Discoveries

Eroding Cliffs Offer Migratory Bats a Roost

A stunning observation of a silver-haired bat roosting in an eroded chimney in the cliff at Lucy Vincent Beach, Chilmark, Massachusetts.

Protandrena compositarum

Protandrena compositarum, a small, specialized bee associated with aster flowers, has been documented for the first time on Martha’s Vineyard.

Neotridactylus apicialis

Neotridactylus apicialis, the larger pygmy mole grasshopper, has been documented on Martha’s Vineyard – the 69th species of Orthoptera known from the island.

Stylogaster neglecta

Apparently a first record for Martha’s Vineyard, the Conopid fly Stylogaster neglecta was recently found outside the BiodiversityWorks office in Vineyard Haven.

Microdon fulgens on Martha’s Vineyard

The discovery of the “ant fly” Microdon fulgens on Martha’s Vineyard extends the known distribution of the colorful, mainly southern Syprhid fly by about 250 miles.

New Pygmy Grasshopper for Martha’s Vineyard

Tetrix subulata – slender or awl-shaped pygmy grasshopper – was found in Aquinnah on May 31, 2024. This was the first Vineyard record of this species, which represents the 68th species of Orthoptera known from the island.

Colletes validus

While not exactly rare, the blueberry cellophane bee (Colletes validus) is a specialized one. Martha’s Vineyard, offering the sandy soils and large blueberry populations this bee requires, hosts a notable population of this species.

Stoneflies

With an aquatic larval stage, stoneflies (the order Plectoptera) associate with fast-moving streams with good water quality. While they are likely overlooked, Plectoptera are infrequently reported on Martha’s Vineyard.

A “Shore Bug,” Pentacora sphacelata

A bug photographed on the Felix Neck salt marsh in 2019 has been identified as Pentacora sphacelata (Saldidae) – a first Vineyard record for this “shore bug.”

Bats in December?

Two attentive Vineyard naturalists document unusual December sightings of two migratory bat species.