Friends of Murphys Point Park

Scientific name: Chrysops cincticornis

As the summer season comes to an end, we have a species to look back on that you might have enjoyed in the park (or not). Although deer flies can be annoying, you may not have known that there are actually many different species of deerflies! This particular deer fly is called Chrysops cincticornis; it’s a rarer species known for its bright orange shoulders and black body. Consider yourself lucky if you see this rare species. Another thing you might not have known about them is that only the females bite – the males are actually pollinators! This also marks our last species of the week before we transition to Bird of the Month for the fall and winter. Hope you enjoy our posts to come. Happy autumn and winter everyone!

Scientific name: Ardea herodias

The Great Blue Heron is an impressively large gray-blue bird that is sure to grab your attention. They stand at 1 metre tall but only weigh an average of 5-6 pounds because of their hollow bones! This wading bird spends a lot of time fishing, and you’re likely to see them while out on the water. They fish by moving around very slowly or standing still in one place until a fish comes by. Then, they extend their neck out and strike like a harpoon!

Ambystoma maculatum

The Spotted Salamander is black-gray in colour with vibrant, yellow-orange spots. Along its sides, this salamander can have 11-13 costal grooves. These grooves increase the surface area of a salamander’s skin and allow more water to collect on the body and absorb. This helps ensure the salamander doesn’t dry out and can continue with normal respiratory processes. Their skin is very thin and permeable as they breathe through it. However, this means that salamanders are very susceptible to toxins entering their bodies from the environment around them. This species may be SPOTTED in Murphys Point close to wetlands and vernal pools, but hidden under deadfall and leaf litter. If searching for salamanders, be cautious and careful when placing logs that have been lifted. Ensure the salamander can get back under the log without being harmed. It is also best practice to avoid holding amphibians in your hands because of their absorbent skin, as noted above.