Crickets are a common backyard bug, especially in the summer and fall months. But there are many other insects out there that resemble crickets in appearance and behavior. As a homeowner it’s important to be able to identify these cricket look-alikes so you know how to deal with them properly. In this article, we’ll go … Read more
The vibrant orange and black monarch butterfly is iconic and easily recognizable. But sometimes you may come across mysterious images online of a magical blue monarch. Where does this myth come from? And are there real blue butterflies like the fantasized blue monarch? Let’s flutter down the rabbit hole to uncover the truth. The Origins … Read more
Discover the fascinating world of white satin moths (Leucoma salicis ), a species that has both captivated and concerned arborists and garden enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay area. Learn about their life cycle, the potential threats they pose to local foliage, and effective strategies for managing their presence in your green spaces. White moths … Read more
Known as the “silent destroyer” of homes, termites are destructive pests that can easily decimate a property or home. Considered to be social insects, each colony consists of a nest with thousands of individuals measuring between 0.16 to 0.59 inches. Since these pests feed on mostly cellulose-based plant material, they are attracted to homes through … Read more
Bugs With Pincers in the Front A Complete Guide Bugs come in all shapes and sizes, and many of them have evolved special adaptations to help them survive. One feature found on some bugs are front pincers – elongated appendages that resemble tweezers or pliers. These pincers serve a variety of important functions, from catching … Read more
Bird eggs range in colors and can be ornately maculated with spots, blotches and scrawls. They vary in shape and size, and they must be thick enough to withstand the weight of an incubating parent but thin enough to allow the embryo to break through and hatch. Other than heat and protection, all the resources … Read more
Butterflies and Moths With Clear Wings – A Unique Form of Camouflage Butterflies and moths with transparent or clear wings represent a unique group of insects that use camouflage to their advantage While most butterflies and moths have brightly colored, patterned wings, some species have evolved partial or complete wing transparency as a way to … Read more
Leaf mimicry is one of the most fascinating examples of evolution in action. Many bugs have evolved extraordinary camouflage to resemble leaves, both in appearance and behavior. This allows them to evade predators and even ambush prey undetected. Let’s explore some of nature’s most incredible leaf-mimicking bugs. Katydids Katydids are masters of disguise, with over … Read more
Blue mushrooms are some of the most visually striking fungi in the world. While most mushrooms come in earthy colors like brown, white, or red, blue mushrooms stand out with their unusual hues. These colorful fungi can range from pale grayish-blue to vivid azure. Blue mushrooms grow in many parts of the world, especially in … Read more
Pennsylvania is home to a variety of spider species, some harmless and some potentially dangerous. Spiders play an important role in controlling insect populations, but they can also pose risks with their venomous bites. This guide covers the most common spiders found in Pennsylvania, how to identify them, and whether they are a threat. Overview … Read more