Käyttäjän pfau_tarleton päiväkirja

Agalinis, the false foxgloves, bloom primarily in the fall. Some species are common and widespread, others are very rare, possibly extirpated in Texas, or very localized.

Identification guide:
https://www.inaturalist.org/journal/pfau_tarleton/27184-false-foxgloves-how-to-know-the-species-of-agalinis-in-texas

For those in the Tarrant Co. area, A. auriculata was documented long ago but hasn't been seen since. Is it still hanging on in some out-of-the-way place?

Along the Red River, A. aspera may occur. It's been found on the north side of the river, but not the south side.

The identifying characteristics can be quite subtle, so photographs of from multiple angles of all the critical characteristics is important. See the guide for details.

We've already had one new iNat record of A. densiflora (@pufferchung!). It's distribution is very poorly documented. So keep an eye out for it (primarily in sandy soils). Here's a map of some museum records for Agalinis densiflora. It occurs beyond these locations, but there are some places where we lack iNat records (and we have some iNat records that lack museum records).
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=16nepJDm9lI_tBbvKnsZ0Tb_Fd0GSRTs&usp=sharing

I've started working on an ID guide for Texas Krigia. It's a work in progress as I'm not sure about some of the supposedly identifying characteristics in the literature. I need good pics and some opinions from other people.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/15s7i1EBkSZFCJFcI_p2yccDCY2eRi1XGosLAhZEAH6w/edit?usp=sharing

Krigia are small, yellow dandelion-like flowers that bloom and fruit during late March-April in Texas.

Must have photos of:

• Entire plant, showing where flowering stems emerge from (the base or a branch)
• Fruiting head: viewed from top, side, and bottom
• Fruit (may need to dissect if it's not open)

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Due to the wetter weather across parts of Texas, this late winter/early spring may shape up to be a really good Anemone year.

Already, we've got:
--a new iNat county record
--some plants that look "different"--outside the range of typical appearances
--and the the three species on top of Lover's Leap in Junction, TX have already been documented--all three in bloom. I'll be going there this coming weekend to check them out--this is the only known location where three species can be found in sympatry (although separated a bit by microclimate).

Guide to TX Anemones:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1llZApbJ29F2h9w7EYA7D3B-cDAcQra0GC01zWMCvVc8

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@codystricker, @bacchusrock, @joshua_tx, @ronstephens, @stelluti, @currenfrasch, @kayakqueen

Species of the Tribe Arabideae are among the first flowers to bloom (January--March or early April). Being small and inconspicuous, they are often overlooked. Observations of Texas Arabideae are here. These species have been lumped and split, taxonomically; formerly, all were in the genus Draba.

Because of its diminutive size, Tomostima reptans is the most challenging (and most exciting) to find. It appears to be most likely seen in sandy, exposed soil with minimum competing vegetation. It's general distribution is estimated by this BONAP map, but this is incomplete.

T. reptans pictured below:

The following characteristics vary, so documenting multiple characteristics will confirm the ID. Features to capture include:

• side view of mature fruits (pods)
• side view of flowering stem (pedicel) from top to bottom (with hairs in focus)
• view of leaves

Also, young plants may be challenging or impossible to identify.

👉 Key and illustrated identification guide*

 
*There is also a yellow-flowered species in Jeff Davis county (Trans-Pecos) which isn't in the guide: Draba standleyi
 

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If anyone is already planning events for 2024, please let me know and I'll compile them here.

This Google map documents past, planned, and potential bioblitz locations:

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Date(s) to avoid:

• Apr 26-29: City Nature Challenge
• Oct 24-27: Texas Master Naturalist conference

Events in the queue (some in planning stages):

• March 23: Benbrook Lake Richardson Tract limestone prairie - see comment from @observerjosh below
• April 13-14: Indian Creek Ranch - Edwards Co., TX (project)
• April 27th: Walsh Ranch BioBlitz (Parker County--between Weatherford and Fort Worth)
• May 17-19: Little L Ranch (Walker Ranch) Bioblitz and River Cleanup
• TBD: Independence Creek and Diamond Y (Nature Conservancy properties)
• TBD: Roger Fawcett WMA (off I-20 west of Fort Worth)

Events in DFW area for May, June, and July:

• https://www.inaturalist.org/journal/sambiology/94256

TPWD Texas Nature Trackers is planning several public bioblitz events - Facebook

• Apr 6: Post Oak Preserve in southeast Dallas
• 7-9 June: Caddo Lake WMA (kayak or canoe encouraged)
• Oct 4-6: Devil's River SNA in Val Verde County (Visit this website and click the Journal link for more info)

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@amzapp, @annikaml, @bacchusrock, @baxter-slye, @bosqueaaron, @brentano, @butterflies4fun, @cameralenswrangler, @centratex, @chasingchickens, @currenfrasch, @connlindajo, @dillon_kyle, @eaneubauer, @elytrid, @franpfer, @gcwarbler, @gwaithir, @ldennis, @immortalwhat, @inhat83, @isaaceastland, @jcochran706, @jeff_back, @jeffmci9, @jgw_atx, @joshua_tx, @k8thegr8, @knightericm, @kimberlietx, @lorimalloy, @lovebirder, @lulubelle, @mammelton50, @megachile, @mpintar, @mikef451, @nanofishology, @nathantaylor, @oddfitz, @observerjosh, @pynklynx, @prairie_rambler, @rkostecke, @reidhardin, @rymcdaniel, @sagaciousoctopus, @sambiology, @sandrahorton, @tadamcochran, @wildcarrot

Link to observations from this weekend!
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?d1=2023-10-20&d2=2023-10-22&place_id=any&project_id=timberlake-biological-field-station&verifiable=any

Identification modal link here:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/identify?d1=2023-10-20&d2=2023-10-22&place_id=any&project_id=timberlake-biological-field-station&verifiable=any

Species documented on iNat for the first time:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?d1=2023-10-20&d2=2023-10-22&place_id=any&verifiable=any&field:Similar%20observation%20set=First%20at%20Timberlake

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Feel free to join us for a late October Bioblitz at Timberlake Field Station--October 21st. Newbies welcome! Attendees may begin arriving at noon Friday or anytime thereafter. We'll depart after lunch Sunday.

Tarleton State University’s Timberlake Field Station is an educational and research facility located on the Colorado River in the heart of Texas--midway between Austin and Abilene. The 790 acre property has over 2 miles of Colorado river frontage and includes bottomland and upland habitats.

I think everyone will already know, but it's been dry. There won't be much plant or aquatic life (unless the ponds catch water).

Upon arrival and before exploring, sign a release form at the pavilion. There will be printed maps for you to take also.

The original cabin (with AC and restrooms) is available and has 3 rooms with one bed and one room with 4 bunk beds. In addition there are two new bunkhouses (with AC and toilet) that sleep 12 each (6 bunk beds). There's lots of room to pitch a tent, or car camp, near the restroom and shower facility. No need to make reservation for cabin or bunkhouses--plenty of beds now.

Here's the link to detailed info about Timberlake (including directions): https://docs.google.com/document/d/19D_D0b94QvtB72GR8e5cSH8XHXFSe9DS69zffjRrbtw/edit?usp=sharing

Tarleton State University’s Timberlake Field Station is an educational and research facility located on the Colorado River in the heart of Texas--midway between Austin and Abilene. The 790 acre property has over 2 miles of Colorado river frontage and includes bottomland and upland habitats.

Timberlake iNaturalist Project:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/timberlake-biological-field-station

Observations listed from least observed to most observed:
https://jumear.github.io/stirfry/iNatAPIv1_observations_species_counts?place_id=118103&taxon_id=48460&verifiable=true&order=asc

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Tag folks you think would be interested. This list is incomplete and not intended to be exclusive--apologies if any regulars have accidentally been omitted. First-timers are welcome!

@amzapp, @annikaml, @bacchusrock, @baxter-slye, @bosqueaaron, @brandonmeadows, @brencero, @brentano, @butterflies4fun, @cameralenswrangler, @centratex, @chasingchickens, @currenfrasch, @connlindajo, @daltonlawing, @devinpedraza, @eaneubauer, @elytrid, @franpfer, @gcwarbler, @gwaithir, @immortalwhat, @inhat83, @isaaceastland, @jcochran706, @jeff_back, @jeffmci9, @jgw_atx, @k8thegr8, @katherinedaniels, @knightericm, @kimberlietx, @laurahaynes, @lorimalloy, @lovebirder, @lulubelle, @mammelton50, @megachile, @mpintar, @mikef451, @oddfitz, @observerjosh, @pynklynx, @prairie_rambler, @rkostecke, @rymcdaniel, @sagaciousoctopus, @sambiology, @steven_bach, @swissagnes, @tadamcochran, @wildcarrot

You might be a maverick, but you also are likely a pre-maverick! There's this project which uses an algorithm to identify observations that are almost maverick--specifically, a 2 to 1 disagreement. This is a great way to catch those possible mis-identifications...you know, back when you were still "learning".

https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/pre-maverick

Two approaches are possible.

First approach:

you can go there, click the observations, filter to show YOUR observations, then work through them to see why you're a pre-maverick. Or here's the URL (replace yourusername with your username):
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?captive=any&place_id=any&project_id=156949&verifiable=any&user_id=yourusername


And this version of the URL allows you to see these in Identify mode:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/identify?reviewed=true&quality_grade=casual%2Cneeds_id%2Cresearch&project_id=156949&verifiable=any&user_id=yourusername

Second approach:

as mentioned by @lappelbaum below, you can use this URL to find any pre-mavericks that you have IDed for other people (replace yourusername with your username):
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?captive=any&place_id=any&project_id=156949&quality_grade=needs_id&verifiable=any&not_user_id=yourusername&ident_user_id=yourusername (note there are two yourusernames to change)


And this version of the URL allows you to see these in Identify mode:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/identify?reviewed=true&quality_grade=casual%2Cneeds_id%2Cresearch&project_id=156949&verifiable=any&ident_user_id=yourusername

Identify mode (showing research grade also):
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/identify?quality_grade=needs_id%2Cresearch&project_id=timberlake-biological-field-station&d1=2023-06-23&d2=2023-06-25

Observations:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?d1=2023-06-23&d2=2023-06-25&place_id=any&project_id=timberlake-biological-field-station&verifiable=any

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Please join us for a June Bioblitz at Timberlake Field Station--June 23-25. Attendees may begin arriving at 2 pm Friday or anytime thereafter. We'll depart after lunch Sunday.

Upon arrival and before exploring, sign a release form at the pavilion.

The original cabin (with AC and restrooms) is available and has four rooms beds. In addition there are two new bunkhouses (with AC and toilet). There's lots of room to pitch a tent, or car camp, near the restroom and shower facility. No need to make reservation for cabin or bunkhouses--plenty of beds now.

Here's the link to detailed info about Timberlake (including directions): https://docs.google.com/document/d/19D_D0b94QvtB72GR8e5cSH8XHXFSe9DS69zffjRrbtw/edit?usp=sharing

Tarleton State University’s Timberlake Field Station is an educational and research facility located on the Colorado River in the heart of Texas--midway between Austin and Abilene. The 790 acre property has over 2 miles of Colorado river frontage and includes bottomland and upland habitats.

Timberlake iNaturalist Project:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/timberlake-biological-field-station

Observations listed from least observed to most observed:
https://jumear.github.io/stirfry/iNatAPIv1_observations_species_counts?place_id=118103&taxon_id=48460&verifiable=true&order=asc

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Tag folks you think would be interested. This list is incomplete and not intended to be exclusive.
@annikaml, @bacchusrock, @baxter-slye, @bosqueaaron, @brandonmeadows, @brencero, @brentano, @cameralenswrangler, @centratex, @chasingchickens, @currenfrasch, @connlindajo, @devinpedraza, @eaneubauer, @gcwarbler, @gwaithir, @immortalwhat, @inhat83, @isaaceastland, @jcochran706, @jeff_back, @k8thegr8, @knightericm, @kimberlietx, @laurahaynes, @lovebirder, @lulubelle, @mammelton50, @mpintar, @mikef451, @observerjosh, @prairie_rambler, @rkostecke, @rymcdaniel, @sagaciousoctopus, @sambiology, @swissagnes, @tadamcochran, @wildcarrot

Penstemon guadalupensis is a Texas endemic documented from only a handful of counties. It's similar to P. albidus which ranges from Texas to Canada. Both differ from P. cobaea by being considerably smaller overall: smaller flowers, narrower leaves, shorter height. Despite its name, P. albidus (the white-flowered penstemon) comes in a pale lavender version. P. guadalupensis, however, has only been documented as white-flowered.

P. guadalupensis is underdocumented species. And almost certainly has declined in many areas due to land abuse. In 1895, it was very abundant along the Guadalupe River and Town Creek in vicinity of Kerrville. It hasn't been seen in Kerr Co. since.

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Here's a slide showing the two side-by-side, a range map, and Heller's original description of P. guadalupensis along with the type specimen:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QhU48ez5eZkzk-5FfgNw6Weg6ztee6ovFhkZZTQ4U88/edit?usp=sharing

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To distinguish the two, these are my thoughts at the moment, based on observing a lot of P. guadalupensis in person (and all of the observations on iNat) and comparing them visually with several hundred iNat observations of P. albidus from across the western great plains (Canada to Texas).

Based on that, here's my conclusion on how to distinguish them:

P. albidus has leaves that are as wide at the base as they are near the flowers--the basal leaves are not linear. The color of the leaves lean toward bluish green (often with a frosted or matte appearance--which would feel like sandpaper):
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/82465393
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/81787058
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/81068195

P. guadalupensis has leaves that are narrow at the base (linear, strap-like) and increase in width as they approach the flowers. The color of the leaves lean toward yellowish green:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/155081768
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/24737402

The difference in leaf width from base to flower (or lack thereof) being a character that really stands out to me. And FNA has some outright mistakes in the description and key both. I've since found Heller's original description, and he highlighted the leaf shape as I've described it as a main character. Note: the FNA couplet for these species contains an error in leaf width (compare it with the FNA species description).

There are some specimens that are contentious (i.e. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/5892242), so the reliability of distinguishing characters may not be 100% and there may be hybridization or these species may represent clinal variation of one species, etc.

Penstemon guadalupensis is a relatively uncommon penstemon which I found (one specimen of) at Lake Proctor: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/77358627

I'm curious how abundant they are at this location (a Corps park) and the Corps personnel are interested in documenting uncommon plants.

Folks interested in coming out to focus efforts on looking for Penstemon guadalupensis are welcome. We just need to settle on a date in mid-April. I'm not sure if we'd spend the night (it's an option), but that's something we can discuss.

@bosqueaaron, @jcochran706, @annikaml, @gcwarbler, @kimberlietx, @sambiology (tagging some of the more obsessive plant folks--feel free to tag others).

@kylewatter