nflicker101's Identifications

A few years ago, we had a female box turtle come by our yard, dig a hole, and lay some eggs. (We actually got to see the baby turtles after they hatched.) Now, just a few feet away from the old egg-laying site, we have another turtle come by and begin to dig a hole as if it is going to lay some eggs.

This brilliant colour is caused by IIV-31 (Isopod Iridescent Virus). I've been checking hundreds of pill bugs over several years for this unusual phenomenon and my persistence finally paid off!
Sadly, this total colour change is usually the later stage of the virus; once a pill bug is this bright it generally doesn't have much longer to live.