aspen

Mysterious lumps and swollen bands on aspen

Dec. 9, 2022

One puzzle leads to another question, as yet unanswered, about the cause.

dam

Beavers have become established in Â鶹ӰԺ Canyon

Nov. 23, 2022

Beavers may appear to be one of the most sedentary of species, living in a secure den or lodge in a pond with all of their food within a short waddle, but now, in Â鶹ӰԺ Canyon and in Alaska, it is evident that they are on the move.

temple sun

Saltbush evolved to filter dust from wind to form mounds

Sept. 28, 2022

The wind that sculpts the stones also conspires with plants to transform a valley floor to a landscape of mounds with embedded plants.

fitweed

Fitweed nectar attracts pollinators and nectar robbers

Sept. 14, 2022

Surprisingly, the robbers might have little to no effect on fitweed and might even benefit the plant.

moth

Caterpillars resembling bird defecations take wing as Weidemeyer's admirals

Aug. 24, 2022

Like the homely, warty toad transformed by a kiss to an enchanting prince, embarrassing excremental smears and lumps of who-knows-what metamorphose into delicate and lovely butterflies.

moth

Achemon sphinx moths' range is shrinking

Aug. 9, 2022

No doubt about it, sphinx moths are extraordinary; extinction is forever, and it would be tragic to lose such a remarkable group of moths.

paintbrush

Downy paintedcup adapts to changes in pollinators and root hosts across its range

July 8, 2022

The communities of pollinators and potential root hosts respond to climate change and the ever-increasing impact of humans on natural habitats.

Wilted primroses' petals turn pink and then red when temperatures rise in the morning.

Evening primroses show the complexities of floral fragrance

May 24, 2022

Some varieties have a citrus fragrance with a hint of spice, reminiscent of lavender, bergamot and lily of the valley; pollinators seem to like it.

packrat palace

Packrats build time capsules inside canyon walls

April 26, 2022

Although sandstone walls might look solid, they can be riddled with their residents’ long-lasting residue.

Foothills death camas

A rare relationship between death camas and death camas miner bees

April 1, 2022

Plant is deadly to animals, but one species of bee has a unique symbiosis with it.

Pages