#NatureSpotting

[missedmilemarkers]

A turtle enjoying a sunny spot on a branch—taking a break from swimming to soak in the rays.

[hongchicken]

The benefits of nature therapy

Introduction

We live in a world where our lives are constantly busy, full of stress, and sometimes it can feel like there’s no escape. Nature therapy may be the answer to this problem. Nature therapy, sometimes referred to as “ecotherapy” or “green therapy”, is a form of therapy that uses natural elements to promote physical and mental wellbeing. This can include gardening, hiking, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.

Nature has long been known to have a calming effect on people, and scientists have now begun to study the positive effects of nature on our physical and mental health. Studies have shown that nature therapy can reduce stress, improve mood, and even help to reduce symptoms of depression.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the benefits of nature therapy and how it can be used to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

The Benefits of Nature Therapy

The physical and mental benefits of nature therapy are well-documented. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even help to reduce symptoms of depression. Here are some of the specific benefits of nature therapy:

Stress Reduction

One of the most studied benefits of nature therapy is its ability to reduce stress. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, as well as reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This is likely due to the calming effect of nature and its ability to provide a sense of peace and relaxation.

Improved Mood

Spending time in nature can also have a positive effect on mood. Studies have found that nature therapy can reduce symptoms of depression, as well as increase positive emotions such as happiness and contentment. This is likely due to the calming effect of nature and its ability to provide a sense of peace and relaxation.

Improved Cognitive Function

Nature therapy has also been linked with improved cognitive function. Studies have found that spending time in nature can improve concentration and focus, as well as increase creativity and problem-solving skills. This is likely due to the calming effect of nature and its ability to provide a sense of peace and relaxation.

Improved Physical Health

Nature therapy can also have a positive effect on physical health. Studies have found that spending time in nature can reduce blood pressure, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of certain diseases. This is likely due to the calming effect of nature and its ability to provide a sense of peace and relaxation.

How to Get Started with Nature Therapy

If you’re interested in trying nature therapy, there are a few simple steps you can take to get started. Here are some tips for getting the most out of nature therapy:

Find a Nature Spot

The first step to getting started with nature therapy is to find a nature spot that you can visit regularly. This could be a park, a beach, a lake, or any other natural area that you find calming and peaceful.

Take a Walk

Once you’ve found a nature spot, the next step is to take a walk. Spend some time exploring the area and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. If possible, try to disconnect from technology and focus on your senses.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is an important aspect of nature therapy. Try to focus on being present in the moment and observe your surroundings without judgement. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve mood and cognitive function.

Connect with Nature

Another important aspect of nature therapy is connecting with nature. This could include activities such as gardening, bird watching, or even just sitting and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Conclusion

Nature therapy is a powerful tool for improving physical and mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even help to reduce symptoms of depression. Nature therapy is a safe and natural way to improve physical and mental health, and it can easily be incorporated into a daily routine. If you’re looking for a way to reduce stress and improve your wellbeing, give nature therapy a try.

[herpsandbirds]

Hello and I'm sorry to be a bother! I just saw this little guy this morning and have no idea what kind of snail he is. (Found in SW PA, USA.)

Snail ID - PA, USA:

Hello, yes, I believe this is Draparnaud's Glass Snail (Oxychilus draparnaudi), family Oxychilidae.

They were introduced into the US from Europe.

Draparnaud's Glass Snail | NatureSpot

Oxychilus draparnaudi - Wikipedia

[jupiterswasphouse]

WASP REVIEW - WASPS (GROUNDED)

[Image IDs: A screenshot and a render of the wasps from Grounded /End IDs.]

Now this is a game I've been interested in for a while, one that has a rather large and lively cast of bugs throughout it, all viewed from an up close perspective (although one that is often detrimental to the player character)! This, of course, includes plenty of wasps, specifically for the purposes of this review, those directly referred to as Wasps, including the Drones and Queen. Now, some of you who have read these reviews before may be wondering "Ms. Jupiter, doesn't this game also have bees? You usually cover those too, if they're present!", and that is true! I will be covering the bees as well, however, I will be doing so at a later date, alongside the ants! Unfortunately I've neglected ants for some time now (despite also being, taxonomically speaking, wasps, as Formicidae evolved directly from Vespoidea), due to not knowing as much about this subset of species. I'm still learning, but excited to look into them more, so be sure to tune in later for the Grounded revisit!

For the time being, lets start this review the same way we always do, taking a look at their appearance. It's clear to me that the face of this wasp is based directly on the yellowjacket species Vespula germanica, with the distinctive trio of black spots on its clypeus (the broad front sclerite plate above the mandible). The mesosoma markings seem to support this theory, although the metasoma makes things a bit less clear. One could argue those markings do bear some resemblance to the spots on V. germanica as well, although they're far from the same.

[Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons, Entomart, and Wikimedia Commons, no further source information provided | Image IDs: A photo of the face of a Vespula germanica yellowjacket, followed by a screenshot of a dead Wasp in Grounded, followed after that by another image of Vespula germanica, this one in front of a pure white background /End IDs.]

The legs should also have a black marking around the coxa, trochanter, and femur if this is the case. Speaking of the legs, they're mostly accurate, but there should be one more short tarsal segment than there is. The antennae are close as well, but should have more segmentation on the flagellum than they do here. Furthermore, the eyes aren't quite the right shape, and they should be black, rather than the oddly glowing red they are in this game. The presence of ocelli, ie simple eyes, is unclear. Lastly, it's missing some distinct yellowjacket fuzz! Overall, though, I feel like this is close enough to correct! Certainly much closer than last week's example, that's for sure.

Although, these are just the standard Wasps! There's also, for one, the Wasp Queen!

[Image IDs: Two screenshots of the Wasp Queen from Grounded /End IDs.]

It's mostly the same exact story here, except for a few points. Notably, I can see the ocelli on top of the head more clearly on this model, and the initial leg segments have all the black markings they should now! The facial markings, though, while admittedly closer to a real Vespula germanica queen's markings than to a worker's, aren't quite right, with its asymmetrical and oddly placed spots. On top of that, the Queen, for whatever reason, has antennae with a yellow scape and pedicel but black flagellum, when the entire antenna should be black.

[Image Source: NatureSpot, David Nichols | Image ID: A photo of a Vespula germanica yellowjacket, more than likely a queen, on the end of a green-leafed plant /End ID.]

Lastly, we have the Wasp Drones, and, realistically, these guys should look very similar to their sisters, just a bit smaller than the queen and bigger than the workers, and with longer antennae. But, strangely, these guys don't seem to have longer antennae at all, but do have different coloration, with red in place of black, as well as yellow tips on their flagella, on top of having this sort of odd bend in them as well. It honestly brings to mind the mental image of a yellowjacket mixed with an executioner wasp (Polistes carnifex).

[Image Sources: iNaturalist, Eric van drn Berghe, and DeviantArt, Eldar Zakirov | Image IDs: A screenshot of a Wasp Drone from Grounded, followed by two photos, one of a Vespula germanica yellowjacket drone on a small branch, and the other of a Polistes carnifex paper wasp on a wooden board /End IDs.]

I think that's all that can really be said in regards to that, however, so let's now discuss their nesting behaviors, and honestly, it's a little bit strange. There appears to be one main nest, within which the Wasp Queen resides and can be summoned to fight, looking about like a standard yellowjacket nest (enclosed structure, vaguely teardrop shaped), oddly found inside of an old bin. But, there are also much smaller nests found throughout the yard, in a more paper wasp type configuration (open structure, umbrella shaped). This would be entirely normal, if they belonged to different species, of different subfamilies or at different stages of construction, but they don't, and, in fact, every small nest comes with only two Workers and one Drone, with no additional Queens to be found, seemingly all under one collective hive.

[Image Sources: Ohio State University, Joe Boggs, and Flickr, Bob Peterson | Image IDs: A screenshot of the main nest in Grounded, followed by a render of a small nest. These are then further followed by photos of a nest of Baldfaced Hornets, which are actually a type of yellowjacket, and a nest of paper wasps, species Polistes major, subspecies major /End IDs.]

The interior of the main nest is also a little strange, but it's not too far off, appearing to have proper layers of cells on the inside. The nests themselves seem ok, though notably different from each other, but this nesting behavior is odd no matter how you slice it. I've heard of multiple queens/foundresses working together under one hive in some Vespidae/Polistinae species (Polistes fuscatus, Polistes dominula, Parachartergus colobopterus, and potentially others), but not one queen ruling over multiple nests simultaneously.

With regards to their behavior outside of nesting, they seem to be notably more aggressive than the real thing would be towards something as small as the player character (which they're not trying to hunt), at least comparatively to how I've observed wild Vespids to be. I've witnessed various different creatures pass by Vespid nests at relatively close distance with no issue. Speaking of their aggression, each variant of these wasps has its own offensive and defensive behaviors as well!

The standard worker Wasps have the sting and bite you would expect, yellowjackets being known for both while defending and hunting, but they also have... A venom shot projectile. It's odd just how common this is to see in video game wasps! It's an interesting attack, yes, but it's also a notably inaccurate thing, only being an ability found in a select few ants, as mentioned in certain reviews. I do have to mention that there is one alleged incident of an Asian giant hornet spraying venom into someone's eye, but given this appears to be an isolated incident with not a lot of research done regarding it, I'm more inclined to believe this was an instance of incidental venom discharge from an "angry" (defensive) wasp.

When it comes to the Wasp Drones, they have two abilities themselves. One of these is the aforementioned projectile, which is even more odd for them, as male wasps (the drones) do not have venom due to not possessing stingers. The other ability, however, is a scream that applies beneficial status effects to them and their wasps. The ability that they and their sisters have to create somewhat complex vocalizations is odd, as most noise-making wasps have simple stridulating chirps, and these species do not include yellowjackets! Side note, their loot table also includes Wasp Paper, which is something that drones would not typically be out collecting.

Finally, the Wasp Queen mostly has similar attacks, those being stings and projectiles, with a scream that summons worker Wasps and Wasp Drones (usually, in the real world, they'd be summoned to attack with pheromones or just with the fact an invader is in their nest at all). Although she does have a couple more things that can deal damage to the player, the first being landing on the player, and the second being POISON BOMBS, FOR SOME REASON. I don't think I need to tell you guys this, but yellowjackets and other wasps are not capable of producing noxious projectile explosives in the real world.

Now, for the first time in this series of reviews, we get to talk about attack weaknesses! and, strangely enough, these wasps are resistant against Chopping, Stabbing, Slashing, Explosive, and Spicy attacks, but are weak against Salt of all things? I can't speak for real world yellowjackets' ability to take proportionally small explosions and sharp weapons, but insects in general are known for having an extreme distaste for capsaicin. As for salt... I mean come on, they're not snails, it may be harmful if it got into an open wound but they still need salt to live, and are in fact often attracted to sources of salt.

In conclusion, they have quite a few features that are fairly accurate! But they made quite a few decisions that baffle me as someone who takes a loving interest in these creatures. Visually, their markings can be notably off but their body structure is almost entirely accurate, meanwhile their behaviors often quite odd. So, my rating for these wasps would have to be...

-

Overall: 6/10

-

Leave your wasp review suggestion in the replies, tags, or askbox!

[treetreader]

crochet, read, walks, gardening, occasionally i make random stuff, naturespotting??? erm idk what else

that tiktok that’s like “name a single hobby of yours outside of media consumption” she got em a bit why lie

[just-in-me]

And I never saw you coming. • #ixorabartlingii #ixora #naturespotting #forestfinds #ignature #intothewoods https://www.instagram.com/p/CaHgGxlvap8/?utm_medium=tumblr

[shahzaibphotographer]

. .“Fortune favors the bold.” – Virgil. Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans. ... . . . #nature #flowers #flowerpower #plants #naturelover #photography #photographer #naturephotography #plantcombinations #wildlife #wildlifespotting #wildlifewatching #naturespotting #naturewatching #gardens #gardendesign #landscaping #landscapedesign #beautifulplaces #travel #beautifuldestinations #travelphotography #landscape #photooftheday #wanderlust i#place #picoftheday #landscapephotography #traveltheworld (at Faisalabad Pakistan) https://www.instagram.com/p/CW0FEIxMwvd/?utm_medium=tumblr

[reflective-parenting]

CATERPILLAR 🐛 On a recent camping trip, we found that a huge, sticky caterpillar had attached itself to the side of our tent. Cue complete fascination from my kids (and me!) 🔍 After a while of looking at it closely, we searched the internet to try to find out what type of caterpillar it was. We found out that it was a type of moth called a hawk moth. My boys debated where they thought the best place to put it would be, and eventually decided on a big bush. Such a simple thing gave us so much joy! We were completely engrossed in watching how it moved, it’s colours, and the small details on its body. It honestly never ceases to amaze me how much there is to do outside in nature, and how much there is to see if you’re open to noticing it 🌳🐛 #nature #kidsinnature #caterpillar #moth #wildlife #creepycrawlies #outdoors #outside #outdoorliving #outdooractivities #naturespotting #bugs #familytime #exploreoutdoors #youneverknowwhatyoullfind #countryliving #natureisbeautiful #coolnature #timeinnatureisfree #timewellspent #learningaboutnature #hawkmoth #outsidefun #naturelover #savingmoneyuk #funoutdoors #children #livingamongstnature (at Norfolk) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTsfOf1rkxf/?utm_medium=tumblr

[chemicalcain]

i'm much more inclined to say Cornu aspersum! the mottling and growth lines are pretty prominent, and Cepaea nemoralis almost always have a stripe parallel to the whorls :) I really like Brian Eversham's land snail guide for this, as a lot of British snail species have made a transatlantic trip. NatureSpot has links to his key and a few others for slugs and pond snails as well.

unrelated but I used to have a Cepaea nemoralis with a slight mutation. instead of one prominent stripe he had several! I couldn't keep him so now he lives with a snail keeper friend in Illinois and shares his tank with another C. nemoralis buddy :)

Hey Crevice! When I went out this morning, I found this little snail on my fence. I was wondering if you knew what this was? I’m on the coast in New Jersey. (I put him back after taking these photos.)

I’m absolutely rubbish at plain old brown snail ID, but something about this doesn’t look like the native polygyrids of that size like Mesodon or Neohelix. however, while the shell is not as colorful as I would expect from a Cepaea, the flesh color and shell texture is more like that introduced species. tentatively sticking with a very bland Cepaea nemoralis but I could be wrong.

[sarahboweillustration]

Just one of the 10 designs of colouring sheets available on my website now. I'm also designing more elaborate ones for adults and older kids. Visit https://sarahboweillustration.co.uk/british-wildlife-colouringin-sheets #colouring #mindfulcolouring #naturespotting #britishwildlife #stayhome #staysafe (at Sarah Bowe Illustration) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ZkyAvn23N/?igshid=x5cuzlzrs6nx

[lukaslussi88]

No individual rain drop ever considers itself responsible for the flood. ⁣ - John Ruskin⁣ ⁣ #brünig #flood #reflection #überschwemmung #reflections_pix #reflectiongram #naturefeeling #imeetnature #funinnature #enjoyingthenature #naturalarea #naturespot #naturescollection #simplementenatural #getinnature #topnaturephoto #godsnature #naturepassion #bellenature #artbynature #loverofnature #whywelovenature #naturelove_world #lovelynatureshots #loves_nature #natureatitsfinest #animazing_nature (hier: Brünig) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVFswo9KXYd/?utm_medium=tumblr

[missedmilemarkers]

Spotted a fish with a half-black head — it's like encountering a shiny Pokémon in the wild, nature’s unique surprise!

[herpsandbirds]

I've been wanting to send you smth to ID for so long, and I finally got the chance when this guy somehow ended up on my partner's head! Caught this guy in Manchester, England and from what little I've researched it looks either like an orb weaver or a crab spider of some sort Sorry about the blurry pics, we were on a moving tram unfortunately. Ty in advance!

Spider ID - Manchester:

It looks like a few different species, but my best guess is that its Red-sided Sector Spider (Zygiella atrica), family Araneidae (or another Sector Spider in the same genus).

I would appreciate some input though from anyone that knows European spiders though...

Zygiella atrica | NatureSpot

Species Zygiella atrica - BugGuide.Net

[peterfields]

Blomsterskuret 🌿 #flowers #dänemark #kopenhagen #urbanjungle #frederiksberg #flowershop #vesterbro #naturespot #authentic #urban (hier: Blomsterskuret) https://www.instagram.com/p/B1n5rirom47/?igshid=1e98rmjmqcj2o

[lordtsarkastic]

Now that's a view too behold. #sunset #eveningclouds #skyporn #nature #naturespot #cityparks (på/i Högsbo, Göteborg) https://www.instagram.com/p/CV23kwoo7t1/?utm_medium=tumblr

[just-in-me]

Tree Root Tryptich Series. 03/03 - Let’s role play, I’ll wear a disguise. • #treeroots #roots #buttressroots #rootporn #forestfinds #intothewild #intothewoods #naturespotting #naturephotography #naturelovers https://www.instagram.com/p/CT--erAvklf/?utm_medium=tumblr