Join the Discussion "How do you identify wild critters that you do not recognize?" Ronnie
More of this Feature
• Part 1: Resources for identifying them  • Part 2: Unusual critters spotted
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Bugs don’t escape my attention, either. Ever hear of a click beetle? Growing up we called these beetles "popping bugs" because they would pop out of your hand if you held them flat on their back in your palm. I got more info about these bugs from my book, and the picture looks just like the ones I remember.

I have located pictures of plants ranging from evening primrose to giant onions in my book. Many of the plants I find interesting I have seen growing in ditches and road right-of-ways. For many years I kept a shovel and bucket in my truck and stopped and dug up plants to bring home. I have evening primrose, day lilies, giant wild onions, wisteria, Queen Anne’s Lace, butterfly weed, Jerusalem Artichoke and more in my yard from these efforts.

A few days ago a guy posted on a newsgroup on the internet about catching a fish with feet. I remembered catching a huge salamander years ago and wondered if that was what it was. I could not remember the name but my book quickly showed a picture of a hellbender, our only fully aquatic salamander.

The internet has become a major part of my search now. I switched to search on my site and quickly found a picture and description of a hellbender. I posted the url and the guy said it was what he was talking about. This is a really strange looking critter that gets up to 29 inches long. That is huge!

Although not a wild plant, I have been looking for a shrub like my mother had in our back yard for years. I never remember hearing the name, but found out it was a Rose of Sharon. When it did not turn up in my book, I was able to search the internet and find a picture as well as information on planting and care of it. I plan on getting one soon.

Watch for unusual plants and animals and try to identify them. It can be fun as well as educational.

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