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Some Observed Tennessee Wildlife
I do quite a lot of hiking and exploring in and around eastern Tennessee. As a biologist I have a keen interest in ecology, wildlife and the inter-relationships amongst the animals and the habitats I see in the wild. I always carry a camera in my pack and when I take a particular interest in a subject, I photograph it. There is no order to the animals presented here, and in most cases to relationship, other than that they all share the same geological region. There are no photographs of common Tennessee animals that most people are familiar with. For example, there are no photoraphs of Robbins, or Cardinals, White Tail Deer, or Wild Turkeys. These photographs lean towards less common animals. Ones that you don't encounter every day. There is nothing comprehensive about this page or the animals represented on it. It is simply meant to be interesting and perhaps, thought provoking.
I hope you enjoy the photographs. If you see errors or have any questions feel free to contact me. My contact information is above.
All photographs copyrighted James Greene unless otherwise noted.
Luna Moth. Scientific name: Actius luna. This is a very recognizable moth. Not encountered that often, although a relatively common animal in Tennessee. An adult moth, as most of you know, is the reproductive form of a caterpillar. The Luna Moth caterpillar has five stages of development (instars) before spinning its caccoon and emerging as an adult Luna. The only real purpose of the adult moth is to find a mate and lay eggs (and to provide food to any animal who eats it....and the food web continues...). Anyway--an adult Luna Moth lives about 1 week.
This is a photo of a caterpillar of the Luna Moth. Photo Credit: http://www.atl.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/index-e/what-e/science-e/biodiversity-e/northamerican_moon_moth-e.html
Flat Millipede. Scientific name: Cherokia georgiana This is a relatively common millipede in the rich, moist forests of east Tennessee. Of course, because it lives on the gound you have to look for it. This one is crawling around some blue violets. The Cherokia georgiana feeds on detritus (waste debris) found on the forest floor. It is only found in very rich habitats. It is notable because it has the ability to release cyanide when threatened. The concentrations are too low to effect humans, but it does leave a stink on your hands. Some people say it smells like almond extract. I think maybe a cross between almond extract and licorice. Whatever the smell, it is unpleasant. I suggest looking but not touching when it comes to these guys. However, if you must pick on up, remember that they are harmless to you...but your hands will stink!
Red-Sided Flat Millipede. Scientific Name: Sigmoria aberrans. Sometimes called the Tennessee Flat-Backed Millipede. A harmless millipede found in rich forests. Eats forest floor detritus. This one was found in a particularly rich forest, on the western escarpment of the Cumberland Plateau. it is crawling across a patch of lichen, which is an interesting species in its own right. Lichens represent a symbiotic relationship between fungus and a photosynthetic component, usually either a cyanobacteria or green algae. The photosynthetic portion of lichen feeds the fungal portion. Lichens are very sensitive to pollution and are used as an indicator species. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of lichens is their ability to survive unprotected in the vacuum of space. A Russian experiment released two species of lichens into space for 15 days, and when brought back to Earth, both were perfectly healthy. But again, I digress. The millipede pictured above is full sized, reaching a length of about 3 inches.
Cave Salamander. Scientific name: Eurycea lucifuga. Found almost exclusively in caves, or in cave-like habitats. However, not to be confused with the endangered Tennessee Cave Salamander (Gyrinophilus palleucus). The Eurycea lucifuga is a beautiful salamander that prefers to live in the twilight zone of the cave. It is a carnivore and feeds on whatever it can get, which in a cave is rather limited. Slugs, other salamanders, worms, and whatever else may come around. Interestingly I have observed these salamanders very deep in caves on occasion and I wonder how they survive there. There if very little food available deep inside a cave. I suspect the presence of secondary entrances that are not obvious to cavers. I simply can't think of any other way that an animal this complex could survive deep in a cave without an outside source of food.
American Robin. Scientific name: Turdus migratorias. Ok, so I lied about not including robins on this page. But this bird just forced my hand. Its parents nested just outside my front door in a shrub. I just couldn't resist the temptation to carefully pull away the branches and keep an eye on its progress. What suprised me most was how fast the bird progressed from hatchiling to fledgling. This bird was up and flying around two weeks from hatching. This is the normal time (14-16 days) but when watching the same bird daily, it seems suprisingly fast. Of course, natural selection pressures would obvioulsy select for fast incubation and development. birds that developed slower would be at greater risk of becoming a meal and not passing on their genes. Which is the entire foundation of natural selection, but I digress. I was proud to see it hopping about the front yard, learning to fly. It survived my neighbors cats, which like nothing more than to eradicate all native wildlife.
Ocoee Salamander. Scientific name: Desmognathus ocoee. I found this little guy pretty deep in a vertical cave. They are not really cave dwellers, but this one seemed to be doing just fine. The cave in question is a fairly high-energy cave, with lots of visitors from the outside, including resident cave rats, multitudes of crickets, salamanders, and other animals. Plus a lot of organic debris is present in the cave, providing habitat, detritus, and outside sources of life and food. The Ocoee salamander is a very common salamander in the southeast, preferring moist habitats and often found near headwaters of first-order streams. Mature lengths will be approximately 25-35mm. They are opportunistic feeders, feeding mainly on small insects.
Eastern Box Turtle. Scientific name: Terrapene carolina carolina. Everyone loves the Box Turtles. Sometimes they get loved to death. Please leave them alone. They don't really want to live in a box in your house. I promise. They do, however, like to live in rich, moist forest environments. I particularly like where this turtle was found. He is just all snuggled into a rich habitat of leaves and debris, almost totally invisible to passerby. If I had not been looking closely for wildflower I would never have seen this guy. Box turtles are omnivores and eat earthworms, snails, small insects, fruit and berries, edible mushrooms, and vegetative matter. Box turtles are interesting and harmless. However, their populations are suffering from loss of habitat and over collecting. Children and misguided parents just can't seem to resist taking box turtles home with them. Please, please leave then where you find them, unless you find them in the middle of the road. In which case you may want to consider placing them on the side of the road to avoid being run over. If you find them for sell in your local pet store you should complain to the owner and stop visitng the pet store. Native caught animals should not be sold in pet stores. Native animals are not pets, ever, for any reason.
Gray Bat. Scientific name: Myotis grisenscens. Gray Bats are endangered throughout their range. They are federally listed as an endangered species Their total population size is estimated to be 1 to 1.5 million. However, they hibernate in significant numbers in only 8 caves in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama, and Arkansis. For this reason, most gray bat hibernaculums have been gated to prevent human disturbance of the bats during hibernation. Contrary to a wealth of popular myths regarding bats, they are exclusively beneficial and totally harmless (unless you are a flying insect). They eat insects exclusively. They don't carry rabies any more than any other mammals found in the forests. They do not get stuck in your hair. Well....I suppose if you have a whole bunch of long, crazy hair, and you captured a gray bat, and then crammed it into your hair and wrapped your hair all around it, it may get stuck, but short of that, they don't get stuck in your hair. They are very habitat specific, leading to their status as endangered. In Winter, they gather in the previously mentioned 8 caves, as well as many other caves with tiny populations present. In Summer, they split up into bachelor and maternity colonies in totally different caves. The biggest threat to gray bats is misinformed humans who kill them for a variety of stupid reasons. I have heard of some idiots using bats for target practice with shotguns. I was personally involved in a cave gating project because local residents were plucking hibernating bats off of the wall and stomping them to death. This type of ignorance must be countered with constant community outreach and educational efforts. The above photo was taken in a bachelor colony cave near the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. Pretty cool photo, huh?
Spotted Salamander. Scientific name: Ambystoma maculatum. Belongs to a group of amphibians known as mole salamanders, noted for their ability to regenerate entire appendages and perhaps more importantly, the ability to heal thier skin without scarring. This is the subject of a lot of medical research right now. They are generally aquatic and feed on invertebrates such as earthworms, spiders and slugs. They are characterized by vivid colorations on a dark background, in this case white spots on a black background. Like most species on this page, Spotted Salamanders prefer rich, moist forest habitats. Then need the presence of pools of water that seldom or never dry as they lay their eggs in the same pool year after year. They choose pools that are free of fish to protect their eggs. They can get quite large, reaching almost 20cm in length. They spend most of their lives in underground burrows, but can be found in pools (like the one pictured above) and sometimes under rotting logs or in similar habitats. Their skin has a sensitive, slime covering that should not be handled by human hands. If handled the slime is removed and injury or death could be the result for the salamander.
Common Garden Snail. Scientific name: Helix "______." This could be virtually any species of snail. I am not a snail expert. This is basically a common, terrestrial snail found in, you guessed it, a rich, moist, forest environmnet. Snails are mainly herbivores. I am not sure what it is doing on this poisonous mushroom. It is probably just crawling around. That is a native, American Holly (Ilex opaca) tree in the right of the photo. The photo is included because I think it is serene and beautiful.
Katydid. Genus: Tettigoniidae. Species: Could be any of about 200. I am not a Katydid specialist and really have no idea what species is represented here. Do you even see the Katydid in the photo? How remarkably camouflaged. They look just like leaves. This one looks almost like part of the plant it is on. Katydids are members of the grasshopper family and generally eat plants, although some are predatory.
This is the same Katydid as above, from different angle. It was found it in a rich, moist forest habitat. I know, that is getting to be a common theme on this page. Actually, my preferred habitat is a rich, moist, forest habitat.... I suspect this Katydid is laying eggs on this plant. Some sort of discharge is obvious in the photo. And is doesn't apear to be eating. But I am just guessing. I really know very little about katydids.
Pickerel Frog. Scientific name: Lithobates palustris. Very similar to the Southern Leopard Frog, except the Pickerel is characterized by rectangular splotches, arranged in parallel patterns on its back. It feeds on smallinvertebrates, especially crickets. It does swim and is typically found near water. It lays its eggs in globular clumps, attached to vegitation, underwater. This particular specimen was found quite deep in a cave, several hundred feet from the entrance in the dark zone. We considered how it got there, and if we should interfere. It is actually a complex decision. Caves are very low energy environments and a dead frog can provide a lot of nutrients for cave life. This dead frog could have been a food bounty for the cave. More food than the cave may see for years at a time. Additionally, natural selection tends to select for animals that don't wander hundreds of feet into caves. It is rather hard to find a mate, much less food to eat, in the dark zone of a cave if you are a frog. So this frog probably should have been left where we found it. But we just couldn't do it. Instead we put it in a jacket pocket and took it back to the entrance of the cave, where we released it right at the transition between inside and outside the cave. We gave the frog one more chance. I don't know what became of it. Probaby, it went back in the cave where crickets are abundant, and either got lost again, or stayed in the twilight zone, found a mate, and passed on its genes. It is a rather pretty frog. And somewhat less common than the similar Southern Leopard Frog.
This is a mass of frog eggs, in a puddle of water . The water level in this puddle is a bit low for this egg mass. The survival of the eggs was doubtful. Of course, a bit of rain and we have a whole new story, don't we? Notice the embryos visible in each, individual egg cell. Actually very beautiful in its own way. This egg mass is also an attractive food source for snakes, raccoons, and other forest animals.
American Toad. Scientific name: Bufo americanus. This is a very common toad. These two are obviously mating, locked in amplexus. They were totally unconcerned with my presence. The camera was only a few inches from these toads and they didn't seem to notice. Unlike most of the species on this page, who tend to prefer rich, moist forests, these toads will live just about anywhere. They are common in lawns, although these were found in.....rich, moist forest. They eat small invertebrates, such as crickets and slugs. The female lays 4000-8000 eggs in spiral strands. It is hard to tell in the photograph, but the toads are mating in a deep, tire rut in a seldom used logging road. There was signifcant water present just out of frame of the photograph. All bufo toads are extremely toxic. There are some that people collect venom from for its psychedelic properties, but most species also have cardiotoxins and are deadly. They are a common source of poisoned dogs. When a dog bites a bofu toad, the toad secretes a venom out of its skin and the dog usually dies.
Black Racer Snake. Scientific name: Coluber constrictor. This relatively common snake prefers open grasslands and sparse forest. It is a constrictor, preying on small animals including rodents, frogs and lizards. It kills them by constricting and suffocating them. They also eat bird eggs, but obviously don't constrict them! They are known to climb trees to gain access to eggs. This snake can really move and getting this close to its head for a photo is a pretty rare occurrance. They typically take off at high speed when you get too near them. Hence the name Black Racer. Often seen sunning on roadways. Distinguished from the Rat Snake by the white patch under the chin. The Rat Snake has a white belly.
Garter Snake. Scientific name: Thanmophis sirtalis. Very common snake. This one lived under my front porch for quite some time. It came out daily and fed under a boxwood shrub in my flowerbed. The area had plentiful and slugs and lizards. Garter snakes do not eat insects, but will keep mice away. That is reason enough to keep them around as far as I am concerned. The fear that people have of snakes will never cease to amaze me. Having garter snakes in your flower beds, under your house and around your lawn is a wonderful gift. They are totally harmless, beautiful, and feed on crickets, spiders, slugs, and otherinvertebrates. Its a win-win situation. This is another example of how community outreach and education can make a positive difference. Young children don't have these preconceived notions of irrational fear and hands-on education can create tolerance, and increase the chances of survival for animals that face increasing pressure from habitat loss. If you pick up a garter snake (good luck--they are quite fast) they emit a stong, unpleasant odor from an anal gland as a defense mechanism. But like all wildlife, they should be left alone.
Ring-Necked Snake. Scientific name: Diadophis punctatus. A very small snake, only 10-11 inches long when fully grown. Although the snake is relatively common, it is rarely seen. It is secretive and small. It generally hides in leaf litter and under logs, making it unlikely you will notice one. Like many animals, if you pick one up it will release a foul-smelling fluid on you. making you wish you hadn't picked it up. I know it seems irresistable and I must admit I have handled one and therefore I am quite familiar with the foul-smelling liquid. But they are kind of cute, huh? Their preferred diet is small salamanders, but they will eat worms, small lizards and other reptiles as well. They lay eggs communally, often in rotting logs. The snakes tend to feed nocturnally.
Long-Tailed Salamander. Scientific name: Eurycea longicauda. Usually found in seepages, alongside streams, and in caves. Literature suggests that Eurycea longicauda feeds nocturnally on insects, spiders, centipedes, and other invertebrates. As teh photo above shows, they also feed on slimy salamanders. This specimean was found in a cave. Photo credit: Kristen Bobo
Walking Stick. Family: Phasmatidae, Genus Ctenomorpha. Over 20 possible species. This speciman unidentified. A leaf-eating insect. Found in forests in Tennessee. Interestingly, they don't just look like sticks, but they also move in a jerky fashion, similar to a stick blowing around in wind. Camouflage is their primary form of defense, although some species can emit a liquid that burns the mouth and eyes of predators.
Cave-adapted Crayfish. Scientific name: Orconectes australis australis. These crayfish have no eyes, more evidence of natural selection in the wild. Caves have total darkness, so selection favors those animals with traits that help them feed in total darkness. Namely longer antennae. Other traits are not selected for, such as body pigment and eyes, becauese they are of no use to the animal. Caves provide strong evidence for natural selection.
Cave-Adapted Isopods. Scientific name: Caecidotea franzi. Somewhat common aquatic cave invertebrate. Sometimes present in cave streams. Provides a food source for cave-adapted crawfish.Thought to feed on detritus and bacteria in the pools.
Eastern Pipistrelle. Scientific name: Pipistrellus subflavus. This is the most common bat in the southeastern United Sates. It is often found sleeping in caves in areas where its body becomes covered with a fine layer of moisture droplets. Exclusively an insectivore. Hibernates throughout the Winter season. They are one of the earlier bats to emerge from caves at night to feed. They spend all day in caves, even in the Summer months.
Rafinesque's Big-Eared Bat. Scientific name: Plecotus refinesquii. This is a relatively easy bat to identify due to its dark color and extremely large ears. Not commonly found in caves. This speciman was found roosting under a rock. They are commonly found in buildings, especially in the attic area. Forms maternity colonies of up to several dozen individuals in the summer. Forages on moths in forests and forest edges, feeding at night. If a colony is found in spring or summer, please do not disturb it as females may abandon their young if disturbed. Numbers are thought to be declining, but accurate measurements are diffucult to assess due to the widespread and somewhat isolated nature of the species.
Banded Sculpin. Scientific name: Cottus carolinae. A relatively common bottom dwelling fish of the Cumberland and Tennessee river drainages. Although it is rarely seen. It inhabits flowing streams in its region. Feeds on inveterbrates and other fish. Commonly found in cave streams, although there does not seem to be a cave-adapted variety. They just sometimes choose to live in caves. The Banded Sculpin requires clean water, often living in spring water and headwaters of streams. It does not live in waters that drain into the Mississippi river.