Minnesota Seasons
Destinations
These are locations in Minnesota where native plants, birds, and other wildlife can be viewed. With very few exceptions, these destinations are open to the public.
Visitors can share their own photos, videos, plant and wildlife sightings, and other observations or comments.
Plants
Native, naturalized, invasive, or simply planted—any plant growing outside of cultivation in Minnesota.
More than 1,000 plant pages are built on sightings, photos, and videos shared by our visitors and by Minnesota Seasons. Each page includes a profile, distribution map, and sighting lists.
Insects and Arachnids
Insects and arachnids found in Minnesota.
More than 1,300 pages are built on sightings, photos, and videos shared by our visitors and by Minnesota Seasons. Each profile includes a distribution map and sighting lists.
Wildlife
Birds and bears, snakes and squirrels, toads and turtles—wildlife found in Minnesota.
These wildlife profiles are built on sightings, photos, and videos shared by our visitors and by Minnesota Seasons. Each page includes a distribution map and sighting lists.
Mushrooms, Lichens, and Other Fungi
Mushrooms, lichens, and other fungi found in Minnesota.
More than 300 pages are built on sightings, photos, and videos shared by our visitors and by Minnesota Seasons. Each profile includes a distribution map and sighting lists.
495
Destinations
3,039
Species*
* Species pages may represent a species, subspecies, variety, genus, family, or other taxonmomic group, or an unidentified organism. Using the word “taxa” here would be more accurate but less widely understood.
Drought Monitor
Ecological Seasons
Prevernal Season
Prevernal is the transitional ecological season often referred to as “pre-spring.” It marks the period between the permanent snow cover of the Hibernal season and the first floral blooms of Spring. In Minnesota, this window typically opens around March 1 as average daily high temperatures begin to climb above freezing, initiating the spring thaw.
During this season, the landscape transitions from white to brown as the snowpack recedes, exposing “mud season” and dormant vegetation. Key biological markers include the swelling of buds on deciduous trees—particularly Silver Maples and Willows—and the initial flow of sap.
In the animal kingdom, the season is defined by the return of early-season migrants like Red-winged Blackbirds and the emergence of “snow flies” and stoneflies near open water. The Prevernal season concludes around May 1, as the first ephemeral wildflowers emerge and the landscape begins to ‘green up.’
Vernal Season
The vernal season, or spring, is the period of most rapid transformation in the Minnesota landscape. It marks the transition from the barren dormancy of the prevernal months to a state of full biological activity. In our region, the vernal season typically begins around May 1 and lasts until approximately June 15.
This season is defined by the “green-up,” as deciduous tree buds burst into leaf and the forest canopy begins to close. On the forest floor, spring ephemeral wildflowers—such as Bloodroot and Large-flowered Trillium—bloom in the brief window of sunlight before the trees fully leaf out. For birds, this is a season of intense activity; migrants return to establish breeding territories, and the “dawn chorus” of birdsong becomes a daily fixture. By the end of the vernal season in mid-June, nesting is well underway, the soil has warmed significantly, and the lush, high-growth period of early summer begins.
Estival Season
The estival ecological season represents the peak of the growing year, corresponding roughly to the first half of the summer calendar. In Minnesota, this season typically begins around June 15 and extends to about August 15. During this window, the landscape is characterized by a mature, deep-green canopy as trees reach full leaf expansion.
Biologically, the estival period is the busiest time for avian species, as adults shift from establishing territories to the demanding task of hatching and provisioning their offspring. It is also the season of maximum solar energy capture; high temperatures and long daylight hours drive rapid growth in perennial plants and high insect activity. By the end of the estival season in mid-August, many songbirds begin to go quiet as the nesting cycle concludes, and the first hints of the late-summer ‘serotinal’ shift—such as the ripening of berries and the blooming of prairie grasses—begin to appear.
Serotinal Season
The serotinal season represents the late-summer transition, corresponding roughly to the second half of the calendar summer. In Minnesota, this ecological window typically begins around August 15 and concludes near September 15. It is a season defined by maturity and preparation rather than growth.
During this period, the deep greens of the estival season begin to fade as deciduous leaves lose chlorophyll and initiate their first subtle shifts in color. On the prairies and in the wetlands, late-blooming species like Goldenrods and Asters reach their peak. For avian populations, the serotinal season is a time of gathering; young birds have reached independence and join adults in ‘staging’—forming large flocks in preparation for the upcoming fall migration. The air often takes on a drier quality, and the first significant cool fronts begin to signal the end of the high-summer heat.
Autumnal Season CURRENT
The autumnal season, or fall, is the period of transition from the biological activity of summer to the dormancy of winter. It follows the serotinal season as the landscape begins to shut down in response to decreasing daylight and falling temperatures. In Minnesota, the autumnal season typically begins around September 15 and lasts until approximately December 1, though its peak varies by latitude.
This season is visually defined by the senescence of deciduous leaves, as they reach full color before turning brown and falling. Forbs and grasses also enter dormancy, contributing to a significant change in the landscape’s texture and palette. For avian species, this is the primary window for the southward migration back to wintering habitats.
In the Twin Cities metro area, peak color typically arrives between late September and mid-October. The progression of the season can be monitored via the Minnesota DNR's 'Fall Color Finder,' which tracks the northern-to-southern advancement of peak color across the state. In this ecological context, the autumnal season is considered fully arrived in areas where color is at or past its peak.
Hibernal Season
The hibernal ecological season corresponds to the winter calendar months and represents the period of deepest dormancy in the Minnesota landscape. In our region, this season typically begins around December 1 and lasts until approximately March 1. It is characterized by sustained sub-freezing temperatures, a generally snow-covered landscape, and an absence of migratory bird species.
The onset of the hibernal season is marked by two primary physical thresholds: the arrival of permanent snow cover and the “deep freeze.” In the Twin Cities, the average date for the first one-inch snowfall is November 18, though “permanent” snow cover—defined as at least one centimeter of snow lasting for at least one month—usually establishes by mid-December. This shift is accompanied by a sharp drop in temperature; by December 3, the average daily high in the metro area typically falls below freezing.
During this season, deciduous trees remain bare as fallen leaves decay beneath the snowpack. Resident wildlife survives through specialized adaptations, while migratory birds have fully settled into their winter habitats. The hibernal season remains the dominant state of the landscape until the first thaws of the prevernal transition in early March.
Recent Uploads
October
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Luciearl uploaded 4 photos of Mossy Maze Polypore 9/28/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 2 photos of Mossy Maze Polypore 9/12/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 3 photos of Green Wood Cup 9/28/2026. |
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Rex Gardner uploaded 1 photo of house centipede 10/2/2026. |
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ST uploaded 1 photo of Shaggy Mane 10/1/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 6 photos of Mealy Pixie Cup 9/28/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 2 photos of American Yellow Fly Agaric 9/28/2026. |
September
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Luciearl uploaded 2 photos of Silverwood Park, St. Anthony Village 9/28/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of Mossy Maze Polypore 9/28/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of Common Stump Brittlestem 9/28/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of Pear-shaped Puffball 9/28/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of Violet-toothed Polypore 9/28/2026. |
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Holly Wallace uploaded 3 photos of common eastern bumble bee 9/28/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of toothed plagiomnium moss 9/28/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of Beautiful Russula 9/28/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 2 photos of Sinewed Bushy Lichen 9/28/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 3 photos of vestal moth 8/3/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 2 photos of wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) 9/25/2026. |
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Joseph uploaded 1 photo of prairie crabapple 9/26/2026. |
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Ellen Dyer uploaded 1 photo of Common Stinkhorn 9/25/2026. |
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wesglen68 uploaded 1 photo of meadow spittlebug 9/25/2026. |
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Mike Poeppe uploaded 3 photos of thynnid flower wasp (Myzinum carolinianum) 9/24/2026. |
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Greg Watson uploaded 1 photo of woodland giant wolf spider 9/3/2026. |
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Nate P uploaded 1 photo of impressive meloine beetle 9/24/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of Carbon Balls 9/22/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 3 photos of American Yellow Fly Agaric 9/22/2026. |
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Dan W. Andree uploaded 2 photos of polyphemus moth 9/22/2026. |
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Amy Stifter uploaded 1 photo of Crown-tipped Coral 9/22/2026. |
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Braden uploaded 3 photos of Aborted Entoloma 9/22/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 7 photos of Indigo Milk Cap 9/21/2026. |
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Dan W. Andree uploaded 3 photos of tortricid leafroller moths (Family Tortricidae) 9/21/2026. |
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Matt K. uploaded 1 photo of northern walkingstick 9/20/2026. |
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Marianne uploaded 1 photo of pink underwing 9/20/2026. |
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Shyann Elliott uploaded 3 photos of eastern yellow-backed laphria 9/20/2026. |
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Dan W. Andree uploaded 3 photos of polyphemus moth 9/20/2026. |
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Dan W. Andree uploaded 2 photos of tortricid leafroller moths (Family Tortricidae) 8/30/2026. |
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Alfredo Colon uploaded 1 photo of tortricid leafroller moths (Family Tortricidae) 4/22/2024. |
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Luciearl uploaded 3 photos of common winterberry 9/17/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of saffron-winged meadowhawk 9/17/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 3 photos of interrupted fern 9/17/2026. |
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Gregory Gilman uploaded 1 photo of Painted Lady 9/17/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of Bald Eagle 9/15/2026. |
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Amy O’Brien uploaded 1 photo of narrow-headed marsh fly 9/16/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of red-banded leafhopper 9/14/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of copper underwing 9/13/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of goldenrod soldier beetle on calico aster 9/12/2026. |
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Alfredo Colon uploaded 2 photos of White Cheese Polypore 8/9/2024. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of Common Powderhorn 9/12/2026. |
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Cara Edwards uploaded 1 photo of Painted Lady 9/13/2026. |
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Debzining uploaded 2 photos of common green darner 9/12/2026. |
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Alfredo Colon uploaded 1 photo of Hooded Rosette Lichen 1/30/2023. |
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Luciearl uploaded 5 photos of Painted Lady on stiff-leaved showy goldenrod 9/11/2026. |
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Dawn Schonnesson uploaded 1 photo of common eastern bumble bee 9/11/2026. |
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Betty uploaded 2 photos of banded tussock moth 9/11/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of Trainwrecker 6/20/2026. |
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Phil Farmer uploaded 1 video of jagged ambush bug 9/8/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 4 photos of blue giant hyssop 9/7/2026. |
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Ivy uploaded 1 photo of twenty-spotted lady beetle 7/15/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 4 photos of white snakeroot 9/6/2026. |
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Daniel uploaded 3 photos of marbled orbweaver 9/6/2026. |
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Dave Mathews uploaded 1 photo of large milkweed bug 9/5/2026. |
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Steve Cominetti uploaded 1 photo of banded garden spider 9/5/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of Painted Lady on white snakeroot 9/4/2026. |
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Junebug uploaded 6 photos of furrow orbweaver 9/2/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of Beautiful Russula 9/2/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of Indianpipe 9/2/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 2 photos of Mealy Pixie Cup 9/2/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 2 photos of Northern Leopard Frog 9/2/2026. |
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Dan W. Andree uploaded 1 photo of polyphemus moth 9/3/2026. |
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Marcy Grams uploaded 3 photos of Northern Tooth 9/3/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 2 photos of American Yellow Fly Agaric 9/2/2026. |
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Gregory Gilman uploaded 1 photo of Ruby-throated Hummingbird 9/2/2026. |
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Luciearl uploaded 1 photo of northern paper wasp on gray goldenrod 9/2/2026. |
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Mark J. Gebhard uploaded 2 photos of lance-tipped darner 9/2/2026. |
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Kris Hancuch uploaded 1 photo of crocus geometer moths (Xanthotype spp.) 8/31/2026. |
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Dan W. Andree uploaded 1 photo of polyphemus moth 8/31/2026. |
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Maggie Johnson uploaded 2 photos of cross orbweaver 8/31/2026. |
New Pages
October
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September
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9/26/2026 |
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9/25/2026 |
woodland giant wolf spider |
9/23/2026 |
Species corrrection: The King Alfred’s Cakes (Daldinia concentrica) found in North America is now known to be Carbon Balls (Daldinia childiae). |
9/22/2026 |
Status update: Yellow-tipped Coral Fungus in North America, formerly Ramaria formosa, is now treated as Ramaria cf. formosa. |
9/22/2026 |
Status update: Golden Coral Fungus in North America, formerly Ramaria aurea, is now treated as Ramaria cf. aurea. |
9/21/2026 |
Common name dropped: The common name “fan-foot moths” for the genus Zanclognatha has been dropped, and the genus now has no common name. |
9/20/2026 |
Name change: Bronze Copper scientific name changed from Lycaena Hyllus to Tharsalea Hyllus. |
9/20/2026 |
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9/19/2026 |
Name change: Squash vine borer scientific name changed from Melittia cucurbitae to Eichlinia cucurbitae. |
9/13/2026 |
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9/11/2026 |
Synonymized Variety: The hairy wood mint varietal name Blephilia hirsuta var. hirsuta is now considered a synonym of Blephilia hirsuta. |
9/11/2026 |
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9/8/2026 |
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9/6/2026 |
Name change: Argiope trifasciata common name changed from banded argiope to banded garden spider. |
9/5/2026 |
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| 9/2/2026 | Name change: Solidago nemoralis ssp. decemflora common name changed from gray goldenrod to prairie gray-stemmed goldenrod |
9/2/2026 |
Name change: Solidago nemoralis ssp. nemoralis common name changed from gray goldenrod to eastern gray goldenrod |
9/2/2026 |
Name change: Little Glassywing scientific name changed from Pompeius verna to Vernia verna. |
What’s Next
Upcoming Species Pages
1 |
rough stink bug (Brochymena arborea) |
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2 |
Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) | Theresa Zaske |
3 |
betrothed underwing (Catocala innubens) |
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4 |
scarlet underwing (Catocala coccinata) | Lucy Morrissey |
5 |
flat-headed hardwood borer (Dicerca divaricata) | Dan W. Andree |
6 |
running crab spiders (family Philodromidae) | Nancy Lundquist |
7 |
Chinese mystery snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) |
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8 |
flea jumping spider (Naphrys pulex) |
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9 |
introduced pine sawfly (Diprion similis) |
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10 |
four-toothed mason wasp (Monobia quadridens) |
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11 |
Fritz Loven Park, Lakeshore |
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12 |
hook-toothed money spider (Erigone dentosa) |
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13 |
sumac gall aphid (Melaphis rhois) |
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14 |
crabronid wasps (Tachytes spp.) |
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15 |
bicolored sallow (Sunira bicolorago) | Luciearl |
16 |
European tube wasp (Ancistrocerus gazella) |
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17 |
Rosy Conk (Fomitopsis cajanderi) | Luciearl |
18 |
gold-marked thread-waisted wasp (Eremnophila aureonotata) |
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19 |
Cream Pinkgill (Entoloma sericellum) | Luciearl |
20 |
rustic wolf spider (Trochosa ruricola) |
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21 |
slime flux (bacterial wetwood) | Luciearl |
22 |
European alder spittlebug (Aphrophora alni) |
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23 |
bulblet fern (Cystopteris bulbifera) |
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24 |
gall midges (Subfamily Cecidomyiinae) |
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25 |
Clouded Funnel (Clitocybe nebularis) | Luciearl |
26 |
carrot wasps (Gasteruption spp.) |
Alfredo Colon |
27 |
Black Bristle Bracket (Phellinus nigricans) |
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28 |
fungus (Gibellula pulchra) |
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29 |
frost aster (Symphyotrichum pilosum var. pilosum) |
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30 |
ichneumonid wasps (Glypta spp.) |
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31 |
American asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) |
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32 |
triangle weaver (Hyptiotes cavatus) |
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33 |
Northern Red Belt (Fomitopsis mounceae) |
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34 |
miserable mining bee (Andrena miserabilis) |
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35 |
Cross-veined Troop Mushroom |
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36 |
oribatid mites (Galumna spp.) |
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37 |
tachinid fly (Gymnoclytia occidua) |
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38 |
lyre-tipped spreadwing (Lestes unguiculatus) |
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39 |
bot flies, blow flies, and allies (Superfamily Oestroidea) |
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40 |
American harlequin (Xanthogramma flavipes) |
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41 |
oak gall wasps (Tribe Cynipini) |
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42 |
flat bug (Aradus robustus) |
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43 |
non-biting midges (Family Chironomidae) |
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44 |
non-biting midge (Psectrotanypus dyari) |
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45 |
unequal cellophane bee (Colletes inaequalis) |
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46 |
rufous-backed cellophane bee (Colletes rufocinctus) |
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47 |
contrasted long-jawed spider (Tetragnatha straminea) |
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48 |
winter midge (Diamesa mendotae) |
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49 |
oblique-banded pond fly (Sericomyia chrysotoxoides) |
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50 |
yellow-haired falsehorn (Temnostoma balyras) |
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51 |
lump-legged swamp fly (Anasimyia chrysostoma) |
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52 |
mountain ash sawfly (Pristiphora geniculata) |
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53 |
leafhopper (Macropsis basalis) |
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54 |
rust fly (Loxocera cylindrica) |
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55 |
black-headed ash sawfly (Tethida barda) |
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56 |
treehopper (Archasia belfragei) |
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57 |
gray pug moth (Eupithecia subfuscata) |
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58 |
large clover casebearer moth (Coleophora trifolii) |
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59 |
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60 |
scarlet plant bugs (Lopidea spp.) |
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61 |
rose plume moth (Cnaemidophorus rhododactyla) |
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62 |
red-lipped lacewing (Chrysoperla rufilabris) |
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63 |
dusky-banded leafwalker (Chalcosyrphus nemorum) |
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64 |
chalcidid wasps (Conura side complex) |
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65 |
fragile forktail (Ischnura posita) |
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66 |
lance flies (Lonchaea spp.) |
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67 |
distinct quaker (Achatia distincta) |
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68 |
snipe fly (Chrysopilus proximus) |
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69 |
black locust treehopper (Vanduzea arquata) |
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70 |
New York scalewort (Frullania eboracensis) |
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71 |
purplish stylus money spider (Styloctetor purpurescens) |
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72 |
banded olethreutes moth (Olethreutes fasciatana) |
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73 |
yellow-spotted webworm moth (Anageshna primordialis) |
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74 |
low-horned wrinkleheads (Chrysogaster spp.) |
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75 |
spotted cobweaver (Thymoites unimaculatus) |
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76 |
short-winged Darwin wasp (Agrothereutes abbreviatus) |
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77 |
common sawflies (Subfamily Nematinae) |
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78 |
ichneumonid wasps (Subfamily Campopleginae) |
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79 |
Nebraska harvestman (Leiobunum ventricosum) |
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80 |
braconid wasps (Spathius spp.) |
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81 |
Newman’s mathildana moth (Mathildana newmanella) |
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82 |
limoniid crane fly (Gnophomyia tristissima) |
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83 |
twigsitters (Holopogon spp.) |
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84 |
treehopper (Telamona decorata) |
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85 |
dung fly (Cordilura varipes) |
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86 |
limoniid crane fly (Antocha saxicola) |
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87 |
brown lacewings (Micromus spp.) |
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88 |
grape plume moth (Geina periscelidactylus) |
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89 |
northern eudeilinia moth (Eudeilinia herminiata) |
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90 |
variegated midget (Elaphria versicolor) |
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91 |
clastopterid spittlebugs (Clastoptera spp.) |
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92 |
spotted cuckoo spider wasp (Ceropales maculata) |
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93 |
green cloverworm moth (Hypena scabra) |
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94 |
ichneumonid wasps (Euceros spp.) |
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95 |
predatory stink bug (Podisus brevispinus) |
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96 |
buffalo treehoppers and allies (Tribe Ceresini) |
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97 |
white long-legged cobweaver (Theridion albidum) |
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98 |
hairy poplar sawfly (Cladius grandis) |
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99 |
olethreutine leafroller moths (Olethreutes spp.) |
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100 |
hairy-eyed mimic (Mallota posticata) |
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101 |
rhododendron leafhopper (Graphocephala fennahi) |
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102 |
dusky mucksucker (Orthonevra pulchella) |
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103 |
picture-winged fly (Callopistromyia strigula) |
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104 |
moth mullein (Verbascum blattaria) |
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105 |
sidewalk mites (Balaustium spp.) |
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106 |
large crane flies (Dolichopeza spp.) |
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107 |
house fly (Eudasyphora cyanicolor) |
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108 |
cow vetch (Vicia cracca) |
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109 |
chalcidoid wasps (Oodera spp.) |
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110 |
two-spotted tree cricket (Neoxabea bipunctata) |
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111 |
snipe fly (Chrysopilus modestus) |
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112 |
narrow-winged tree cricket (Oecanthus niveus) |
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113 |
wild pansy (Viola tricolor) |
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114 |
limoniid crane fly (Erioptera chlorophylla) |
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115 |
rice leaf bug (Trigonotylus caelestialium) |
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116 |
sawflies, horntails, and wood wasps (Suborder Symphyta) |
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117 |
slender-footed jewel beetle (Spectralia gracilipes) |
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118 |
imported willow leaf beetle (Plagiodera versicolora) |
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119 |
three-ribbed soldier beetle (Podabrus tricostatus) |
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120 |
guided soldier beetle (Rhagonycha recta) |
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121 |
wide-horned soldier beetle (Polemius laticornis) |
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122 |
soldier beetles (Rhagonycha spp.) |
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123 |
Pennsylvania flea beetle (Disonycha pensylvanica) |
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124 |
mourning fire-colored beetle (Pedilus lugubris) |
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125 |
bronze darkling beetle (Arthromacra aenea) |
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| 126 | common brown click beetle (Athous haemorrhoidalis) |
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| 127 | fraternal darkling beetle (Mycetochara fraterna) |
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| 128 | golden loosestrife beetle (Neogalerucella pusilla) |
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short-collared soldier beetle (Podabrus brevicollis) | John Valo |
confederate violet (Viola sororia f. priceana) |
John Valo | |
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swamp rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) |
John Valo |
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Newfoundland Chanterelle (Cantharellus enelensis) |
John Valo |
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jewel bug (Homaemus aeneifrons) | John Valo |