Note for outdoor explorations in your own backyards or on the trail: Fascinating detail about the small red insects seen recently devouring several lily plants. They are scarlet lily beetles and “if unable to escape, they are also able to ‘squeak’, by rubbing two parts of their body together, which may be used to startle the attacker,” according to Wikipedia, where a host of other interesting facts and images await. No kidding, they really do emit a high-pitched alarm sound that is disconcerting when removing them from plants – and so will sometimes achieve the desired result of dropping the beetles back to earth – where they resume their march of life back up the lilies.

And a once-common sight while out on a ride or hike: turtles. Here are some facts from the CT DEEP page about the species: “The spotted turtle is not a state-listed species but is recognized by experts as a declining species in Connecticut. The isolation and decline of spotted turtle populations are attributed to collection for the pet trade industry; the alteration, loss, and fragmentation of habitat; habitat succession; road mortality; and predation.

“Relatively low reproductive rates, coupled with the above-mentioned threats, make spotted turtles extremely susceptible to population declines. They are sensitive to pollution and toxic substances, and will disappear rapidly from habitats with declining water quality.

Spotted turtle seen – and left undisturbed – on a little-used state forest road. TW/MDP

“Mortality associated with crossing roads is especially problematic given that the turtles that cross roads are often pregnant females in search of a nesting site. Every individual turtle collected from the wild to become a pet has a profound effect because each turtle removed is no longer able to be a reproducing member of that population.”