A minute frog perched on the top of the doorknob I had just reached for outside my suite. For a brief moment, I wondered, “Was it real?” Standing there, as stock-still as a statue, I was truly dumbfounded. While the tiny frog looked very life-like, it wasn’t moving. I reached down into the depths of … Read more
Ants are the worst pest in the world, and we’re not exaggerating when we say that. Homeowners say so, listing the insects before cockroaches, spiders, and bed bugs. But even though ants don’t spread diseases or bite like other common pests, they’re still a major nuisance. With colonies that are not only massive, but also … Read more
Black and orange bugs are a common sight in many backyards and gardens. This eye-catching color combination can be found on a variety of insect species, including beetles, true bugs, and more. While some black and orange bugs are beneficial, others can be crop pests or nuisance invaders. This guide will help you identify some … Read more
North Carolina is home to a stunning diversity of butterfly species. From vibrant swallowtails to tiny skippers, there are over 100 species that either live here year-round or pass through during spring and fall migrations. Whether you’re an avid lepidopterist or simply enjoy seeing these winged beauties in your garden, North Carolina has an abundance … Read more
There are hundreds of different species of wasps in Ohio, many of which are attracted to places where they may not be welcome. These intruders often form nests, leading to infestations and annoyances. The key to preventing unwanted nests is understanding what attracts wasps in Ohio and the environmental conditions they need to thrive. Hi, … Read more
Virginia is home to a remarkably diverse butterfly population. Over 170 species have been recorded in the state, ranging from tiny blues to large, brilliant swallowtails. The variety of butterflies reflects Virginia’s diverse ecosystems – from the mountains to the coastal plain, there are habitats and host plants to support many different butterfly species. In … Read more
Centipedes are nocturnal predators of insects and other small animals. A short list of possible prey includes: Centipedes have poor vision but are able to find prey by using their antennae. Once suitable prey is located, they use their quick speed to capture, bite, and inject their prey with paralyzing venom. The bite and delivery … Read more
Wasps get a bad reputation as unwanted picnic crashers and aggressive stingers But the truth is, most wasp species are not aggressive unless provoked. There are over 30,000 types of wasps worldwide, but only a small percentage of them will actively bother humans. Many wasps are actually quite helpful in the garden by preying on … 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
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