Saturday, August 23, 2014

Millipedes and Efts

Spending a few days in the Champlain Valley with family, which always includes a hike up Mt. Philo in Charlotte, VT. Although not quite 1000' in elevation, the mountain offers great views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains beyond. Although yesterday morning when we hiked it was misting and socked in. This kept our attention on small things, up close. Two favorite sightings: red efts and millipedes, both favor damp days to move about and forage.

This common North American millipede is 3-4 inches long with a lovely pattern of reddish bands on its body and many legs.




We helped several red efts across the road that the serves as a hiking trail. One eft in particular caught our attention. Its belly was bulging and part of a caterpillar was sticking out of its mouth. This one caught a good meal. I rarely catch them eating their prey.
Always a lovely day on Mt. Philo, rain or shine.

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