Daniel D. Brown, Ph.D.
@drlaughingmantis.bsky.social
Laughing Mantis Studio
Pittsburgh, PA. breast cancer scientist, artist, woodworker, naturalist, native plant enthusiast, gardener, gamer, husband, dog dad.
Full portfolio on IG @laughingmantisstudio
Pittsburgh, PA. breast cancer scientist, artist, woodworker, naturalist, native plant enthusiast, gardener, gamer, husband, dog dad.
Full portfolio on IG @laughingmantisstudio
Getting ready to release #4 that just hatched!
April 24, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Getting ready to release #4 that just hatched!
And this excellent @nextpittsburgh.bsky.social article by Andy Moore gives a lot more history, research, and context!
nextpittsburgh.com/environment/...
nextpittsburgh.com/environment/...
After 87 years, zebra swallowtail butterflies return to Pittsburgh thanks to pawpaws
Although its host plant is native to Pittsburgh, no sightings of zebra swallowtail butterflies had been reported in 87 years. Until now.
nextpittsburgh.com
April 24, 2025 at 12:55 AM
And this excellent @nextpittsburgh.bsky.social article by Andy Moore gives a lot more history, research, and context!
nextpittsburgh.com/environment/...
nextpittsburgh.com/environment/...
This was my original story in @publicsource.org: www.publicsource.org/zebra-swallo...
Long-gone zebra swallowtail butterflies in my Pittsburgh pawpaws
Naturalists waited decades for the zebra swallowtail butterfly's return to the northern end of its habitat. My pawpaw trees bred hope.
www.publicsource.org
April 24, 2025 at 12:54 AM
This was my original story in @publicsource.org: www.publicsource.org/zebra-swallo...
Just perusing through your native plant photos. :) this one reminded me of some NE aster shots I took this week! Yes, really. I grew them from seed under light in my basement. Then took them in and out trying to harden them while avoiding freezes. They’re so confused 😵💫 😂. I was shocked.
April 15, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Just perusing through your native plant photos. :) this one reminded me of some NE aster shots I took this week! Yes, really. I grew them from seed under light in my basement. Then took them in and out trying to harden them while avoiding freezes. They’re so confused 😵💫 😂. I was shocked.
More great info! Thank you so much!
April 15, 2025 at 11:40 PM
More great info! Thank you so much!
That’s great to know! Although these deer will keep coming back over and over. City deer… haha. I had read that oenothera are deer-resistant. That clearly does not apply to starved urban deer. 😂 or just bad internet info
April 15, 2025 at 11:10 PM
That’s great to know! Although these deer will keep coming back over and over. City deer… haha. I had read that oenothera are deer-resistant. That clearly does not apply to starved urban deer. 😂 or just bad internet info
Bonus: I get to make dog walkers laugh when they go by. 😂
April 15, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Bonus: I get to make dog walkers laugh when they go by. 😂
Yes the “stairs” were haphazardly thrown together today. Squirrels will ruin it regularly anyway.
April 8, 2025 at 1:36 AM
Yes the “stairs” were haphazardly thrown together today. Squirrels will ruin it regularly anyway.
Wow. Here in Pittsburgh (6B), they haven’t even emerged from the ground yet!
April 6, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Wow. Here in Pittsburgh (6B), they haven’t even emerged from the ground yet!
Aw thanks for sharing, Kate! I appreciate you!
April 2, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Aw thanks for sharing, Kate! I appreciate you!
lol I took that same photo
April 1, 2025 at 1:39 AM
lol I took that same photo
Nice catch ;)
March 27, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Nice catch ;)