Spiders don’t need much encouragement to take up residence in our gardens! They’re quite happy in leaf litter, stacks of rubble, or piles of logs. A healthy spider population helps to reduce insect pests and maintain a natural balance, so we should welcome them into our green spaces. A recent arrival in the UK from … Read more
It’s been a while since I’ve written about Cuckoo Wasps (or Cuckoo Bees, or Jewel Wasps, as they are also sometimes called). These wasps are brilliantly metallic with an exoskeleton that looks like it’s been bedazzled. I just discovered an amazing series of photos of these most lovely of insects: Note the 2mm scale in … Read more
Green lynx spiders are vibrant, bright green arachnids commonly found in gardens and outdoor areas. Known for their hunting prowess, these spiders play a beneficial role in controlling insect populations but can be intimidating due to their size and appearance. Green spiders are a fascinating group of arachnids that use their vibrant green coloring to … Read more
Orange wasps are a common sight during the warmer months in many parts of North America. With their bright warning colors, these insects stand out against gardens, walls, and outdoor furniture. But why are some wasps orange? And are orange wasps dangerous? This guide will cover everything you need to know about these colorful insects. … Read more
Moths come in a stunning array of colors and patterns, but some of the most eye-catching species are the black and yellow or black and orange moths. These vividly contrasting colors make them stand out both in natural habitats and gardens. With over 2500 moth species in the UK and North America, there is an … Read more
Spiders come in a dazzling array of colors and patterns, but some of the most eye-catching species sport legs in shades of red or orange. From tiny jumpers to large tarantulas, these colorful-legged spiders can be found across North America and around the world. We’ll take a closer look at 17 different spiders with red … Read more
Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is a wood-boring insect that feeds on a wide variety of hardwood trees, such as maple, elm, birch and willow, eventually killing them. In the larval stage, this insect feeds on the nutrient rich tissues beneath the bark of tree, disrupting the flow of nutrients to the tree’s canopy, and into … Read more
For many homeowners, the first obvious sign of termite infestation is a swarm of flying insects. However, not all swarming insects are termites – some are flying ants. Pest control experts are trained to distinguish between flying ants and termites based on a few physical characteristics. Although ants and termites vary in many ways, it … Read more
White bugs on plants can be a nuisance for any gardener or houseplant owner. These tiny pests attach themselves to leaves, stems, trunks and even roots, sucking sap and damaging plants. White bugs may be small, but they can quickly multiply and spread to infect entire collections. Learning to identify these common white pests and … Read more
Arboreal tarantulas are a popular choice among tarantula enthusiasts. These tree-dwelling spiders are active, fast, and come in a huge variety of colors and patterns. Their arboreal nature also makes them fun to watch, as they climb, jump, and make webs in their enclosures. However, with over 900 tarantula species to choose from, it can … Read more