The objective of the Urban Biotic Assessment Program (UBAP) is to provide the Illinois Tollway with the ecological expertise needed to effectively and efficiently comply with state and federal environmental regulations, while also preserving habitats and species native to the Chicago Metropolitan Area.
INHS began its partnership with the Tollway in 2005, monitoring the endangered Blanding’s Turtle populations affected by the construction of the I355 extension.
This partnership has expanded and enables UBAP researchers to study the habitats and species of the Chicagoland area, and the challenges they face. Learn more about our research.
Download our report of activities from 2015-2020
The Traveling Science Center got a face lift and new pulling machine! Stop by Maroa Public Library this evening!
A butterfly who is now active in the Chicago Region is the Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus). The Coral Hairstreak is a small yet striking butterfly. It has a wingspan of 1 to 1.5 inches and is easily recognized by its subtle brown coloration with a distinctive row of coral/red-colored spots bordered in black and white on the underside of its hindwings.![]()
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This species prefers habitats rich in flowering plants, including gardens, prairies, woodland edges, and open fields. Adults are typically active from late June to early August and are often observed nectaring on Butterfly Weed (pictured here – within in I-294 Tollway corridor in Chicago), New Jersey Tea, and Dogbane.![]()
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The Coral Hairstreak produces one generation per year and overwinters in the egg stage. Larvae feed on the leaves of black cherry (Prunus serotina), other cherry and plum species, as well as serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) and oaks (Quercus).
Today's the day that Devin Edmonds defends his dissertation. Join us at 10am in person at Forbes Natural Building Illinois Natural History Survey or online to learn about his work with frog conservation in Madagascar with Association Mitsinjo
It's National Catfish Day! ![]()
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The family Ictaluridae (North American Catfishes) has over 50 species, of which 13 species are native to Illinois, including one state endangered species in far southern Illinois (Noturus stigmosus – Northern Madtom).![]()
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Blue Catfish can grow to over 5 foot long while the madtoms (Noturus sp.) fit in your hand (not recommended due to venomous spines)![]()
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#NationalCatfishDay
The Pollinator Week spotlight of the day is on the genus Nomada! Nomada bees are the largest genus of cuckoo bees. The name "Nomada" is derived from the Greek word nomas (νομάς), meaning "roaming" or "wandering." Unlike typical bees, Nomada species don’t build nests or collect pollen. Instead, they parasitize ground-nesting bees such as Andrena, Agapostemon, and Eucera laying their eggs in host nests. The emerging larvae consume the provisions left by the host. Adults still visit flowers for nectar but lack the pollen-collecting hairs of other bees.![]()
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In Illinois, there are at least 17 Nomada species documented (www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=35&subview=map&taxon_id=53648&view=species), as well as many undescribed species. Most Nomada can be easily mistaken for wasps because of their characteristic slender, hairless bodies, marked with red, black, yellow patterns.![]()
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Why they matter:![]()
• They’re nature’s population control, helping regulate ground-nesting bee populations.![]()
• Their presence highlights healthy nesting habitats, usually undisturbed soil in prairies, woodland edges, and restored habitats.![]()
• Observing Nomada on flowers offers important clues about host bee activity and ecosystem health.![]()
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Keep an eye on flowers this summer! Spotting a Nomada bee tells you a lot about the hidden web of interactions in your backyard or local parks! Check out these awesome photos taken by Isa Dalton, our intern studying native bees, so you know what to look for!