In this first of a two-part series, hosts Dr. Bob Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas dive into the secret life of oysters with Dr. Earl Melancon — one of the most prominent voices in oyster science and Louisiana’s commercial fishing world. A Professor Emeritus at Nicholls State University and current Louisiana Sea Grant Scholar, Earl has spent more than 50 years studying the biology, ecology, and culture of oysters alongside the oystermen who harvest them.
Together, they explore the natural history of the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica — how these remarkable creatures build their shells, change sex as they grow, filter vast amounts of water, and survive a gauntlet of predators in Louisiana’s estuaries. From microscopic larvae to full-grown reef builders, this episode reveals the biology behind one of the coast’s most iconic species — and a foundation of Louisiana’s ecology and culture.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where the conversation turns to the human side of oysters — the people, traditions, and challenges of the industry that depends on them.
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Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Bob Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
In this episode of The Southern Naturalist, Dr. Bob and Dr. Aimée Thomas explore the slimy, strange, and surprisingly intelligent world of slime molds — with a special focus on the infamous Fuligo septica, also known as dog vomit slime mold. Despite its less-than-appealing nickname, this bright yellow protist is a marvel of biology.
Slime molds are cosmopolitan species, meaning they can be found all over the world — from your backyard mulch pile to deep forest floors. While F. septica takes center stage, we also explore a range of other slime mold species and what they reveal about the natural world.
These unique organisms have long defied easy classification. Though they’re often mistaken for fungi, slime molds are actually protists — a fascinating group of life forms that blur the lines between what we think we know about cells, movement, and even behavior.
We discuss how scientists use slime molds to study things like traffic flow and network optimization, how some slime molds can “solve” mazes, and how their behavior continues to baffle researchers. You'll also hear about the strange folklore that surrounds slime molds across cultures and why these humble blobs have captured the human imagination for centuries.
Whether you're a slime mold skeptic or a full-blown myxomycophile, this episode is a deep dive into the gooey, brainy, and totally bizarre world of some of nature’s most overlooked organisms.
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Visit our website at https://lucec.loyno.edu/so-nat-podcast
Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Bob Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
In this episode of The Southern Naturalist, Dr. Bob and Dr. Aimée Thomas explore the fascinating science behind why some trees, like the Japanese magnolia, burst into bloom before their leaves emerge. Why do these early bloomers put on their floral show in the chill of February? How does this strategy benefit them in the grand cycle of nature? Join us as we dive into the evolutionary and ecological reasons behind this stunning phenomenon, with a special focus on the southern landscapes where these trees thrive.
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Visit our website at https://lucec.loyno.edu/so-nat-podcast
Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
Dr. Bob and Dr. Aimee Thomas dive into the prehistoric world of the alligator gar, a true living fossil that has roamed North America's waters for over 100 million years. With its armor-like ganoid scales, air-breathing swim bladder, and ambush predator instincts, this ancient giant has remained virtually unchanged since the age of the dinosaurs. But despite its primeval legacy, the alligator gar is often misunderstood and even maligned. Join us as we uncover the fascinating evolution, ecological role, and conservation challenges of this Jurassic-era relic.
Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us atsonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intern Shelby Perkins
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
Join Dr. Bob and Dr. Aimée Thomas in The Southern Naturalist as we delve into the fascinating world of cordyceps, the parasitic fungi that have captured the imaginations of scientists and storytellers alike. From their unique life cycle and ecological role to their surprising medicinal properties and pop culture fame, this episode explores the science, myths, and mysteries surrounding these natural wonders.
Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intern Shelby Perkins
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review!!!
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Visit our website at https://lucec.loyno.edu/so-nat-podcast
Did you know that bull sharks have been found in rivers 1,800 miles away from the ocean?
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Martin O'Connell, a scientist who has extensively researched sharks and other marine species. We dive into the history of bull shark encounters in Lake Pontchartrain and other estuarine areas. We also explore WHY these sharks come into the lake, their role as an apex predator, and our own feelings about swimming in the same bodies of water with these fascinating creatures.
Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
In this episode we dive into the natural history of Cuban treefrogs (Osteopilus septentrionalis), how they compare to our native green treefrog (Hyla cinerea) and how they recently became established in Louisiana. Dr. Bob has been on the pulse of this frog invasion and identified some of the first visitors to Louisiana in the 1980s! Naturally, we compare the cuban treefrog to other invasive species in the area, such as the brown anole (Anolis sagrei), the greenhouse frog (Eleutherodactylus planirostris) and nutria rat (Myocastor coypus). We get into the condumrum of invasive species… how do we deal with them?
Also, make sure to check out our episode from last season, Spring Frogs in Jean Lafitte to learn more about frogs in the South.
If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review!!!
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Visit our website at https://lucec.loyno.edu/so-nat-podcast
Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
Welcome back to The Southern Naturalist! Today, we explore the intricate communication methods of alligators in the depths of swamps and marshlands. We delve into the world of alligator vocalizations, body language, and chemical signals, unraveling how these ancient reptiles convey messages, establish dominance, and navigate their complex social structures. From the iconic bellows echoing across the bayou to subtle head nods and jaw displays, we uncover the diverse repertoire of cues used for mating rituals, territorial disputes, and parental care. Join us on this thrilling journey as we decode the language of alligators, offering insight into the fascinating world hidden within the murky waters.
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Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
Join hosts Dr. Bob Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas on an enthralling exploration of the intricate world of termites in this episode of The Southern Naturalist. Delving into the fascinating natural history of these tiny yet mighty creatures. Yes, they may destroy your house, but after listening to this episode you may gain a newfound appreciation for these often misunderstood insects.
We also hear from a termite expert, Timothy Madere!
If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review!!!
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Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
In this episode Dr. Bob and Dr. Aimée Thomas explore the natural history of Dolichandra unguis-cati, otherwise known as cat's claw vine... or that beautiful yellow flower you see all over the roofs of old houses in the spring!
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Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
WELCOME BACK NATURE LOVERS!
It's Dr. Bob and Aimée here and we so excited to announce that we are coming back with a second season of the Southern Naturalist! Catch up on all of season 1 and send us your questions and suggestions on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Please share our episodes with fellow nature lovers and write us a review!
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Hosts: Dr. Bob Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
In this episode Dr. Bob and Dr. Aimée Thomas visit Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge in New Orleans East to meet a longtime friend, Pon Dixson with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We discuss the ecological succession that has taken place since Hurricane Katrina decimated the forest. We also talk about Golden silk orb-weavers, Timber Rattlesnakes, Persimmons, the history of the refuge and traditional ecological knowledge.
If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review!!!
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Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
It’s early fall in the South, and for us, that means DRAGONFLIES!
This Nature Note episode is all about the fascinating natural history of the dragonfly, which has been around for about 320 million years and was once up to 3 feet long! We will discuss how dragonflies are one of the most successful and VORACIOUS aerial predators in the world along with their impressive mating and survival strategies.
If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review!!!
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Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you! Visit our website www.lucec.loyno.edu for more information.
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
In the South we know hurricanes all too well… so this hurricane season Dr. Bob and Dr. Aimée Thomas decided to go even deeper. This episode features Mark Schleifstein, a Pulitzer Prize-winning environmental journalist and is a must listen if you want to understand the complexities of hurricanes.
Are hurricanes really getting stronger due to climate change?
What happens to birds, plants and other animals during hurricanes?
What does a naturalist notice before and after a hurricane?
What does the “eye” tell you about a hurricane and why do they spin?
How much do wetlands reduce storm surge?
What do hurricane hunters do?
These are just some questions we will answer!
Referenced Links:
Dr. Bob's Lecture Notes: Meteorology and Hurricanes
Hurricane Hunters in Florence YouTube video
Study about lizards and toe pads during hurricanes
How wetlands reduce strom surge
If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review!!!
Follow @SoNatPodcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! And visit our website to learn more!
Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
If you’re from Louisiana, you certainly know about Lake Pontchartrain. You probably know that it’s technically not even a lake! It is a divider of habitats, home to many unlikely species and has the longest bridge over water in the world! For a naturalist, it is a major spectacle! That is why Dr. Bob is on his 9th version of a 60+ page document which expands upon all that a naturalist may notice while crossing this giant estuary.
Bob and Aimée discuss the lake’s history, how it changes the climate, rangia clams, bull sharks, sea turtles, purple martins, pelicans flying, cormorants langmire circulation, waterspouts, how the lake was cleaned up, eutrophication and SO much more. Think of this episode as the cliff notes for that document!
Trust us, after this episode your 24 mile drive on the Causeway Bridge will never be the same!
Read the full article here! and visit our website to learn more!
If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review!!!
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Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
Do you ever wonder how birds can fly so long without ever flapping their wings? Based on Dr. Bob’s nature note, we dive deep into the functional morphology of bird flight - basically how they have adapted to use the environment to get around better! We cover different flight methods such as compression gliding, declivity currents and thermal soaring.
If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review!!!
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Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Student Intern: Kitty Perlsweig
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
Dr. Bob and Dr. Aimée Thomas head to Barber Laboratories to dig even deeper into the world of butterflies with Linda Auld, known in New Orleans as the "Bug Lady". They discuss the amazing lifecycle of Monarch Butterflies, the issue with Tropical Milkweed, Linda's research of the OE Parasite and MANY ways that you can get involved with supporting butterflies!
Check out her book, Bug Lady's Butterfly Summer!
Learn more about this episode and our podcast on our website! Also check out Dr. Bob's nature notes!
If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review!!!
Follow @SoNatPodcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Student Intern: Kitty Perlsweig
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
This episode will feature two of Dr. Bob's nature notes that are closely connected! One on a beloved butterfly in the South, the Gulf Fritillary, and the other is about that butterfly's host plant, the passion flower!
Joining us in the studio is Linda Auld, known in New Orleans as the "Bug Lady". She has been a caterpillar mama for over 40 years!
Learn more about this episode and our podcast on our website!
If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review!!!
Follow @SoNatPodcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Student Intern: Kitty Perlsweig
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
Join us on a trip to the Joyce Wildlife Management Area in the northwestern end of Lake Pontchartrain to learn all about the elusive and BEAUTIFUL mud snake and their prey, the very strange looking amphiuma! Out there we will meet another snake lover and herpetologist, Oliver Ljustina who is conducting a long-term snake tagging project in the area.
Learn more about this episode and our podcast (with many reference links, photos, and a cheat sheet) on our website! www.lucec.loyno.edu
If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review!!!
Follow @SoNatPodcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Student Intern: Kitty Perlsweig
Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright
In this Nature Note edition of The Southern Naturalist, we answer all of your burning questions about the majestic, magical lightning bug!
Questions like, why do they glow? what makes them glow? Where can I find them and why do I remember seeing more as a kid? We also dig deeper into how they are named, why beetles are so cool, metamorphosis and bioluminescence!
Our resident bug expert Zack Lemann joins the conversation as we talk about on the evolutionary biology and mating habits of fireflies and how they are natures "femme fatales!"
If you enjoyed this episode please leave us a review!!!
Follow @SoNatPodcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Learn more about this podcast (with many links and a cheat sheet) on our website!
Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at sonatpodcast@gmail.com and we will answer you!
Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas
Produced by Emma Reid
Student Intern: Kitty Perlsweig
Music composition by Hunter Wainwright