7/21/2022: Tennessee trip, in short

I didn’t know it was possible for 2 days to feel like 2 weeks, and yet last weekend did. Over 16 hours straight of driving and only 7 hours of viable collecting time made this one of my most succinct blitzes yet.

Although my primary targets Lucanus elaphus and Dynastes tityus completely eluded us (despite Kai’s supposedly super incredibly awesome amazing fail-proof generator lights), bugging in new locations always yields many unexpected treasures.

Rounding out the surprisingly growing collection of captive cave crickets, three new species returned to the bug collection with me. Some other odds and ends, like Carolina mantle slugs and Appalachian form grapevine beetles, were also out in okay numbers. The biggest trip find were the numerous Apheloria polychroma, one of the prettiest (and largest?) flat millipedes. Getting to see them in their wild habitat, both out and about and in molting chambers in various places, has given immense insight into how these stunning creatures could be bred effectively in captivity.

I am still slaving away setting up the new acquisitions, and am already excited for and dreading the upcoming out west ones.

A kindly thank you to our guide Samson, who showed us around and prevented us from getting shot.

-Kyle