Calder, Beckett, and Oryne sent us pictures of a tiny crab they caught on the beach. They released the crab after the picture. Here is another example of an exoskeleton. The exoskeleton has to be shed in order for this crab to get larger. Before the hard exoskeleton (shell) is shed, the crab forms a softer exoskeleton under the hard shell. When the hard shell is discarded, the softer shell allows expansion before it hardens into the new and larger exoskeleton.
Below-Update on Water system: The first picture shows filter #2 and #3 in our system when they were changed on 8-18-23. The second picture shows filter #2 ten minutes after the filter was changed. The third and fourth pictures show these same filters #2 and #3 nine days later (as of 8-27-23). For some unknown reason, the rust on filter #2 (Middle picture) has settled to the bottom of the filter and the filter is now white with a gray center and blobs of rust at the bottom. We think the gray is from the filter medium just installed in the large tank (Filter #1). We have no clue what caused the rust to accumulate in blobs at the base of filter #2(picture 3 and 4 below). We will check with the filter company and our resident chemist and see if they can answer this question. If you have an idea, please feel free to let us know.
Slide show Below: It may be a little late, but we planted watermelon today. We figure that this far south, we should have enough warm days to get some melons before the first freeze. This area has a sprinkler system, so hopefully these plants will have a better chance growing than the plants in areas that had to be watered by hand. We need 90 days before a freeze.
Below: In the video below you see three different types of butterflies. The small brown butterfly is a Sliver-spotted Skipper. The large black and yellow butterfly is a Giant Swallowtail (family Papilionidae). The orange butterfly is a Gulf Fritillary. This Gulf Fritillary butterfly lays its eggs on the Passion flower. If you watch the video to the end you will see how prolific this species has been in our yard and understand why there is so much destruction to our Passion flower. The plant is literally covered with caterpillars from the Gulf Fritillary butterfly. You can actually see the caterpillars taking a bite out of the leaves. Also, note the colors on the underside of the wings of the Gulf Fritillary butterfly. It looks like a totally different butterfly from the underside.
The slideshow contains the same three butterflies, but in still shots.
Below: Quinn and Bruce IV attended the Saints Game tonight. Someone just called to say they were also on TV.
Below: Last trip before school starts! Calder, Beckett, and Oryne shared their beach pictures with you.
