Insects Sitemap - Page 2 2013-05-25
The Six Butterfly Families – Learn the Six Butterfly Families
Identifying butterflies begins with learning the six butterfly families. The first five families – swallowtails, brush-foots, whites and sulphurs, gossamer-wings, and metalmarks – are called the true butterflies. The last group, the skippers, are sometimes considered separately. All are beautiful to observe.
Whites, Orange-Tips, Sulphurs, and Yellows - Family Pieridae
The word butterfly probably first referred to the yellows that belong to the family Pieridae. This group of medium-sized butterflies includes the whites, yellows, oranges, sulphurs, dogfaces, and orange-tips, many of which are quite common in backyard gardens.
How to Keep Democrats Out of the House
Box elder bugs aggregate in sunny places as temperatures begin to cool in fall.Photo: Flickr user iowa_spirit_walker Folks in Nebraska and Kansas are
Skippers, Family Hesperiidae
About one-third of all North American butterflies belong to the family Hesperiidae, the skippers. These small butterflies fly fast, and can be mistaken for day-flying moths. Learn the habits and traits of skippers.
Butterflies and Moths - Characteristics of Butterflies and Moths, Order Lepidoptera
This article describes the characteristics of the order Lepidoptera, the butterflies and moths.
Silver-Spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus)
The silver-spotted skipper is a common resident of fields, meadows, parks, and gardens. With it's brown wings and quick flight from flower to flower,it's often overlooked for slower, brighter butterflies.
The Longest Repeat Migration in the Insect World
The Longest Repeat Migration in the Insect World
A Guide to the Twenty-Nine Insect Orders
With an estimated one million insects in the world, trying to identify an unfamiliar find can be overwhelming. However, if you get acquainted with the
Butterfly Exhibits Around the World
Unless you live in the tropics (or close to them), you only enjoy watching butterflies for half the year. Those of us who go through butterfly withdrawal during
Are Honey Bees Disappearing?
Honey bees have been in the news a lot recently. Farmers and beekeepers are alarmed by recent news headlines about Colony Collapse Disorder, and you should
The Bug Lover's Toolbox
Your Guide to Insects, Debbie Hadley, working in the lab. Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey While volunteering on a research project in Brazil, I learned
Black Swallowtails Tucked in for the Winter
Less than a month ago, I spotted a lone Black Swallowtail caterpillar munching away on the forgotten celery in my garden. Despite several short cold spells,
Use the Insect Index to Find Information Fast
Looking for information on a certain insect species? Check out the new Insect Index, an up-to-date directory of all the insect profiles I've published. As I
Have Scientists Solved the Mystery of Monarch Migration?
Wintering Monarchs in Mexico.Photo: © Flickr user rainasun Since the Monarch butterfly's wintering grounds were discovered in Mexico in 1975, scientists have
Can Ants Stop an Elephant?
Acacia tree in Kenya. Photo: © Gerard D. Hertel, West Chester University, Bugwood.org Acacia trees employ a complicated mutualism with ants to fend off
The Fuzzy Caterpillar That Ate My Town
Gypsy moths invaded my town last year. Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey Tussock moth caterpillars are voracious feeders, capable of defoliating large
Free Downloadable Curriculum on Pollinators
When you think of pollinators, you probably think first of honey bees. But did you know that over 100,000 invertebrates pollinate our flowering plants? Wild
Free Educational Materials for Educators
Photo: © Rob Van Petten, Getty Images The Entomological Foundation offers free educational materials to educators to help in implementing entomology into
A (Not So) Surprise Guest on My Window
Lady beetle on a warm winter day. Photo: © Flickr user dmcdevit, CC Share-AlikeOnce in a while, we get one of those unseasonably warm winter days here in N.J.
It's Cold Outside - Adapt or Die
From Science Daily: Many insects living in northern climates don't die at the first signs of cold weather. Rather, new research suggests that they use a
Get Ready for the Spring Monarch Migration
Monarchs at their overwintering site. Photo: © Flickr user rainasun We may be months away from seeing any Monarchs in our backyards, but down in Mexico the
Smell-wars Between Butterflies And Ants
New research from the University of Copenhagen highlights co-evolution in action. Large blue butterflies (Genus Maculinea) trick unsuspecting ants into caring
True or False: It's Illegal to Kill a Praying Mantis
Praying mantis eating aphids. Photo © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey Common knowledge, right? It's illegal to kill a praying mantis. Turns out that's an urban
Nearly 150 Years, and Still Going Strong
Horse drawn spraying equipment. Photo: archives of the USDA APHIS Pest Survey Detection and Exclusion Laboratory Gypsy moths continue to rule the headlines in
Technology in the Field: Tracking the Asian Longhorned Beetle
A forester checks for beetles using an acoustic beetle detector. Photo: © US Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory While the evening news
Free Newsletters from the Vermont Entomological Society
Check out the website of the Vermont Entomological Society. This group came together in 1993, and sponsors bug-related field trips, workshops, and research in
Eat Ice Cream and Save the Honey Bees!
Photo: © HDIP, Inc. Imagine a world without Rocky Road, Banana Split, or Cherry Vanilla ice cream - not a pretty picture, right? The folks at Häagen Dazs
Is Stephen Colbert an Entomophagist?
Photo: © Getty Images for Meet the Press/Alex Wong. On his show The Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert recently chatted with David Gracer, an advocate of eating
Wanted: Alien Stink Bugs
Brown marmorated stink bug nymph, with characteristic antennae markings. Photo: © Gary Bernon, USDA APHIS, Bugwood.org Rutgers University wants stink bugs.
Insects Likely to Consume More Plants as Temperatures Rise
Approximately one third of this legume leaf was consumed by insects during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. Photo: © Ellen Curano Just when you
Free Lesson Plan: Field Guide to Schoolyard Insects
The University of Kentucky's Entomology Department offers a free downloadable lesson plan, Field Guide to Schoolyard Insects. Students get up close and
When Is an Eyespot Not an Eyespot?
Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey In childhood, I was taught certain truths about insects, often by my mother. Bumblebees don't sting. That truth became
Insects - 1 Million, Dinosaurs - 0
Illustration: Alain Beneteau/www.paleospot.com Look around. See any dinosaurs? Nope, not a single dinosaur to be found. Insects, on the other hand, are
Line Leader, Paper Person, Bug Monitor?
Photo: © Compassionate Eye Foundation/Chris Ryan/OJO Images Ltd/Getty Images Remember those classroom jobs from elementary school - line leader, paper
Want to Raise Smart Butterflies? - Teach the Caterpillars
Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey Anyone who spends time observing caterpillars knows their habits. They eat, they poop, they eat some more, and they molt.
Celebrate the Women Who Loved Bugs Before Us
It's International Women's Day, a day to give a shout out to those courageous women in history who followed their passions, whether or not society approved. For
LoJack For Beehives?
Bees in California keep a watchful compound eye out for thieves. Photo: © Matt Cardy/Stringer/Getty Images Since the fall of 2006, honeybee hive boxes have
The Sound of a Million Butterfly Wings
Left image 2004, right image 2008.Image courtesy NASA Earth Observatory, by Robert Simmon and Daniel Slayback. That's a sound I hope to hear some day, when I
First Butterfly of the Year
And me without my camera. I debated bringing it along on a hike today, but decided to travel light for once. That pretty much guaranteed I would see something
More Bad Luck for California Honeybees
Photo: © Stockbyte/Getty Images First Colony Collapse Disorder. Then honeybee heists by sneaky bee bandits. There's an expression that bad things come in
Itchy, Watery Eyes? Blame It on the Cockroach
Photo courtesy Lianne McLeod, About.com Guide to Exotic Pets Ever go to one of those bug exhibits at your local museum or science center? If you have,
Is This the Lyme Disease "Magic Bullet"?
Ah, the Sweet Smell of Skunk Cabbage
Skunk cabbage in bloom. Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey March brings many good things: college basketball tournaments, St. Patty's parades, and best of
Remember the Coneheads?
A slightly musical conehead. Photo: © Tyler Christensen. Does anyone remember the slightly musical coneheads? I know what you're thinking. Yes! Dan Aykroyd
Don't Swat That Fly! It Could Be a Spy
I checked my calendar when I read this news item - Military Creates Cyborg Insect Spies. It must be April Fools' Day, I thought. But no, the headline is true.
Through the Eyes of an Insect
Photo: © www.harunyahya.com This image shows how the world looks through the eyes of a fly. I know what you are thinking - How do they know that? You can't
Prehistoric Bugs in 3D
Left: arachnid. Right: Insect hymenopteran Falciformicidae. Image: © M. Lak, P. Tafforeau, D. Néraudeau (ESRF Grenoble and UMR CNRS 6118 Rennes). Exciting
Celebrate Be Kind to Spiders Week
The first week in April is Be Kind to Spiders Week. I'll bet you didn't know that. Spiders, despite their tendency toward creepiness, are beneficial critters
Walkingsticks Prove Darwin Correct
Walkingsticks in a warm embrace. Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey. Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection is widely accepted by scientists and high
These Bugs Tell Time
Image courtesy Mike Libby, Insect Lab. Here's an image that made me do a double take. And a triple take, actually. You aren't looking at some crazy Photoshop
American Idol Helps Fight Malaria
Miley Cyrus sings at the Idol Gives Back charity event.Photo: Getty Images/Frank Micelotta/American Idol I never imagined I'd be blogging about American Idol
One Sheet of Paper and a Lot of Patience
Image courtesy of Robert J. Lang, www.langorigami.com What's an engineer and physicist do in his free time? Fold paper, in the case of Robert J. Lang. For
Spring Caterpillars Pitch Their Tents
Eastern tent caterpillars.Photo courtesy of National Park Service Each April, on the eastern side of the Rockies, tiny tents appear in crabapple and
Got Termites?
Eastern subterranean termites.Photo: © Susan Ellis, Bugwood.org Some primal termite knocked on wood And tasted it, and found it good! And that is why your
5 Things You Can Do for Insects on Earth Day
What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day this year? Planting a tree? Cleaning up a park or beach? People tend to think big on Earth Day, but I like to focus on
Fighting Malaria on the "River of Life"
On March 29, 2008, medical teams led by Expedition Organizers Helge Bendl and Andy Leemann launched a two-month trip through six African countries. Their
Malaria - a Disease Without Borders
Today marks the first-ever World Malaria Day, as I've mentioned in several previous blog posts this month. Putting a stop to this mosquito-spread disease,
The Dirt on DEET
Photo: CDC/PHPPO/DPDE/CAB/PhotoServices/James Gathany For 50 years, it's been a ritual. People heading outdoors first coat themselves in a layer of DEET to
No DEET? No Problem!
American beautyberry. Folk recipes for repelling insects have existed since humans and insects began sharing the planet. Maybe your grandpa showed you how to
It's Raining Tiny Caterpillars
First instar gypsy moth caterpillar.Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey Last Friday, I sat in my backyard enjoying the sunshine, and subconsciously flicked a
10 Tips to Avoid Ticks
Photo: Flickr user ninjapoodles Years ago, I spent some time bicycling around parts of the country, pitching my tent wherever I could find a park or
Top Picks in Books - Buzz
When I was a kid, I had a few favorite books that could keep me engrossed for hours at a time. If it was full of cool facts, unusual stories, and
Fending Off Fleas
Photo: © Getty Images/Martin Ruegner Any pet owner will tell you that fleas are no fun. A few adult fleas on the family dog will soon become hundreds of
In Search of a Monarch
Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey As warmer weather takes hold at last, tiny shoots of milkweed emerge from the soil. Each day, I check my landscape beds
Cattle-Eating Maggots Threaten Yemen's Economy
A screw worm maggot shows its tusklike mandibles. Photo: John Kucharski, USDA Officials in Yemen are asking the international community for help in combating
Biologist Pays Tribute to Neil Young
This trapdoor spider discovered by ECU biologist Jason Bond was named after the musician Neil Young. Photo courtesy East Carolina University News Services
Last Chance to Visit the Live Butterfly Exhibit at AMNH
South American owl butterfly, Caligo idomeneusPhoto: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey If you're in or near New York City by Memorial Day weekend, head to the
Mortgage Mess Leads to Unexpected Outcome - Mosquitoes
A health department worker adds mosquito-eating fish to a stagnant swimming pool.Photo: © Getty Images/Justin Sullivan The mortgage loan mess makes headlines
This Week in Bug News
Photo courtesy US Customs and Border Protection Agency A bee swarm took up residence in a shopping cart in the parking lot of a busy shopping center in
Insect Pests Deliver a One-Two Punch to New Hampshire's Hemlocks
A Forest Health Specialist in New Hampshire found more than she expected when investigating some sick hemlock trees reported by a resident. The evergreen
The Garden of Good and Evil
A few weeks ago, I discovered my honeysuckle vines were infested with aphids. A new gardener might panic to see her plants coated in plump pests such as these,
Honeybees Are Disappearing - Is the Answer Right Under Our Noses?
Since the mysterious disappearance of honeybees began two years ago, scientists have scrambled to find the cause. Termed Colony Collapse Disorder, the
It's Time to Harvest the Bagworm
Bagworm may be lurking in your evergreens, without your knowledge. Take a closer look at those arborvitae and junipers. Do you see anything that looks this
Consumers Left Guessing About Pesticides in Foods
The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced it is discontinuing publication of its annual report on pesticide use on food crops.
Are All Bugs Bad?
Bugs get a bad rap. We use the word bug in quite a few different ways, most with real negative connotations. We refer to any little microbe that makes us ill as
What's This Bug?
Forum user rsmith0190 posted photos of this mystery bug this week, and asked what it might be. This is what I found when digging out a really old stump in
8,995 New Insects Discovered in 2006
David Grimaldi and Michael Engel, in their 2005 book Insects and Their Evolution, estimated that 75% of the insect species on Earth had yet to be described.
What Do Bug Guts Look Like?
As a child, I squished many a bug, I'm ashamed to admit. My mother still tells one gruesome tale about my ill-timed stomp on a gypsy moth caterpillar on Easter
Out With the Old, In With the New
When my brother was small, he was one of those quiet, shy little boys who always hid behind our mother. He had a tendency toward politeness and never wanted to
The Buzz on Bees
Honeybees may be the most researched insect on the planet. Concerns about vanishing honeybees, and the impact this has on our food crops, continue to drive
New Yorker Hospitalized with Mite Infestation
A bird's nest in a bathroom vent proved to be the final straw in a NY woman's fight with her landlord. Her exposure to the wild birds earned her a trip to the
Free Seeds to Help the Honeybees
As vanishing honeybees continue to threaten our food supply, companies and organizations are helping by getting citizens involved. How can you help save the
The Other White Meat
The 17-year cicada emergence is reaching its peak across much of the northeastern U.S. For folks who live where this year's cicadas have appeared, the sound of
What's This Bug?
Forum user DougNew is trying to figure out what's biting him while he sleeps. He posted this image in the forum, and asked if this might be the culprit. Here's
Another Reason to Visit the Bug Easy
The Audubon Insectarium opens today in New Orleans, a cicada-like 17 years after Audubon Nature Institute officials came up with the idea to open an all-insect
Bee Census Finds 2,000 More Species
John S. Ascher, a research scientist at the American Museum of Natural History, just completed the first global count of bee species in over 100 years. He and
3 Ways to Find Your Perfect Mate
You must be an insect, because baby, you are fly! Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey As I wander around my yard looking for interesting bugs to
Denver Officials Threaten to Jail Backyard Beekeeper
The city of Denver picked a weird time to enforce a ban on backyard beekeeping. As has been widely reported, honey bees are in serious decline. Many states and
Butterfly Conservation Big in the UK
While officials in Denver, Colorado took a decidedly ant-bug stance with their ban on backyard beekeeping, folks in the UK are making an effort to conserve
Chicago on High Alert for Emerald Ash Borer
A metallic green beetle that's already wiped out tens of millions of ash trees around the Great Lakes Region arrived in Chicago recently. The emerald ash borer,
Another West Nile Virus Epidemic Expected
When West Nile Virus first appeared in the U.S. nine years ago, it made headlines nearly every day. Today, the panic seems to have subsided, but that doesn't
Trees...in June?
Why do these summer trees look like a winter landscape? Click the picture to find the answer.Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey
Find Buggy Events in the Forum
Looking for a fun insect-themed activity to do while the kids are out of school? Check out the Bug Events, Festivals, and Shows folder in the forum. Anytime I
This Week's Mystery Bug
About.com member Jennifer McGavin posted this photo in the forum. She found the large moth on her front door in Colorado. A colorful mystery moth. People
Eat Bugs in Hell's Kitchen
If you happen to be in the neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen today, you might get a chance to try the newest thing in green eating - entomophagy. Bug eating
Blueberries by the Numbers
Today marks the beginning of National Blueberries Month, designated to remind us that July is the peak of blueberry season. But would there even be a National
This Week's Mystery Bug
In a post titled Playground Terrors, About.com member jgherity asked for help identifying mysterious wasps. Each summer, the wasps invade the playground at the
Love is in the Air (Not That He'd Know It)
Scientists at the University of California-Davis report they may have found a way to disrupt mating between Japanese beetles. They recently succeeded in
Pine Oil Works Like DEET
For over 50 years, we've been slathering the synthetic chemical DEET on our skin to repel mosquitoes and ticks. Soon, we may have an effective, naturally
This Week's Mystery Bug
This thing is huge! says About.com member _wayne_. He recently posted a photo of a large moth resting on a piece of wood, and asked what it might be. As you
Celebrate E.B. White's Birthday
Where's Pa going with that ax? Of all the stories I read as a child, Charlotte's Web remains my favorite. I still have my worn out paperback copy, which I
Easy Summer Project for Bug-Loving Kids
Here's an easy project for kids to make during these hot summer months - a watering hole for insects. A simple watering hole for bees and butterflies.Photo: ©
Playing with Fire(flies)
One summer evening, when I was twelve years old, a friend and I played a game of badminton well past sunset. As we batted the shuttlecock back and forth across
Stephen Colbert Demands Justice
When Stephen Colbert, popular host of Comedy Central's Colbert Report, heard that a spider had been named for Neil Young, he knew he had to act. It seemed only
World's Scariest Insects?
Nicole Kidman recently revealed her greatest fear - butterflies. It seems Kidman experienced a serious Lepidopteran trauma in her childhood. On school days, she
Okay, I Take That Back - Some Insects Deserve It
While outside photographing some caterpillars in my garden, I fell victim to a swarm of mosquitoes. One after another, the bloodthirsty varmints landed on
Is Milkweed Getting Less Milky?
Among bug vs. insect stories, the monarch-milkweed relationship is probably the best known. Ask nearly any young schoolkid what monarchs eat, and you'll get a
An Insect Ghost?
This oddly pale stick insect made its way across my patio a few weeks ago, and quickly caught my eye. Unfortunately for him, predators looking for a quick
Are You Afraid of Spiders?
Spiders seem to elicit an emotional response like no other bug. My parents still torment me about the time a spider dropped from the ceiling of our station
Debugging Beijing - Chinese Officials Wage War on Insects
With the opening of the Beijing Olympics just one week away, Chinese officials continue their assault on the city's six-legged wildlife. Bugs clearly aren't
Going to Beijing? - Here's Where to Eat Insects
Beijing dining is, well, different. If you've ever considered snacking on a bug, this is the place to do it. The Chinese know how to cook insects. In a country
Cricket Lore - The Chinese Love Affair with Crickets
For over two millenia, the Chinese have been in love with crickets. Visit a Beijing market, and you'll find prize specimens fetching prices that make the
Wordless Wednesday - Fighting Crickets in Beijing
Preparing for a cricket fight in Beijing. Cricket fighting goes back over 2,000 years in Chinese culture.
Bug Encounters on the Road - Bed Bugs
I just returned home from a road trip to the Smoky Mountains, where I go each summer to do some hiking and visit friends. When you write about bugs for a
Bug Encounters on the Road - Bugs on the Bumper
As I made my way into the mountains of North Carolina, I was struck by the numbers of butterflies that flitted across the roadway. Then I realized the
Asian Longhorned Beetle Discovered in Massachusetts
The City of Worcester, Massachusetts is now under order of quarantine, after an invasive pest from Asia was discovered in the area. The Asian longhorned beetle
Bug Encounters on the Road - On the Trail of Insects
One of my favorite things about hiking is you never know what you will find along the trail. Now that I'd made it to North Carolina, I was ready to lace up the
All in the Family for Invasive Fire Ants
People who live in the southern U.S. will tell you stories about fire ants. Fire ants will hurt you, and they'll tell their friends to hurt you, too. Since the
Chicago's Party Comes to an Abrupt End - ALB Returns
Ten years ago, Chicagoans watched as their beloved shade trees were cut down and chipped. Along with New York City, Chicago came under siege from an invader
(More) DIY Exterminators in the News
Last month, I listed some compelling reasons why you shouldn't kill bugs. One particularly good reason to lay off the do-it-yourself extermination attempts -
Cockroaches Predict Next Prez
Hold the polls and cancel the conventions. This election is all but over, based on the results at the 15th Roach Derby held at Rutgers University yesterday.
Why Do Mosquito Bites Itch?
Mosquitoes top the list of annoying insects, and it's no wonder we dislike them so much. All you want to do is enjoy a warm summer evening outdoors, and you
New Insects Turn Up in the Weirdest Places
They really do have it all on eBay. An aphid specialist from the UK recently purchased a fossilized insect preserved in amber from the online auction site. He
Wordless Wednesday - Ultimate Recycling
This walkingstick, or stick insect, is eating the exoskeleton it just finished molting. Why? That old skin is full of protein, which gets recycled back into
NRDC Sues EPA Over Bee-Killing Pesticide
The US Environmental Protection Agency doesn't have much to say about their 2003 approval of a pesticide believed by some to kill honeybees. The EPA didn't
Cousin Itt?
What the heck is this thing? The favorite cousin of Gomez Addams? No, this blond mop top is actually an insect, and a dangerous one at that. The puss
Featured User Photo: Bee on Clover
This beautiful photo of a bumblebee foraging on a clover blossom was captured by Jon, an active member of the insects forum. Jon, who goes by the screenname
The Art of Mindful Exterminating
The hornet and I are one. When the hornet flies fast, I fly fast. When attempting to relocate hornets, you really need to feel peaceful. Hornets themselves
Clay Pots Prove to Be Ancient Beehives
Archaeologists excavating a site in ancient Israel unearthed the earliest known beehives in the Near East. The clay hives were discovered at the Tel Rehov site
Entomologists Found Guilty of Bug Smuggling
Two Czech nationals have been convicted of illegally collecting insects from Singhalila National Park in India, according to the Times of India. The
Giant Spider Takes Over Liverpool
What would you do if a giant spider walked the streets in your town? Take pictures, of course. This image comes courtesy of Flickr user Frankie Roberto, who
The Flight of the Bumblebee
Rimsky-Korsakov's famous Flight of the Bumblebee suggests bumblebees move with a frantic quickness. In truth, an experienced bumblebee flies slowly and
Ants from Mars?
When evolutionary biologist Christian Rabeling discovered this new species of ant, he thought it might as well have come from Mars. He named the find Martialis
Stink Bugs Are the Pits in Pittsburgh
Brown marmorated stink bugs are invading Pittsburgh homes.Photo: © Gary Bernon, USDA APHIS, Bugwood.org Homes in western Pennsylvania are covered in
Here's Looking at You
This spicebush swallowtail caterpillar appears to be looking back at you. Its large eyespots probably help deter predators, and definitely give it a
Mom Wants Park Sprayed for Non-Existent Spiders
Okay, this story has me a little steamed, I'll admit it. A 15 year old boy in Williamstown Borough, PA, recently developed a mysterious bite on his foot
Italy Joins Others in Ban on Bee Killing Pesticides
The Italian government has banned a number of pesticides suspected of causing honeybee deaths. The Minister of Work, Health, and Social Policies issued an order
Have We Met Before? Wasps Good at Remembering Faces
I am terrible at remembering faces. I could meet you today and spend the entire day with you, and I wouldn't recognize you tomorrow if we bumped into each other
Featured User Photo: Smiling Dragonfly
Tony, one of our forum members, snapped this smiling dragonfly's picture in East Houston, Texas. Tony says he's been photographing insects forever. His
Is the Smiling Dragonfly Real?
Termite-Eating Dino Found in Storage
Albertonykus, a dinosaur no larger than a chicken, was unearthed recently in the closets of the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta. Paleontologists first found the
The Smiling Dragonfly - Final Word
Okay, I have an odd sense of humor. No, the smiling dragonfly is not real. Tony is an excellent photographer (you can see more of his photos on his Picasaweb
Postscript: The Smiling Dragonfly
Photo: © About.com member Tony (agomez105) For those of you who are now curious about how the smiling dragonfly looks sans lips, here's the untouched
Denver Official Pushing to Legalize Backyard Beekeeping
For years, hobbyist beekeepers in Denver, Colorado have set up their backyard hives in defiance of a ban on such activities in residential areas. The law was
Were Convicted Czechs Tricked into Admitting Guilt?
The two Czech nationals recently convicted of bug smuggling in India claim they were duped, and maintain their innocence in an interview recently published on
Like Spiders? Now's the Time to Find Them
A black and yellow garden spider, with a characteristic zigzag in its web.Photo: About.com member olmail In fall, we think of pumpkins and cornstalks and
Female Spiders Get the Munchies After Mating
A male spider would do well to bulk up before finding a mate. As researchers from Miami University of Ohio revealed, female spiders tend to get the munchies
Can You Identify This Caterpillar?
Ria, a forum member who teaches preschool in the Philippines, posted photos of some caterpillars she is raising. She found them in her schoolyard. We haven't
Wheel Bugs in Love
Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey These odd-looking insects seem made for each other. I found the pair taking a roll in the milkweed back in late
Did Termites Cause the Levee Breaks in New Orleans?
The Formosan subterranean termite, an insect from Asia, may have contributed to the levee breaks in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.Photo: Scott Bauer,
It's a Butterfillar!
Photo: Forum member Ria (yapatoots79) Ten days ago, I wrote about the caterpillars that Ria, a preschool teacher in the Philippines, was raising in her
Gentlemen, Protect Your Jewels from Black Widows
Photo: Chuck Evans(mcevan)”., Wikimedia Commons While doing some research about black widow spiders for a new article, I came across the following nugget
Convicted Bug Smuggler Flees India to Avoid Possible Jail Time
Emil Kucera, a Czech national convicted of illegally collecting insects in an Indian national park, fled India and returned to the Czech Republic. Kucera faced
The Lost Ladybug Project Needs Your Help
The introduction of the 7-spotted ladybug from Europe may have caused the decline of our native 9-spotted ladybug. Photo: böhringer friedrich, Wikimedia
How Come Hornworms Always Seem to Find My Tomatoes?
How do hornworms find my tomato plants, no matter where I plant them?Photo: Flickr user naturegirl 78 As any gardener knows, a bug that eats plants has
Invasive Pest Spawns Arts Festival
Hemlock woolly adelgid looks like fuzzy white cotton on the underside of hemlock branches.Photo: © Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey Some folks in Kentucky
Fruit Flies Swarm to McCain-Palin Ticket
In the latest poll, the McCain-Palin ticket leads by a wide margin among fruit flies. The dramatic shift in the Diptera demographic came in response to a recent
What's This Bug?
About.com member NancyL. keeps finding these insects on her deck. Can you identify this mystery bug? About member NancyL. recently posted this image in
Really? A Blow Torch?
Here we go again - more adventures in DIY pest control. A fellow in Georgia decided it was time to get rid of those unsightly cobwebs clinging to his house. So
Another House Bites the Dust
Yet another homeowner has blown his house to bits trying to get rid of insect pests. A man in Millville, NJ, set off an arsenal of bug bombs in his home.
Joe McCain Would Love to Be an Ant
Image: Gov Gab, US Government Blog Joe McCain, brother of the ex-presidential candidate, hates traffic. So much so, in fact, that he called a 911
Bugscope Lets Kids Use Sophisticated Technology to Study Bugs
Have you ever looked at an insect with a hand lens, and marveled at its spiny-looking feet? Or investigated a butterfly wing under the microscope, so you can
Schoolkids to Study Bugs in Space
When the space shuttle Endeavor launches from Florida later today, it will be carrying more than astronauts. A payload of spiders and butterflies are heading to
College Students Doing Their Part to Save Hemlocks
Students from Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina headed into the woods with a mission - to save 1,000 hemlock trees from the deadly hemlock woolly
Budget Cuts Sting Entomologists
In this rough economy, everyone is cutting back on spending. Unfortunately, university entomology programs often take a big financial hit when times are lean.
"Airport Malaria" a Real Risk
Well, here's a scary little tidbit to ponder. People living in North America and Europe should be concerned about contracting malaria, according to a new report
Denver Beekeepers No Longer Criminals
The Denver City Council passed a honey of an ordinance last week, allowing hobbyist beekeepers to do just that - keep their bees. The new rule allows residents
Earthwatch Volunteers on the Hunt for Caterpillars
Daily headlines about climate change call our attention to polar bears, migrating songbirds, and coral reefs. Nobody seems worried about caterpillars. Could
But Did the Roaches Survive?
Deborah Dean of Dekalb County, Georgia was looking forward to Thanksgiving. Her holiday preparations were coming along. The turkey and trimmings were in the
What I Really Ate this Thanksgiving
I've been a vegetarian for nearly 15 years, so it's been a long time since I said pass the turkey on Thanksgiving. The truth, though, is that every bite of my
What's This Bug?
A reader recently sent me this photo of a mysterious insect found in his daughter's bathroom. This odd-looking insect appeared in a bathtub.Photo:
Where Do Mosquitoes Go in Winter?
I don't care much for cold weather, but there is one nice thing about being outdoors in winter - no mosquitoes! Once temperatures drop, those pesky bloodsuckers
China Executes Ant-Breeding Conman
Chinese officials executed Wang Zhendong, a conman who bilked investors out of over $400 million. Over 10,000 people gave Wang money to start an ant-breeding
Bugs in Live Christmas Trees? Bah Humbug!
If you're considering buying a live or fresh cut Christmas tree this holiday season, you've probably done your homework. You've researched which kind stays the
Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite
Good night, sleep tight, Don't let the bed bugs bite. As I child, I happily repeated this merry rhyme, thinking bed bugs were as real as the bogey man. Bed
Termites Inflict Lethal Head Butts on Nest Invaders
The Panamanian termite, Termes panamensis, fights off nest invaders with a lethal blow to the head. Researchers found the tenacious termite soldiers possess the
Bug Smugglers Nabbed in Peru
According to the Calgary Herald, three bug smugglers were recently caught trying to sneak 8,000 dead insects out of Peru. The suspects hid the bugs in plastic
Orb Weaver Spiders Lived Among the Dinosaurs
The discovery of a 140 million year old spider web means orb weavers evolved much earlier than previously thought. An amateur fossil hunter found the web,
Wisconsin Town Headed for Disaster
People in Wisconsin are on high alert for a devastating insect pest, the emerald ash borer. Some areas of the state have already lost their ash trees to the
(Almost) Wordless Wednesday - Dead Honey Bees
A few weeks ago, a friend forwarded an email to me that really made me mad. The email, which quickly went viral and arrived in inboxes all over the world,
Ethanol's Dirty Little Secret
Ethanol, a biofuel touted by some as a clean, renewable energy source, has a dirty little secret according to scientists at Michigan State University. The
Brown Recluse Bite? Grab a Stun Gun and Zap Away the Pain
While Googling some information on brown recluse bites, my eyes were immediately drawn to two words that seemed out of place - stun gun. As in, uses a stun gun
The Eensy, Weensy Spider Gets the Girls
Conventional wisdom says the bigger, stronger guy wins the girl, while the 98-pound weakling gets a face full of sand. Not quite true for spiders, says Michael
Wordless Wednesday - Pine Beetle Damage Visible from Space
Around the turn of the twenty-first century, a combination of factors, including fire suppression and climate change, allowed mountain pine beetles to destroy
Honey Bees on Cocaine Love to Boogie
In a study that challenges current ideas about the insect brain, researchers have found that honey bees on cocaine tend to exaggerate. Photo: © Matt
Nevada Schoolkids to Pick Official State Insect
Some fourth graders in Nevada noticed their state was missing something - an official state insect. Nevada is one of only nine states that lack a bug mascot.
Mosquitoes No Match for U.S. Marines in Uniform
Since 1991, U.S. military uniforms have been treated with the insecticide permethrin to protect troops from disease-carrying mosquitoes. Still, with so many
Locusts Play Hide and Seek with Predators
Locusts have long puzzled scientists. Why would an insect live a seemingly solitary existence one day, and then quite suddenly join with millions of locust
Family's Pet Tarantula Kidnapped
A family in Bristol, England is pleading for the safe return of their family pet. Their Chilean rose tarantula, 'Arry, was abducted by burglars who also made
The Poop on Poop
Last year, we had a major population of gypsy moth caterpillars in my town. At the peak of their leaf munching, I could stand in my backyard and hear the
California's Border War Against Bugs
The American southwest has a certain appeal to a native of New Jersey. Those wide open roads, sans tolls or traffic, impart a real sense of freedom when you're
What's Hiding in Your Grapes?
I've noticed a somewhat startling trend as I scan the breaking insect news headlines every day. Black widow spiders seem to be turning up in bunches of grapes
Bug of the Week - January 7, 2009
This week, I'm launching a new feature on About Insects. On Wednesdays, I'll post a photo of a mystery bug - the bug of the week. Along with the photo, I'll
Beware of Mattresses
I'm in the market for a new mattress. I can't stand rolling into the crevasse of a dent in my bed anymore. Hoping to find a good deal, I Googled around the term
Keep Firewood Bugs to a Minimum
Now that winter's taken hold, I can't seem to get warm. My house used to have a wood-burning stove in the living room, but a past owner removed it. It's just
Mutant Bed Bugs Attack the Big Apple
Here's some sobering news - New York is under attack by mutant bed bugs. The nocturnal bloodsuckers are multiplying despite our best efforts to eliminate the
Bug of the Week - January 14, 2009
Thanks to everyone who participated in last week's Bug of the Week challenge. Cuckoowasp correctly identified them as sawfly larvae, and placed them in the
Beekeeper Fights to Keep Her Bees in Palm Bay, FL
Michelle Provencal, a resident of Palm Bay, FL, is trying to make a difference. Even with a 1/4 acre lot, she knew she could do something to help provide
Aussie Couple Spends Wedding Night with Maggots
Sorry to the squeamish among you, but this story just had to be shared. An Australian couple recently tied the knot, and shared their wedding night with some
Should ORV's Be Banned to Save a Beetle?
For a decade or so now, a war's been raging in southern Utah. Once again, the Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle has made the list of candidates for federal
Insects Can't Make Sense of a Man-Made World
Man-made light is making a real mess of things, ecologically speaking. Years ago, I volunteered on a research team monitoring hawksbill sea turtles on Barbados.
Bug of the Week - January 21, 2009
NJTF knew the answer to last week's Bug of the Week challenge - the unicorn caterpillar, Schizura unicornis. This strange-looking caterpillar gets its name
Beekeepers Fear Imported Australian Bees
The USDA allowed imports of honey bees from Australia to resume, despite concerns from some beekeepers and bee scientists. Beekeepers fear the Aussie bees could
Man Pleads Guilty to Importing Illegal Beetles
A 36-year-old beetle enthusiast pleaded guilty this week to illegally importing a few dozen enormous Asian beetles. Marc Dilullo of Exeter Township is free on
Update - Palm Bay, FL Ban on Beekeeping
After an hour long discussion, the Palm Bay city council ruled to uphold its ban on beekeeping in the Florida city. Backyard beekeeper Michelle Provencal will
Australian Moth Reappears After Long Absence
Staff at the South Australian Museum hoped to learn more about the insects living in Adelaide, so they asked the public to bring insects they'd found to the
Insects Climb Mountains as Global Temps Rise
Scientists working in two completely different regions of the world have discovered the same unsettling truth. Insects are moving up mountainsides to escape the
The Incredible Journey of the Butterflies Airs Tomorrow Night
Tomorrow night at 8 pm, NOVA premiers its new documentary on the incredible migration of monarch butterflies. Director Nick de Pencier used helicopters,
Liberia Under Attack by Army Worms, Guinea Next
For weeks now, a silent army has been marching across Liberia, forcing people from their homes and villages. These soldiers have devastated farm fields,
Bug of the Week - January 28, 2009
Here's this week's bug of the week, a trio of critters found on my milkweed. Know what it is? Leave your answer in the forum. You'll also find some clues
Green Porno from Sundance
I was always fascinated by the infinite, strange and ‘scandalous’ ways that insects copulate.” - Green Porno creator Isabella Rossellini One of my
Will Insects Set a Death Row Inmate Free?
In December, 1998, a 19-year-old woman disappeared from her college campus in Texas. Almost a month after she was last seen alive, her body was found in the
Climate Change Makes Tree Vulnerable to Beetle Attacks
The U.S. Geological Survey determined that tree mortality rates in the western states have more than doubled in recent years. Climate change, along with record
Liberia's Caterpillar Infestation Goes from Bad to Worse
According to Liberia's Agriculture Minister Chris Toe, the ravenous caterpillars devastating farms and villages are not armyworms, as first thought.
Bug of the Week - February 4, 2009
Congratulations to Treesandshrubs, aka Nessa Richins, our Guide to Trees and Shrubs, and to Mobugs41! Both answered last week's Bug of the Week challenge
Google Earth Leads Scientists to New Butterfly Species
A group of Kew scientists discovered a hidden oasis in Mozambique, right from the comfort of their office chairs. While using Google Earth to scout out possible
85 New Insect Species Discovered in United Arab Emirates
For three years, scientists have been documenting the flora and fauna of the United Arab Emirates, with the goal of cataloging every single species. The effort
Kill It Like Beckham
Soccer superstar David Beckham and his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria, ruffled the robes of their new neighbors on the Thai island of Koh Samui. The Beckham's
Monarch Butterflies Ready to Head North
This week marks the 16th straight year that Journey North, a fantastic website for anyone interested in phenology, will be tracking the spring migration of
Bug of the Week - February 11, 2009
It's Wednesday - time for another Bug of the Week! Can you name this bug? If you can, or you want some clues, head over to the insects forum. Last week's
Happy Darwin Day
Today, evolutionary biologists celebrate the birthday of their patron saint, Charles Darwin. Darwin was born exactly 200 years ago this February 12th. He
Cupid the Katydid Brings True Love to the Big Easy
Cupid, a rare pink katydid, welcomes visitors at the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans this Valentine's Day. Cupid and his siblings are the first pink katydids
Bad Economy Takes Another Bite Out of Bug Research
It's tough out there these days. Politicians are grasping at straws, trying to find a silver lining in this dark economic cloud. The state of Michigan felt the
Kiwi Beekeeper Charged with Selling Toxic Honey
A hobbyist beekeeper in New Zealand is charged with selling food products unfit for human consumption after several customers were poisoned by his honey. A
Bug of the Week - February 18, 2009
Here's this week's bug of the week! Once again, I've given you a few hints in the forum. Can you name this bug? Last week's bug of the week was a tricky one,
Honey Heals Injured Sea Turtles
Next to insects, my greatest love is sea turtles. I've volunteered on several expeditions through the Earthwatch Institute, and have tagged and measured nesting
Moustached Butterfly Finally Gets a Name, 90 Years Later
In 2005, butterfly expert Blanca Huertas traveled to Colombia to search for new butterflies. In a remote mountain region, she found an odd moustached
Zoo Offers Spider Class for Arachnophobes
For reasons I don't fully understand, some people are afraid of spiders. Not just eek, a spider scared, but that picture of a spider on your website made me
Bug of the Week - February 25, 2009
Welcome to the 8th installment of Bug of the Week. Here's this week's mystery insect. Need some help identifying it? You'll find some clues in the forum. A
Does the Economic Bust Help the Bed Bugs Boom?
The meteoric rise in bed bug infestations couldn't have come at a worse time. State and local governments everywhere are strapped for cash, and some cities are
Emerald Ash Borer Now in Central Pennsylvania
Emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle from Asia that's already killed millions of trees in the U.S., has been found in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. EAB was
Hemlock Pest Kills Trees Quicker Than Expected
Forests from southern Appalachia to New England are in decline, as one pest or pathogen after another decimates trees. Each summer, I take a trip to the Great
Bug Bites Cost Kiwi Government Millions
Bee stings, mosquito bites, and other insect-related ailments are costing the New Zealand government millions. New Zealand provides 24-hour no-fault personal
Bug of the Week - March 4, 2009
Ready for this week's bug of the week? This yellow caterpillar crossed my path last summer. You'll find clues to its identity in the forum. Know what it is?
The Battle Against Bad Bugs
U.S. Border agents scored a point against invasive pests last month, when they intercepted exotic seed bugs in a shipment from Thailand. The insects hitched a
And the Winner Is...
Fourth graders from Beatty Elementary School in Las Vegas made a successful case for their pick for Nevada state insect. Their nominee, the vivid dancer
Did a Tick Bite Lead Suspect to Commit a Violent Homicide?
Yesterday, 27-year-old Terry Joe Sedlacek walked into an Illinois church and fired four gunshots at Rev. Fred Winters, killing him. He then attempted to stab
Tell EPA to Protect Honey Bees
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently reviewing its approval of the pesticide imidacloprid, as required by law under the Pesticide Registration
Moths Find Flowers by Smelling Precise Chemical Combinations
New research from the University of Arizona at Tucson reveals how moths key into the scents of flowers. Though a flower's odor may consist of hundreds of
Bug of the Week - March 11, 2009
In keeping with last week's theme, here's another mystery caterpillar to identify. This one tends to curl up into a ball when it feels threatened, as you can
Obama's Grandma To Lead Fight Against Tsetse Flies
The African Union has enlisted the aid of President Obama's step-grandmother, Sarah Obama, in a campaign to wipe out tsetse flies in her native Kenya. The
What's Wrong with This Headline?
While scanning my news reader for interesting insect stories the other day, a headline caught my eye: Fire at UNR Lab Kills Mating Caterpillars. Something
Bug of the Week - March 18, 2009
It's Wednesday again, so time for another bug of the week. You'll need to study this one closely. It looks like an easy one, but it's not what you think.
Honeybees and Beneficials Coming to the White House
The White House will be buzzing soon, with the hum of honeybee hives on the South Lawn. Two hives will be maintained to help pollinate the White House gardens,
The Pros and Cons of Maggot Therapy
The University of York just published the results of a three-year study on using maggots to treat leg ulcers. Flesh-eating maggots feed on dead or decaying
File This One Under D, for Duh
Insect populations around Chernobyl, the site of a 1986 nuclear plant meltdown and fire, continue to show signs of decline. Two scientists studying wildlife
Fourth Graders Want to Know
A fourth grade class in Colorado recently sent me a bunch of questions about crickets. Their teacher, Jeff Lewis, was looking for a way to tie technology in
Bug of the Week - March 25, 2009
This week's mystery insect hails from Europe and northern Africa. Do you know the identity of the bug of the week? Leave you answer here, or head over to the
Aphids Hide Among Their Dead Friends to Avoid Predation
Aphids live a tough life. Just about every insect predator in the garden likes to make a meal out of them. Fortunately, aphids reproduce quickly, and they can
Will a Red Ant Become a Dark Horse in Race for Mayor?
The race for mayor of Aspen, Colorado just got a little more exciting. The Red Ant, a pesky 8-month-old solenopsis invicta, just announced her candidacy to be
Beetle Bailout Costs Millions, New England Tourism at Risk
Last year, the Asian longhorned beetle was discovered in the Worcester, Massachusetts area. Officials moved quickly to stop the beetle from spreading. Thousands
Bug of the Week - April 1, 2009
This is no April Fools' joke. This wasp really is metallic red and blue. Do you know what it is? Leave your answer and check back next Wednesday to see if you
Migration Not Just for Monarchs
While the monarchs make their way north from Mexico amid much fanfare, another group of butterflies is quietly heading up the California coast. Painted lady
Butterfly Art of the Year Contest
Every other year, the North American Butterfly Association sponsors a contest for artists who depict butterflies in their work. If you work in any
Bugs in My Alibi Airs Tomorrow on Animal Planet
When five members of a California family were murdered in 2003, UC Davis entomologist Lynn Kimsey didn't expect to be the key witness in the case. Her expertise
Bug of the Week - April 8, 2009
It's Wednesday once more, and time for another mystery insect challenge. Grab a field guide and take a look at this photo. Do you know which bug this is?
Share Your Tips for Treating Mosquito Bites
The worst part about mosquito bites isn't the bite, it's the itch. I've had mosquito bites that itched for days and drove me to the brink of insanity. If
Eastern Tent Caterpillars a Danger to Pregnant Mares
Eastern tent caterpillars are beginning to hatch. These early spring caterpillars feed mostly on foliage of cherry and apple trees. In the home landscape, their
Researchers May Have Found the Cure for Dying Honey Bees
Researchers in Spain believe they have isolated the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder, a mysterious ailment that's been wiping out honey bee colonies since
Bug of the Week - April 15, 2009
This week's mystery insect hails from the order Lepidoptera. If you can name the bug of the week, leave a comment with your answer. Or, for a few clues, head
Top 10 Bed Bug Control Strategies from the EPA Summit
The bed bug population has exploded over the last few years. Experts now believe we're having the worst bed bug outbreak since World War II. Something has to be
Researchers Turn to Bug Saliva for Potential Cures
Two separate studies released this week focused on the value of bug saliva as a possible cure for diseases. In the first study, researchers at Saint Louis
Saving the Hermes Copper Butterfly
In the chaparral forests of San Diego County, a small, brown and yellow butterfly, is making its last stand. The Hermes copper butterfly, an important
Scientists Bug Trees to Locate Bugs
The coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros, was discovered on the island of Guam in 2007. The tiny rhinos are a serious pest of coconut palms, so
Bug of the Week - April 22, 2009
Wow! It looks like last week's mystery insect remained a mystery. Mobugs41 and sharon did correctly identify this little Lepidopteran as a skipper. I think
U. of Florida Relaunches Website for 4-H Bug Collectors
The University of Florida just relaunched its website for kids who collect bugs. The site, which originally went live in 1998, is a digital 4-H club for
Donate a Bed Net on World Malaria Day
Nearly half a billion (that's billion, with a b) people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America suffer from malarial infections. Almost one million people die each
Readers Respond - Which Insects Do You Find Most Annoying?
Insects are as varied as people - there are some you just love, and some you'd love to smack. Among the insects I prefer to experience postmortem: mosquitoes,
Nevada Readies for Invasion by Mormon Crickets
Nevadans are readying for battle. Scientists expect this year to be a bad one for residents in the path of the Mormon crickets. When the hungry plague numbers
Which Insect's Sting Hurts the Most? Ask the King of Sting
Imagine a bold and unrelenting pain, like somebody is using a drill to excavate your ingrown toenail. That's how Justin Schmidt described the sting of a red
Bug of the Week - April 29, 2009
It's Wednesday, time for another bug of the week. Each week, I post a photo of a mystery insect for you to identify. If you can name this beautiful butterfly,
Ants Nip Their Hosts in the Bud (Literally)
Certain ants and plants enjoy well-documented relationships of mutualism. The ants inhabit the plant, providing it with protection from other pests. The plants
Drowned Spiders Make Miraculous Recoveries
Spiders live in all kinds of environments, from forests to marshes. Scientists have long been puzzled by how spiders can thrive in areas prone to flooding.
Will Lyme Disease Worsen as Temps Rise?
A newly published study out of Yale University suggests rising global temperatures may increase the severity of Lyme disease. According to the paper's authors,
Bug of the Week - May 6, 2009
It's time for another bug of the week! Each Wednesday, I post a photo of an insect for you to identify. Do you recognize this bug? If you do, leave a comment
Termites Threaten Architectural Treasures of Ancient Xi'an
Termites are methodically eating the city of Xi'an, China. According to Asia Pacific News .Net, a full 70% of the ancient structures in Xi'an are at risk of
Diving Beetle Becomes Colbert's Newest Namesake
Stephen Colbert, popular comedian and host of The Colbert Report, is not shy about his quest to be immortalized. With the help of his viewers, Colbert has
National Geographic Premiers Segment on Parasitic Wasps
This Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, 2009, at 9 PM ET/PT, the National Geographic Channel (NGC) premieres the latest installment of its critically acclaimed In
"Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite" Act of 2009
I've read enough bed bug headlines in the past year to be worried about an upcoming hotel room stay. Bed bugs made a comeback of epic proportion in recent
Emerald Ash Borer Nears Minnesota Border
Since it first appeared in Michigan in 2002, the invasive emerald ash borer has advanced steadily through the region's forests, killing millions of trees. EAB
Get Your Garden Pest Questions Answered on Twitter Today
Do you tweet? I'm guest hosting today's Twitter 4 Victory Gardens conversation! The topic for the chat is garden pests, and I'll be tweeting answers to
Bug of the Week - May 13, 2009
Who's this colorful critter? It's this week's mystery insect, aka the bug of the week. Grab a field guide or fire up Google, and see if you can identify it.
Unidentified Caterpillar Swarm Forces Chinese Herdsmen to Flee
Fifty Chinese herdsmen, their families, and 20,000 head of cattle are on the move, fleeing an advancing army of hungry worms. The caterpillars leave behind
Tent Caterpillars Are For the Birds
If you've got cherries or crab apples in your yard, there's probably a caterpillar camp out in your trees this month. The silk tents of eastern tent
100 Million Year Old Termite Reveals Ancient Mutualism
A hunk of amber from Myanmar contains the oldest example of mutualism ever discovered between an animal and microorganism. Inside the amber, Oregon State
Bug of the Week - May 20, 2009
Welcome to another round of bug of the week! The mystery insect pictured here is just emerging from its pupal case, so it may be a little hard to recognize,
1 in 10 Odonates May Be Headed Toward Extinction
An international team of conservation biologists just published the results of their worldwide survey of dragonfly and damselfly populations, and the news isn't
The Aster Paradox - Flowers That Repel Pollinators
The relationship between bees and flowers is well understood. Bees visit flowers to gather pollen and nectar for food, and in doing so, they pollinate the
The Truth About Bug Zappers
Bug zappers are one of the most popular bug control devices ever. Walk around any suburban neighborhood in the evening, and you'll hear the pop and sizzle of
The Caterpillar Without a Name
Samuel Hagler, a Twitter follower, asked if I could identify a caterpillar he encountered in Bolivia. Samuel is pedaling his way from Paraguay to the U.S. to
Bug of the Week - May 27, 2009
Each Wednesday, I post a photo of an unnamed insect for you to identify. It's a fun way to practice your insect identification skills. So, grab a field guide
Citizen Scientists Needed to Track Invasive Viburnum Pest
The viburnum leaf beetle, an introduced species from Europe, was first identified in New York in 1996. Since then, the hungry beetles have spread to Maine,
Are You Sure It's a Red-Spotted Purple?
While doing some work in her potting shed the other day, my mom was surprised to see something moving on her table. She looked closer, and found this butterfly
Besotted Beetles Can't Say No to Geraniums
Most insects lead very determined lives. They grow into adulthood, they eat, they mate, and they lay as many eggs as they can. The insects best able to pass on
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Where's the Bug of the Week?
For those of you who are regular Bug of the Week players, you probably noticed that I didn't post a mystery insect today. Bug of the Week is on a one week
Bed Bugs All Dried Up
Bed bugs are back with a vengeance, and are harder than ever to eliminate once they've infested a building. The one tool in the pest control arsenal that does
Cirque du Soleil Launches OVO, an Insect-Themed Show
Cirque du Soleil, the Canadian acrobatic troupe, celebrates their 25th anniversary this year with the launch of a new insect-themed show - OVO. The show
Bug of the Week - June 10, 2009
After a one week hiatus, bug of the week is back with another mystery insect for you to identify. Do you recognize the bug in this photo? Leave a comment with
Are Fireflies Disappearing? How You Can Help
Just a few nights ago, I sat outside and watched the first firefly display of the season in my backyard. It's an activity I've enjoyed since I was a kid. Male
Female Water Striders Demand Serenades from Males
Certain female water striders in Asia have evolved an unusual way of protecting themselves from the aggressive sexual advances of males. Female Gerris
Tiny Beetle Bringing Down Boulder's Biggest Trees
In Boulder, Colorado, a tiny beetle is waging war on the city's majestic walnut trees, and it looks like the trees are losing the battle. Foresters say an
Bug of the Week - June 17, 2009
Each Wednesday, I post a photo of a mystery insect for you to identify. Today's bug of the week should be a fun challenge. If you recognize this insect, let
Emerald Ash Borer Reaches New York
Yesterday, the NY State Department of Conservation announced the discovery of an emerald ash borer (EAB) infestation in Cattagaraugus County. The news was not a
Was Obama's Fly-Swatting Inhumane? PETA Thinks So
The animal rights group PETA raised a ruckus this week in response to President Obama's death smack of a fly. While being interviewed by CNBC's John Harwood at
Giant Water Bug Named Father of the Year
The giant water bug received this year's Bug Father of the Year honor, emerging from the stagnant pond where he lives just long enough to accept his award.
Calcium Crucial to Long Term Memory in Honey Bees
Calcium provides the trigger enabling honey bees to remember what they have learned, according to research just published in the journal BMC Biology.
Bite Me With Dr. Mike Premiers Tonight on the Travel Channel
Bite Me with Dr. Mike, a new show premiering tonight on the Travel Channel, brings a new twist to the science guy risks life and limb to film dangerous
Bug of the Week - June 24, 2009
This week's bug of the week is a beauty, isn't it? If you know the name of this unusual caterpillar, post a comment with your answer here. Not sure what it
NYC Beekeepers Want "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy Changed
For decades, beekeepers have maintained hives on rooftops and fire escapes throughout the Big Apple. Most people don't even notice the honey bees coming and
Another Home Blown to Bits by Bug Bomb Use
A tenant in Citrus Heights, California successfully removed the cockroaches infesting his apartment by setting off no less than 10 bug bombs. Unfortunately,
Smuggled Beetles Sent to the Smithsonian
Last May, a postal worker in the Philadelphia area grew suspicious of a package from Thailand that was making unusual scratching sounds. The box was labeled
Bug of the Week - July 1, 2009
Another Wednesday, another mystery insect for you to identify. I post this weekly exercise, dubbed Bug of the Week, to introduce you to insects you may
Biologist Honors Wife with New Moth Find
Find a new species and you earn the right to give it a name. Some scientists name their finds for themselves, ensuring their names and work live on in
Locusts May Hold Key to Treating Migraines
In addition to being an insect lover, I'm also a migraine sufferer. So, I was doubly excited to read about new research by biologists at Queen's University in
Vermont Bans Firewood to Stop Foreign Bugs
Forestry officials in Vermont announced a ban on all out-of-state firewood, a measure meant to keep two destructive insect pests out of the Green Mountain
Like Butterflies? Keep a Butterfly Life List
If you enjoy watching butterflies, you've probably already learned to recognize quite a few of the more colorful ones that pass through your yard. I've seen
Bug of the Week - July 8, 2009
With Wednesday comes another Bug of the Week challenge. This week's mystery insect is kind of a twist on a familiar bug. Can you name the species? Leave a
Mosquito Problem? Don't Bother With Birds and Bats
Whenever the subject of mosquito control comes up, someone gives a fervent argument for installing purple martin houses and bat houses. Stores that cater to
Take Action to Stop Commercial Firefly Harvest
Not long ago, I blogged about Firefly Watch, a research project that enlists an army of volunteer firefly watchers to gather data about their status. Scientists
Presto, Chango!
The butterfly gardeners' motto might be if you plant it, they will come. I picked up a few packs of parsley and dill plants recently, intending to add them to
Bug of the Week - July 15, 2009
Ready for another Bug of the Week challenge? The photographer asked for my help in identifying this insect, and I thought you might enjoy the challenge, too.
Why You Should Buy Local Honey
Some say local honey will cure your seasonal allergies, and others say it's just plain good. Whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint or support local
Got Termites? Share Your Story for a Shot at Free Termite Treatment
Does your home have termites? I mean, a LOT of termites? If you think you've got America's worst termite problem, you could have a shot at winning free termite
Submit Your Best Bug Photos by July 31st
Liz Masoner, About.com's Guide to Photography, hosts a regular photography contest on her site. This month, she's looking for your best bug photos! Grab your
Bug of the Week - July 22, 2009
Welcome to another round of the Bug of the Week mystery challenge. Each Wednesday, I post a photo of an insect for you to identify. If you recognize this
Dragonfly Shatters Monarch Migration Record
Dragonflies that island hop between India and Africa have shattered the record for the longest round-trip migration by an insect. Since the discovery of their
Bug of the Week - July 29, 2009
It's Wednesday again, which means time for another mystery insect photo. With this weekly Bug of the Week post, I'm challenging you to improve your insect
With Honey Bees Scarce, Farmers Turn to Native Bumblebees
Since honey bees began disappearing from hives in 2006, the spotlight has been focused on their plight. Farmers looking for an alternative way to pollinate
6 Ways You Can Help Save Monarch Watch
For 18 years, kids of all ages in North America have been tagging migrating monarch butterflies, thanks to the efforts of Monarch Watch. Monarch Watch is an