Night Shining for Critters

Many outdoors men are aware that many animals have reflective eyes, like deer, gators, raccons, opossums, and felines.  However, most aren't aware that there are a plethora of invertebrates, snakes, and amphibians to be found.  Many of these creatures are rare or absent during the day so you get to see a whole new variety of animals at night.

One of my favorite creatures to shine is the rough green snake.  It likes to coil up and sleep in dense foliage anywhere above around five feet.  Personally, I've seen them sleep thirty feet up but I'm sure on a calm night they wouldn't have any problem with sleeping higher than that.  The reason shining them works so well is because they reflect light.  The reason they reflect light is because the dew falls on them and beads up on their scales.  It's like a thousand little round mirrors all over the body of the snake.  This doesn't happen on most plants because the surface of the leaf is different.  This same thing happens with green anoles and other arboreal lizards.  Pretty much all you do is shine your light in areas you think a snake might like to sleep and you cover as much suitable habitat as possible.

When shining expect to find thousands of spiders.  Yes, out in the country you will see them everywhere.  Most have several eyes so you can pretty much pick up an eye shine regardless of how they are positioned. I shined up some frogs and toads as well.  One thing I didn't expect was a roosting butterfly covered in dew.

All in all it's a fun thing to do and you'll always find something to take a closer look at.  So grab your light and head out into the nature to check out the nocturnal world!