Why is my Ball Python striking at me? Ball Pythons are generally calm, so if your pet is striking at you, it’s important to figure out why. Let’s take a look… One reason that Ball Pythons are so popular is their docile nature. They are generally deemed to be a safe, laid-back reptile. That said, … Read more
Spiders eating other spiders may sound like something out of a horror movie but it’s actually quite common in the arachnid world. This gruesome behavior is known as spider cannibalism and occurs for a variety of reasons. Overview Spider cannibalism involves one spider consuming another spider, either of the same or different species. Some key … Read more
Leopard geckos are normally very docile and quiet pets, so hearing yours hiss can be surprising or concerning. If you’ve heard an odd hissing, clicking, or squeaking sound coming from your leopard gecko, you likely want to get to the bottom of why they are making these vocalizations. If you’re short on time, here’s a … Read more
Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) are common insects in Floridas natural areas. They are among the most abundant herbivores in grassland ecosystems and are an important source of food for wildlife, especially birds. There are about 70 species of grasshoppers in Florida. Some species are quite rare and endangered, or unique to Florida. The purpose of this … Read more
While the sight of a wasp buzzing around your garden and inviting themselves to your picnics and barbecues in the daytime is nothing unusual in the summer months. Our evenings are typically free from these striped insects. We explore what they do when the sun sets and answer the questions are wasps more active at … Read more
The mysterious disappearance of the eggs, baby birds, and even an adult from an active bird nest is relatively common. Studies of nesting birds found that predation by snakes is the leading cause of nest failure, and only half of all bird nests are successful. This article reviews the interactions between snakes and bird nests, … Read more
Some of the best wildflower options for Illinois include bee balm, blue false indigo, and columbine. But there are many more, and in this article, we bring you nine colorful Illinois wildflowers for your garden. Wildflower seeds can be purchased in local nurseries and even online retailers. You can also ask a neighbor for a … Read more
Wasps are a common sight in Georgia, particularly during the warmer months. While these insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling other pests and pollinating plants, their presence around homes can raise safety concerns. From their ability to sting repeatedly to their often-hidden nests, wasps can quickly become a nuisance or even … Read more
Severe insect declines make headlines, but they are rarely based on systematic monitoring outside of Europe. We estimate the rate of change in total butterfly abundance and the population trends for 81 species using 21 years of systematic monitoring in Ohio, USA. Total abundance is declining at 2% per year, resulting in a cumulative 33% … Read more
The Bright and Beautiful World of Yellow Wildflowers Yellow wildflowers are a joy to behold. Their sunny blooms seem to embody the very spirit of spring and summer. While most common in North America, yellow wildflowers can be found brightening meadows, prairies, woodlands and backyards across the globe. With hundreds of varieties, there is an … Read more