Rachel Stepek · Selected photographs
Selected photographs
Animals, mushrooms, wildflowers, and the details I stop to photograph.
Turtles
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina carolina · 2026-09-25
Research Grade
Boletes
Shaggy-Stalked Bolete
Aureoboletus betula · 2026-08-01
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis · 2026-08-31
Research Grade
Mammals
North American River Otter
Lontra canadensis · 2026-09-25
Research Grade
Brittlegills & milkcaps
Blue-Green Cracking Russula
Russula parvovirescens · 2026-10-18
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Appalachian Arrowhead
Sagittaria australis · 2026-09-07
Research Grade
Newts & salamanders
Eastern Newt
Notophthalmus viridescens · 2026-10-13
Research Grade
Cups & jellies
Green Wood Cup
Chlorociboria aeruginascens · 2026-10-11
Needs ID
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Leafy Elephant's-Foot
Elephantopus carolinianus · 2026-09-11
Research Grade
Other gilled mushrooms
Purple-and-White Deceiver
Laccaria ochropurpurea · 2026-09-25
Research Grade
Insects
North American Luna Moth
Actias luna · 2026-08-06
Research Grade
Crayfish & millipedes
Millipede Under Ultraviolet Light
Brachoria kentuckiana · 2026-10-06
Research Grade
Photographed under ultraviolet / blacklight.
Brackets & crusts
Dryad's Saddle
Cerioporus squamosus · 2026-10-18
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Common Jewelweed
Impatiens capensis · 2026-08-08
Research Grade
Boletes
Graceful Bolete
Austroboletus gracilis · 2026-10-18
Needs ID
Lichens
Smokey-Eyed Boulder Lichen
Porpidia albocaerulescens · 2026-08-06
Research Grade
Other reptiles & amphibians
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix · 2026-09-23
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Late Purple Aster
Symphyotrichum patens · 2026-09-13
Needs ID
Turtles
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina carolina · 2026-08-13
Research Grade
Turtles
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina carolina · 2026-08-13
Research Grade
Turtles
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina carolina · 2026-07-23
Research Grade
Turtles
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina carolina · 2026-08-28
Research Grade
Turtles
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina carolina · 2026-09-27
Research Grade
Turtles
Eastern Box Turtle
Terrapene carolina carolina · 2026-10-11
Research Grade
Turtles
Red-Eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegans · 2026-07-23
Research Grade
Newts & salamanders
Northern Dusky Salamander
Desmognathus fuscus · 2026-10-06
Research Grade
Insects
Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio appalachiensis · 2026-04-02
Needs ID
Birds
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus · 2026-09-25
Research Grade
Birds
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias · 2026-04-01
Research Grade
Mammals
Eastern Bobcat
Lynx rufus rufus · 2026-09-19
Research Grade
A distant riverbank encounter; the closer frame is an original observation photograph.
Mammals
Eastern Black Bear
Ursus americanus americanus · 2026-03-31
Research Grade
A distant bear at the wooded waterline.
Webcaps
Violet Webcap
Cortinarius violaceus · 2026-10-18
Needs ID
Other gilled mushrooms
Purple-and-White Deceiver
Laccaria ochropurpurea · 2026-10-13
Needs ID
Brackets & crusts
Turkey-Tail
Trametes versicolor · 2026-10-11
Research Grade
Warm orange-brown bands and pale edges.
Brackets & crusts
Turkey-Tail
Trametes versicolor · 2026-09-23
Research Grade
Pale gray and brown bands in this encounter.
Brackets & crusts
Turkey-Tail
Trametes versicolor · 2026-10-18
Needs ID
Cool blue-gray bands in another encounter.
Other gilled mushrooms
Myla's Parasol
Macrolepiota macilenta · 2026-10-13
Needs ID
Brackets & crusts
White-Pored Chicken of the Woods
Laetiporus cincinnatus · 2026-06-15
Research Grade
Chanterelles & trumpets
Cantharellus flavolateritius
Cantharellus flavolateritius · 2026-08-17
Research Grade
Corals & puffballs
Stalked Puffball-in-Aspic
Calostoma cinnabarinum · 2026-08-01
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Downy Lobelia
Lobelia puberula · 2026-08-27
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Carolina Horsenettle
Solanum carolinense · 2026-09-11
Research Grade
Fish
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss · 2026-03-31
Research Grade
Fish
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis · 2026-06-24
Research Grade
Newts & salamanders
Eastern Newt
Notophthalmus viridescens · 2026-07-19
Research Grade
Other reptiles & amphibians
Eastern Fence Lizard
Sceloporus undulatus · 2026-08-13
Research Grade
Spiders
Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona crucifera · 2026-10-04
Research Grade
Spiders
Striped Fishing Spider
Dolomedes scriptus · 2026-08-28
Research Grade
Insects
Spotted Apatelodes Moth
Apatelodes torrefacta · 2026-08-13
Research Grade
Insects
Pearl Crescent
Phyciodes tharos · 2026-08-28
Research Grade
Insects
Large Milkweed Bug
Oncopeltus fasciatus · 2026-09-19
Research Grade
Insects
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio glaucus · 2026-07-09
Research Grade
Insects
Pale Green Assassin Bug
Zelus luridus · 2026-10-04
Research Grade
Insects
Great Spangled Fritillary
Argynnis cybele · 2026-08-28
Research Grade
Snails & mussels
White-Lip Globe Snail
Mesodon thyroidus · 2026-08-27
Research Grade
Birds
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
Melanerpes carolinus · 2026-09-22
Research Grade
Mammals
American Beaver · Lodge
Castor canadensis · 2026-08-28
Research Grade
Beaver lodge along the shoreline.
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Common Jewelweed
Impatiens capensis · 2026-07-19
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Ghost Pipe
Monotropa uniflora · 2026-08-27
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Chicory
Cichorium intybus · 2026-09-23
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Asiatic Dayflower
Commelina communis · 2026-10-02
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Cucumber Root
Medeola virginiana · 2026-10-20
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Field Thistle
Cirsium discolor · 2026-08-28
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Downy Rattlesnake Plantain
Goodyera pubescens · 2026-10-13
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Azure Bluet
Houstonia caerulea · 2026-04-10
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Flowering Spurge
Euphorbia corollata · 2026-08-27
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Goat's Rue
Tephrosia virginiana · 2026-05-28
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Great Rhododendron
Rhododendron maximum · 2026-06-10
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Strawberry Bush
Euonymus americanus · 2026-09-23
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Partridgeberry
Mitchella repens · 2026-10-18
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Umbrella Magnolia
Magnolia tripetala · 2026-08-22
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Blue Mistflower
Conoclinium coelestinum · 2026-08-17
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Cumberland Rhododendron
Rhododendron cumberlandense · 2026-06-05
Research Grade
Ferns, mosses & liverworts
Snakewort
Conocephalum salebrosum · 2026-10-11
Research Grade
Ferns, mosses & liverworts
Mountain Spleenwort
Asplenium montanum · 2026-08-01
Research Grade
Ferns, mosses & liverworts
Fan Clubmoss
Diphasiastrum digitatum · 2026-09-27
Research Grade
Ferns, mosses & liverworts
Greater Whipwort
Bazzania trilobata · 2026-08-08
Research Grade
Ferns, mosses & liverworts
Handsome Woollywort
Trichocolea tomentella · 2026-10-04
Research Grade
Ferns, mosses & liverworts
Flat-Branched Tree-Clubmoss
Dendrolycopodium obscurum · 2026-10-18
Research Grade
Other gilled mushrooms
Cross-Veined Troop Mushroom
Xeromphalina kauffmanii · 2026-08-06
Research Grade
Corals & puffballs
Club-Like Tuning Fork
Calocera cornea · 2026-06-28
Research Grade
Brittlegills & milkcaps
Indigo Milk Cap
Lactarius indigo · 2026-08-05
Research Grade
Other gilled mushrooms
Orange Gilled Waxcap
Humidicutis marginata · 2026-08-06
Research Grade
Brackets & crusts
Coral-Pink Merulius
Phlebia incarnata · 2026-10-18
Research Grade
Boletes
Ornate-Stalked Bolete
Retiboletus ornatipes · 2026-08-28
Research Grade
Corals & puffballs
Ramaria fumigata
Ramaria fumigata · 2026-08-17
Research Grade
Slime molds
Common Coral Slime
Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa · 2026-09-23
Research Grade
Fish
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus · 2026-06-15
Research Grade
Fish
Bluegill
Lepomis macrochirus · 2026-05-28
Research Grade
Fish
Longear Sunfish
Lepomis megalotis · 2024-05-15
Research Grade
Fish
Spotted Bass
Micropterus punctulatus · 2026-09-19
Research Grade
Newts & salamanders
Eastern Newt
Notophthalmus viridescens · 2026-07-19
Research Grade
Newts & salamanders
Eastern Newt
Notophthalmus viridescens · 2026-08-01
Research Grade
Other reptiles & amphibians
American Toad
Anaxyrus americanus · 2026-05-18
Research Grade
Spiders
Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona crucifera · 2026-09-27
Research Grade
Spiders
Spined Micrathena
Micrathena gracilis · 2026-10-06
Research Grade
Spiders
Arrowhead Orbweaver
Verrucosa arenata · 2026-09-16
Research Grade
Spiders
Marbled Orbweaver
Araneus marmoreus · 2017-10-23
Research Grade
Spiders
Georgia Wolf Spider
Tigrosa georgicola · 2026-08-27
Research Grade
Birds
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias · 2026-06-30
Research Grade
Insects
Blue-Fronted Dancer
Argia apicalis · 2026-09-07
Research Grade
Insects
Regal Moth
Citheronia regalis · 2025-08-22
Research Grade
Insects
Banded Tussock Moth
Halysidota tessellaris · 2026-08-25
Research Grade
Insects
Magnolia Leaf-Footed Bug
Leptoglossus fulvicornis · 2026-10-05
Research Grade
Insects
Peppered Moth
Biston betularia · 2026-09-06
Research Grade
Insects
Southern Pine Looper
Caripeta aretaria · 2026-08-31
Research Grade
Mammals
White-Tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus · 2026-08-06
Research Grade
Mammals
American Beaver · Feeding Signs
Castor canadensis · 2026-08-06
Research Grade
Beaver feeding signs: cut wood and tooth marks.
Mammals
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis · 2026-09-22
Research Grade
Newts & salamanders
Dusky Salamanders
Desmognathus · 2026-07-09
Needs ID
Newts & salamanders
Dusky Salamanders
Desmognathus · 2026-08-06
Needs ID
Newts & salamanders
Dusky Salamanders
Desmognathus · 2026-10-11
Needs ID
Other reptiles & amphibians
American Toad
Anaxyrus americanus · 2026-08-11
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Eastern Crayfish
Cambarus bartonii · 2026-09-27
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Eastern Crayfish
Cambarus bartonii · 2026-09-27
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Eastern Crayfish
Cambarus bartonii · 2026-09-27
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Eastern Crayfish
Cambarus bartonii · 2026-09-27
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Eastern Crayfish
Cambarus bartonii · 2026-10-13
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Upland Burrowing Crayfish
Cambarus dubius · 2026-10-20
Needs ID
Burrow structure recorded in this crayfish observation.
Crayfish & millipedes
Appalachian Mimic Millipedes
Brachoria · 2026-10-18
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Georgia Flat-Backed Millipede
Cherokia georgiana · 2026-08-01
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Apheloriini
Apheloriini · 2026-10-13
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Rhysodesmini
Rhysodesmini · 2026-09-25
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Faxonius
Faxonius · 2026-08-17
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Bigclaw Crayfish
Faxonius placidus · 2026-09-03
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
American Giant Millipede Complex
Narceus americanus · 2026-10-11
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Flocculent Tailed Millipede
Ptyoiulus impressus · 2026-10-11
Needs ID
Crayfish & millipedes
Rhysodesminae
Rhysodesminae · 2026-09-23
Needs ID
Spiders
Fishing Spiders
Dolomedes · 2023-07-29
Needs ID
Spiders
Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona crucifera · 2026-10-06
Needs ID
Spiders
Spotted Orbweavers
Neoscona · 2026-10-02
Needs ID
Spiders
Striped Fishing Spider
Dolomedes scriptus · 2026-09-13
Needs ID
Spiders
American Green Crab Spider
Misumessus oblongus · 2026-06-28
Needs ID
Insects
Butterflies and Moths
Lepidoptera · 2026-10-20
Needs ID
Insects
Lesser Anglewing
Microcentrum retinerve · 2026-10-06
Needs ID
Insects
Yellow-Striped Oakworm Moth
Anisota peigleri · 2026-08-08
Needs ID
Insects
Geometer Moths
Geometridae · 2026-08-01
Needs ID
Insects
Large Milkweed Bug
Oncopeltus fasciatus · 2026-09-19
Needs ID
Insects
Virginian Tiger Moth
Spilosoma virginica · 2026-09-25
Needs ID
Insects
Pink-Striped Oakworm Moth
Anisota virginiensis · 2026-05-29
Needs ID
Insects
Fall Webworm Moth
Hyphantria cunea · 2026-08-25
Needs ID
Insects
Delicate Cycnia Moth
Cycnia tenera · 2026-09-19
Needs ID
Insects
Appalachian Crevice Crickets
Euhadenoecus · 2026-10-11
Needs ID
Insects
Acraspis
Acraspis · 2026-07-22
Needs ID
A gall recorded in an Acraspis observation.
Insects
Eastern Thistle Longhorn Bee
Melissodes desponsus · 2026-05-26
Needs ID
Insects
Allegheny Crevice Cricket
Euhadenoecus puteanus · 2026-10-11
Needs ID
Insects
Polystepha pustuloides
Polystepha pustuloides · 2026-10-11
Needs ID
Leaf galls recorded in this observation.
Insects
Great Spangled Fritillary
Argynnis cybele · 2026-09-18
Needs ID
Mammals
Mammal Track
Mammalia · 2026-10-11
Needs ID
Animal track; identified to mammals in this record.
Mammals
American Black Bear
Ursus americanus · 2026-08-01
Needs ID
Animal sign recorded in this bear observation.
Mammals
American Beaver
Castor canadensis · 2026-09-19
Needs ID
Beaver lodge and its shoreline setting.
Snails & mussels
Unioninae
Unioninae · 2026-10-04
Needs ID
Freshwater mussel shell.
Snails & mussels
Anodontini
Anodontini · 2026-07-10
Needs ID
Freshwater mussel shell.
Snails & mussels
Triodopsinae
Triodopsinae · 2026-10-11
Needs ID
Land-snail shell.
Boletes
Shaggy-Stalked Bolete
Aureoboletus betula · 2026-08-01
Research Grade
Boletes
Graceful Bolete
Austroboletus gracilis · 2026-10-13
Needs ID
Boletes
Bitter Bolete
Tylopilus felleus · 2026-08-28
Research Grade
Boletes
Two-Colored Bolete
Baorangia bicolor · 2026-09-23
Research Grade
Webcaps
Violet Webcap
Cortinarius violaceus · 2026-10-18
Needs ID
Webcaps
Violet Webcap
Cortinarius violaceus · 2026-10-20
Needs ID
A different Violet Webcap observation, with the dark underside against the sky.
Webcaps
Viscid Violet Cort
Cortinarius iodes · 2026-08-06
Needs ID
Webcaps
Silvery-Violet Cort
Cortinarius alboviolaceus · 2026-10-20
Needs ID
Webcaps
Cortinarius obliquus
Cortinarius obliquus · 2026-10-20
Needs ID
Webcaps
Webcaps
Cortinarius · 2026-10-18
Needs ID
Brittlegills & milkcaps
Blue-Green Cracking Russula
Russula parvovirescens · 2026-08-22
Needs ID
A second encounter showing the cap’s cracked blue-green surface.
Amanitas
Yellow American Blusher
Amanita flavorubens · 2026-10-04
Research Grade
Amanitas
Amanita Mushrooms
Amanita · 2026-10-18
Needs ID
Amanitas
Yellow Patches
Amanita flavoconia · 2026-10-11
Needs ID
Amanitas
Eastern North American Destroying Angel
Amanita bisporigera · 2026-10-13
Needs ID
Amanitas
Coker's Amanita
Amanita cokeri · 2026-10-13
Needs ID
Amanitas
Carrot-Footed Lepidella
Amanita daucipes · 2026-10-13
Needs ID
Amanitas
Great Funnel-Veil Amanita
Amanita velatipes · 2026-08-11
Needs ID
Amanitas
Coker's Lavender Staining Amanita
Amanita lavendula · 2026-10-13
Needs ID
Amanitas
Amanita Subg. Amanitina
Amanitina · 2026-10-13
Needs ID
Amanitas
Amanita Sect. Vaginatae
Vaginatae · 2026-10-13
Needs ID
Chanterelles & trumpets
Red Chanterelle
Cantharellus cinnabarinus · 2026-07-29
Research Grade
Chanterelles & trumpets
Flame Trumpet
Craterellus ignicolor · 2026-08-17
Research Grade
Chanterelles & trumpets
Eastern Black Trumpet
Craterellus fallax · 2026-08-05
Needs ID
Brackets & crusts
White-Pored Chicken of the Woods
Laetiporus cincinnatus · 2026-08-09
Research Grade
Brackets & crusts
Violet-Toothed Polypore
Trichaptum biforme · 2026-09-22
Research Grade
Brackets & crusts
Wrinkled Crust
Phlebia radiata · 2026-10-18
Research Grade
Brackets & crusts
Trembling Crust
Merulius tremellosus · 2026-10-18
Research Grade
Brackets & crusts
Crowded Parchment
Stereum complicatum · 2026-08-22
Research Grade
Brackets & crusts
Gilled Polypore
Trametes betulina · 2026-09-19
Research Grade
Cups & jellies
Green Wood Cup
Chlorociboria aeruginascens · 2026-10-20
Needs ID
Blue-green stained wood recorded in a Green Wood Cup observation.
Cups & jellies
Green Wood Cup
Chlorociboria aeruginascens · 2026-10-20
Needs ID
Small blue-green cups scattered through moss.
Cups & jellies
Witch's Butter
Tremella mesenterica · 2026-09-25
Research Grade
Cups & jellies
Orange Jelly Spot
Dacrymyces chrysospermus · 2026-10-11
Research Grade
Corals & puffballs
Eastern Cauliflower Mushroom
Sparassis spathulata · 2023-07-29
Research Grade
Corals & puffballs
Jellied False Coral Fungus
Sebacina schweinitzii · 2026-07-14
Research Grade
Other gilled mushrooms
Purple-and-White Deceiver
Laccaria ochropurpurea · 2026-10-13
Needs ID
Other gilled mushrooms
Purple-and-White Deceiver
Laccaria ochropurpurea · 2026-09-25
Research Grade
Other gilled mushrooms
Honey Mushroom
Armillaria mellea · 2026-09-23
Research Grade
Other gilled mushrooms
Honey Mushroom
Armillaria mellea · 2026-09-27
Needs ID
Other gilled mushrooms
Fragile Dapperling
Leucocoprinus fragilissimus · 2026-08-06
Research Grade
Other gilled mushrooms
Golden-Gilled Gerronema
Gerronema strombodes · 2026-08-05
Research Grade
Other gilled mushrooms
Orange Faint Foot Mushroom
Heimiomyces tenuipes · 2026-08-05
Research Grade
Other gilled mushrooms
Lynx Paw Oyster
Pleurotus levis · 2026-07-29
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Carolina Horsenettle
Solanum carolinense · 2026-09-13
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Great Blue Lobelia
Lobelia siphilitica · 2026-09-23
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Late Purple Aster
Symphyotrichum patens · 2026-10-20
Needs ID
Flowers, leaves & fruit
White Wood Aster
Eurybia divaricata · 2026-10-04
Needs ID
Flowers, leaves & fruit
American Asters
Symphyotrichum · 2026-10-06
Needs ID
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Common Jewelweed
Impatiens capensis · 2026-09-23
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Common Jewelweed
Impatiens capensis · 2026-09-25
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Cardinal Flower
Lobelia cardinalis · 2026-08-05
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Strawberry Bush
Euonymus americanus · 2026-08-28
Research Grade
Flowers, leaves & fruit
Partridgeberry
Mitchella repens · 2026-07-09
Research Grade
No matching observations. Try another name or group.
Behind the photographs
Looking closely,
keeping a record.
I often photograph a favorite species again when I find it in a different place. These are separate encounters with different individuals, each with its own setting and details.
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