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
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
Black beetles are a common type of insect that can be found in homes and backyards around the world There are many different species of black beetles, each with their own unique behaviors and characteristics In this article, we will explore some of the most common black beetles, how to identify them, and whether they … Read more
Black and white wasps are a fascinating group of insects that can be found across North America. While many people are familiar with the black and yellow patterns of wasps like yellowjackets, seeing a wasp with stark black and white coloring can be surprising In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the … Read more
What’s buzzing around California? It’s not bees or mosquitoes, it’s wasps. Active year-round, wasps are most noticeable from March through November. This peak season sees their colonies at full size, leading to increased foraging behavior around food sources. Californias warm climate supports a lengthy wasp season, with common species including yellowjackets, paper wasps, and hornets. … Read more
Kissing bugs are insects that can be found in 29 U.S. states, mostly in southern regions They feed on blood from vertebrates, including humans, similar to mosquitoes While their bites can be painful, kissing bugs are not truly dangerous to humans in most cases. At most, their bites may cause some itching or mild swelling … Read more
Beds provide an ideal environment for many types of small insects and bugs to thrive. While the dreaded bed bugs are the most notorious there are actually numerous other tiny culprits that can take up residence in your bed. Identifying these bed intruders is crucial to getting rid of them and preventing future infestations. In … Read more
Scale are small soft-bodied insects that cover themselves with layers of either flexible or stiff wax. These covers help them blend into their environment, prevent them from drying out, and hide them from predators. For gardeners, this shield also blocks most contact insecticides from touching the insect itself. Typical wax colors are brown, gray, or … Read more