Millions Billions of people are freaked out by bugs. The thought that they might be crawling all over your body while you sleep is even more frightening. Add biting to this nightmare and it’s enough to make most of us squirm. You’ve probably heard scary statistics about how many bugs people eat in their sleep … Read more
South Carolina is home to a diverse array of caterpillars. These crawling creatures may seem small and insignificant, but they play a vital role in the state’s ecosystems. Learning about South Carolina’s caterpillars provides a glimpse into the natural wonders found in the Palmetto State. A caterpillar is the larval stage of a moth or … Read more
Special resemblance of animals to natural objects such as leaves provides a representative example of evolutionary adaptation. The existence of such sophisticated features challenges our understanding of how complex adaptive phenotypes evolved. Leaf mimicry typically consists of several pattern elements, the spatial arrangement of which generates the leaf venation-like appearance. However, the process by which … Read more
Arizona is home to a diverse range of spider species. From tiny jumping spiders to intimidating tarantulas, spiders in Arizona can be found in backyard gardens, creeping across sandy deserts, and even inside your home. While most spiders are harmless, some species can deliver a painful and potentially dangerous bite. This guide covers 27 of … Read more
Gray spiders come in many shapes and sizes, but they all share some key traits that set them apart. These secretive arachnids have mastered the art of camouflage with their muted coloration allowing them to blend into their surroundings with ease. While not all gray spiders are harmless, most pose no threat to humans. In … Read more
There is an order of insects that are known as the “true bugs” also represented here. Beetles and bugs may share similar physical characteristics, below is a check list of the key differences of these two types of insects – The order Coleoptera (Beetles) is the largest animal order on earth with almost 390,000 species … Read more
Scorpions are easily distinguished from other insects thanks to their curled stinger and enormous pincers; these characteristics are shared with spiders and other arachnids. Although they tend to stick to drier areas, many scorpions may be found in Texas. Thankfully, Texas is free of the poisonous scorpions that may cause paralysis, cardiac failure, and even … Read more
California’s diverse ecosystems are home to many different bugs that can bite or sting. While most bug bites are harmless, some can cause painful reactions or spread disease. As a California resident, it’s helpful to know which bugs you need to watch out for when spending time outdoors. In this article we’ll cover the most … Read more
Wasps can be scary and intimidating insects. Their painful stings and aggressive behavior make most people wary of going near them. However, some flies have evolved to mimic the appearance of wasps, likely as a defense mechanism against predators. At a quick glance, these flies may fool both humans and animals into thinking they are … Read more
Nature has a brilliant way of helping creatures survive through camouflage and mimicry. One of the most fascinating examples is caterpillars that resemble snakes. With their false eye spots, inflated bodies and snake-like movements, these tiny larvae have evolved to trick predators into thinking they are dangerous reptiles. Why Would a Caterpillar Mimic a Snake? … Read more