Honey Locust
The Honey locust, Gleditsia triacanthos, is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is mostly found in the moist soil near rivers and streams. A notable characteristic is the large ominous looking thorns.
Scarlet Cup Fungus
I found this specimen in late May near Springfield, MO. These are fairly common in spring, but are one of my favorites to photograph.
According to Michael Kuo of mushroomexpert.com:
Field guides typically treat this mushroom as “Sarcoscypha coccinea,” though that species is actually found only in the Pacific Northwest. Sarcoscypha dudleyi and Sarcoscypha austriaca are the eastern species–but separating them, unfortunately, requires a microscope. See the gory details below, under “Microscopic Features.”
Regal Moth
The beautiful Regal Moth (Citheronia regalis), is found throughout the deciduous forest areas of the eastern U.S. from Missouri to Massachusetts and southward to Texas and central Florida. It is more common in the southern part of its distribution. Common among walnut and hickory trees, the larva is typically called hickory horned devil. The color and pattern of male and female regal moths are identical, however the males are slightly smaller in size and have wings that are more narrow. Although these moths are mostly nocturnal, this one was photographed early afternoon.
