Our June, 2025 field trip took us to Banner Marsh (just off route 24 past Kingston Mines, IL). We collected, photographed, then released a number of insect speciemsn from the water. I brough my aquatic insect net to collect specimens. I also brough a microscope so we could observe specimens locally. Jose took a number of macro photographs as well. Here is a photo gallery of what we ncountered. I think everyone enjoyed this trip. Our next trip will be to Dixon Waterfowl Refuge in July.
Water lily – photo by Ruth
Water lily in bloom
Specimens – photo by Ruth
Rat tailed maggot and other specimens
Tray with insects – photo by Ruth
Tray with algae, insects, and more
Setting up – photo by Ruth
Setting up examination of specimens collected for observation
Discussions – photo by Ruth
Discussions at pond edge
Latest catch – photo by Ruth
Jose and Mark examining insects just collected
Resting in shade – photo by Ruth
Some of our group resting in the shade
More discussions – photo by Ruth
Pond – photo by Ruth
Park of our group near the pond
Bird nests – photo by Ruth
Many birds were nesting
Bird nests – photo by Ruth
More bird nests
Painted turtle – photo by Ruth
Painted turtle crawling away
June field trip – photo by Jose
Great group at our June field trip
Creeping water bug – photo by Jose
Naucoridae nymph
Creeping water bug adult – photo by Jose
Adult Naucoridae
Giant water bug nymph – photo by Jose
Belostoma flumineum nymph
Damselfly nymph – photo by Jose
Closeup of damselfly nymph
Dragonfly nymph – photo by Jose
Dragonfly nymph
Water lily
Blossom
Water lilies
Waterlilies in bloom
Snake in water
Northern water snake
Pond at Banner Marsh
Pond
Slough
Slough
