Pictures From BioBlitz 2013: Bronze Frogs to Crawfish Chimneys

Night Critters
Photograph by Clay Bolt, Meet Your Neighbours/National Geographic
Beetles, dragonflies, moths, and dobsonflies were among the species gathered by entomologists from Louisiana State University at the recent BioBlitz in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve outside New Orleans. The researchers surveyed for invertebrates using a light-trap that was placed within the forest. The specimens in the composite photograph are not shown to scale.
The BioBlitz was the seventh in a series of 24-hour species counts in wildlife sanctuaries organized by the U.S. National Park Service and the National Geographic Society. The annual inventories form part of the run-up to the National Parks centennial in 2016.
More than 100 scientists led hundreds of students, teachers, and other members of the public into the various ecosystems of Jean Lafitte's Barataria Preserve to look for as many species of animals and plants as could be identified in 24 hours starting midday May 17. (See photos from BioBlitz 2012.)
The initial scientific species count was 458, with well over 1,500 observations made over the two days. Several species new to the park were observed, including invasive animals and plants not previously detected. The official tally is expected to increase significantly as scientists study the collections in their laboratories.
—David Braun
Published June 10, 2013
Aquatic Species
Photograph by Tirzah Weiskotten, National Geographic Education
Half of the more than 3,000 citizen participants in the 2013 BioBlitz were local schoolchildren and their teachers.
The BioBlitz was part scientific endeavor, part festival, and part outdoor classroom. Participants combed Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, observing and recording as many plant and animal species as possible in 24 hours. Activities included counting alligators, catching insects, spotting birds, exploring and examining aquatic invertebrates, and using technology to better understand the diverse ecosystems of the unique park.
The final official tally of 245 animals and 188 plants included 60 bird species, 19 reptiles, 17 amphibians, and 22 fish.
Park Service scientists will use the information to update the baseline of biodiversity in the preserve. (Related: "An Aquatic Surprise at BioBlitz 2012.")
Published June 10, 2013
Bronze Frog
Photograph by Clay Bolt, Meet Your Neighbours/National Geographic
The bronze frog (Rana clamitans clamitans) is one of the most commonly found species of frogs in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, a 23,500-acre (9,510-hectare) patch of wilderness adjacent to New Orleans. A subspecies of the more commonly found green frog (Rana clamitans), the bronze frog was one of about 50 animal species documented in the 2013 BioBlitz by Meet Your Neighbours, a grassroots effort that involves photographers working within their local community in more than 40 countries.
"By photographing our subjects in the wild against a brilliantly lit white background, commonly found species that have often been taken for granted are revealed in a new way, encouraging a second glance or renewed interest from the viewer," said Clay Bolt, who with Scottish wildlife photographer Niall Benvie, cofounded Meet Your Neighbours in 2009.
Specimens are placed on a piece of opaque white plastic called Acrylite (Perspex in the United Kingdom). A flash is placed beneath the plastic (or behind it for plants).
"This light blows out the background and causes the more translucent areas of the subjects to glow, quite often to a spectacular effect," Bolt explained in an email.
"Another flash is placed in front or above the subject, which serves to fill in the shadows and provides the finishing touch. We like to give our subjects the celebrity treatment!"
Published June 10, 2013
Insect Vacuum
Photograph by Karine Aigner, Meet Your Neighbours/National Geographic
A scientist from Louisiana State University uses an aspirator to collect small insects that were attracted to a light-trap at the BioBlitz. Entomologists use the mouth-powered vacuum to capture very small insects.
Published June 10, 2013
Horseflies
Photographs by Clay Bolt, Meet Your Neighbours/National Geographic
Horseflies are not among the most popular species found in Louisiana wetlands. The females can have a very nasty bite, according to photographer Clay Bolt.
"However, males don't bite—similar to mosquitoes—and feed on nectar. You can tell a male horsefly from a female by the eyes; [the males' eyes] touch in the middle," he said.
Published June 10, 2013
Crawfish Chimney
Photograph by Clay Bolt, Meet Your Neighbours/National Geographic
Many first-time visitors to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve were surprised to see mysterious structures made of mud on the forest floor. "These interesting formations, which are commonly known as crawfish chimneys, are created when a crawfish digs its burrow," according to Bolt.
"While their function isn't entirely understood, a common belief is that it serves to protect and conceal the animal's underground chamber," he added.
Published June 10, 2013
White-Footed Mouse
Photograph by Clay Bolt, Meet Your Neighbours/National Geographic
The white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) is one of many elusive species of mammals found in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. This nocturnal creature is one of the most commonly found rodents in the eastern United States.
Published June 10, 2013
Squirrel Tree Frog
Photograph by Clay Bolt/National Geographic
The squirrel tree frog (Hyla squirella) is one of many incredible species of frogs that BioBlitz participants encountered during the event. At dusk their clicking, squirrel-like call was often heard ringing through the bayou.
Published June 10, 2013