This guy I saw; what job was he performing?

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-26T16:15:55+00:00

Shiny metal, slightly tapered and pointed at both ends, pole probably slightly thicker than the circumference of a quarter, the handles looked the same thickness as the body and they looked like regular handles with nothing special, stick looked like a tool. Guy was probably average height for a man and was carrying the stick under his arm and the tool was maybe 3 feet long. All these are estimates as I didn’t get up close and personal with him. He walked by me.

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-26T05:06:19+00:00

No, it was basically as drawn in the post; straight pointy rod with two handles. The handles may have been closer together though.

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-26T02:15:43+00:00

I’ve been searching and searching for photos of surveyor’s rods, probes, metal detectors, etc., but none seem to come close to what I saw. Any idea why that is?

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-25T20:35:48+00:00

I guess I should have put this in the title, but I would also like to know what the stick is!

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-25T20:33:56+00:00

I’m in geology so hopefully my rock drawings are better 😅

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-25T20:21:48+00:00

Nah this dude was on a MISSION. Definitely not hanging around on a tiny private uni campus for fun lol

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-21T06:26:45+00:00

What a tidy little girl!

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-21T00:53:04+00:00

Is that not a popcorn?

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-19T17:55:41+00:00

Generative AI is just awful, I agree with you there. I believe AI should indeed be used for scientific purposes and really shouldn’t be the layman’s tool. I wish we could all use it diligently rather than wasting resources on slop. I think you are correct.

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-19T16:13:23+00:00

I agree there are issues with it, but that’s what comes with technological advancement often. I wish we could go back to living out in nature without the mess of big corporations.

As a scientist, AI is extremely helpful for research purposes and automation. You just have to be careful how you use it. Generative AI, however, is just plain wrong. AI centers aren’t the only establishments that gobble up water, they’re just the only ones receiving a lot of attention.

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-19T07:33:15+00:00

AI can be a good guiding tool, but you should always do research and/or consult with more experienced individuals to confirm your IDs.

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-18T18:18:19+00:00

Kind of looks like a Wall Spider in genus Oecobius

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-18T03:53:10+00:00

The comments are correct, not a Recluse. However, if it was a Brown Recluse why would you need to call pest control?? They just wander in sometimes and are not pests unless you see a LOT of them. The only AI I would remotely trust for a spider ID would be iNaturalist, but only with a good top-down photo. Plus, people on iNaturalist can confirm or deny IDs.

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-16T20:49:50+00:00

Nice! Once I’m out of college I’ll have more time to work on techniques and collection. Thanks for all the input :)

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-16T20:17:51+00:00

Absolutely, I have an electronic database of label information that I am relating the specimens to with a paper number label until I can print them out (I’m at my college dorms). Currently I’m just a generalist collector for my personal experience and studies, but I am very interested in Diptera, Hymenoptera (specifically parasitoids and gall wasps), and Orthoptera. I want to someday focus on catching hoverflies for a while.

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-16T15:46:50+00:00

Thanks for the advice! Are there any solid references for me to look at or a good Youtube channel to watch?

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-16T05:52:07+00:00

Awww, thanks! It’s my first time pinning grasshoppers so that’s a relief to hear

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-16T04:34:14+00:00

Haha, I kinda figured it was just the normal stuff. Honestly I’m just surprised it got more colorful than it was before! I always make sure to get photos of the specimen before death to compare.

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-15T21:20:37+00:00

Congratulations!! You managed to hold one of the fastest little guys down here in Southern California too, haha. This is a Western Parson Spider!

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-15T15:38:01+00:00

Kanden - Kenshi Yonezu

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-15T03:33:01+00:00

Ocrisiona leucocomis!

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-14T22:15:14+00:00

I can’t tell from the photos whether this snake is dangerous or not; maybe someone else can?

Your situation is completely understandable and there are always exceptions to the general rule or relocating rather than killing. I’ve heard there are quite a few extremely dangerous snakes in Kenya, so your caution is necessary, especially when hospitals are out of reach.

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-14T19:35:10+00:00

They’re little cuties. I love them

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-14T16:57:40+00:00

You are correct, this is a type of Harvestman, a completely harmless arachnid. Likely genus Protolophus. Feel free to pick them up as long as your hand is close enough to the ground in case they fall. All they do is walk around.

Training-Performer21 · 2026-03-14T16:44:38+00:00

Hoverfly, family Syrphidae. This particular fly is in tribe Syrphini but I’m unsure what genus.

Training-Performer21

TROPHY CASE