McDowell Sonoran Conservancy: Mistletoe’s Amazing Parasitic and Mutualistic Relationships

The shiny red eyed black bird which has a crest looking a little cardinal is a Phainopepla. Learn how this bird spreads the parasitic Mistletoe around the Preserve. You will learn the Old English translation of Mistletoe and will have a laugh in December when you see people kissing under this plant’s branches. We’ll also discuss the Parasitic Tarantula Hawk Wasp and the Mesquite Gall as examples of other parasitic relationships in our desert.

*Trailside Naturalist is a family-friendly educational offering on many Saturday mornings.  The presentations feature hands-on materials and specimens and cover a variety of topics about the flora and fauna of the Preserve.  The informal setting allows visitors to ask questions and learn interesting information about the amazing biodiversity of the Sonoran Desert.  Sign up is not necessary, stop by anytime.