Ant mimicry or myrmecomorphy is mimicry of ants by other species. Why would other organisms want to pretend to be an ant? This has to do with ants being either unpalatable or known to be aggressive towards certain species. The mimicking species might hide among ants, infiltrate their nests and steal or feed on their … Read more
When I became a beekeeper, little did I know that so much of my time would be taken up by insects that are NOT honeybees. Like bumblebees, solitary bees, varroa mites, woodlice and wasps. I even encountered a very rare Death’s Head Hawk Moth at one stage! As beekeeper, I am often asked to remove … Read more
Massachusetts is home to a diverse array of spiders, with around 39 different species documented in the state. While many people fear spiders, most of the species found in Massachusetts are harmless to humans. Only a couple of venomous spiders exist in the state, and bites are rare Understanding the most common spiders found around … Read more
Cockroach poop is one of the most telltale signs of an infestation. As gross as it is, being able to identify roach droppings can help you catch an invasion early. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about cockroach feces – what it looks like, where to find it, how to clean … Read more
Venomous spiders have earned a reputation as one of the deadliest and most dangerous creatures on planet Earth. The stars of countless nightmares and horror movies, these eight-legged predators are renowned for subduing and paralysing their prey before devouring it, often while its still alive. Although most species of spiders possess venom glands, they dont … Read more
A Fluttering Guide to the Beautiful Butterflies of Wisconsin Wisconsin is home to a stunning variety of butterflies that bring joy and color to backyards and nature preserves across the state each summer. From vibrant monarchs to delicate hairstreaks, these winged beauties delight nature lovers of all ages as they flutter among wildflowers and trees. … Read more
It started as a perfect Sunday afternoon – possibly one of the last warm days of the year – for an outdoor show. Cedar Falls musician Bob Dorr, leader and founder of The Blue Band, and his bandmates were slated to play for four hours at F.B. & Company in Waubeek, a town just outside … Read more
Green bugs come in all different shapes, sizes and families. While the color green may seem unusual for an insect, it actually serves an important evolutionary purpose – camouflage. By blending in with leaves and plants, green bugs are able to evade predators and survive undetected. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at … Read more
Find out how spiders protect their eggs and how the newly hatched spiders make their way into the world. Spider egg sacs are a crucial part of the spider life cycle. Female spiders produce egg sacs to carry and protect their eggs until they are ready to hatch. Spider egg sacs can vary greatly in … Read more
Minnesota is home to hundreds of beautiful butterfly species. From the iconic Monarch to the massive Eastern Giant Swallowtail there are many types of butterflies to see in the Land of 10000 Lakes. In this guide, we will explore 35 of the most common and recognizable butterflies found in Minnesota. Whether you are exploring open … Read more