead of forcibly expelling spores into the wind, they rely on external forces like rain drops, falling leaves and branches, accidental touch by a passing mammal to release and disperse the spores from the mushroom. ... #LongBranchTO