The desert may seem like an inhospitable place, but it is actually home to a diverse array of animal and plant life. One group that has successfully adapted to thrive in arid environments is beetles. With over 350000 known species beetles represent one of the largest and most widespread insect families on Earth. From the … Read more
Termites are small insects often confused for flying ants. There are different types of termite species, meaning they vary in appearance as well. There are still several similar characteristics that most termite species in Florida share. Because termites can differ in both species and caste, they can also differ in appearance. Perhaps the most complicated … Read more
Caterpillars are the larval stage of butterflies and moths. Most caterpillars are completely harmless to humans. However, some species have defensive mechanisms like spines, spikes, and venom that can cause irritation or injury. These are known as stinging caterpillars What Makes Caterpillars Sting? Stinging caterpillars have specialized hollow hairs or spines that are connected to … Read more
North Carolina is home to a diverse array of wasp species. While wasps have a bad reputation for their painful stings, most species are not aggressive unless their nest is threatened. Wasps play important roles as predators, pollinators, and biocontrol agents in ecosystems across North Carolina. Of the over 30 species of wasps found in … Read more
Many people suffer from arachnophobia, the abnormal or irrational fear of spiders. Despite this, spiders can be beneficial, eating unwanted insects around your house. They sometimes even eat snakes. However, spiders are a part of a food chain that makes them prey as well. Once you understand what eats spiders and how spiders fit into … Read more
For tarantula enthusiasts, keeping communal tarantulas can be an exciting prospect. However, it also comes with challenges and risks. With careful planning and proper species selection, a communal tarantula habitat can thrive. This article provides an overview of communal tarantula keeping, including suitable species, habitat setup, feeding tips, and more. What are Communal Tarantulas? Most … Read more
Afroduck was Ohio State’s beloved unofficial mascot because of a unique trait that set him apart from the other ducks, a crest of feathers on his head that looked like an afro. Many have wondered if this is a kind of rare genetic mutation never before seen in ducks. As it turns out, his fluffy … Read more
Insects are everywhere! Some people find them super interesting while others can’t even stand the thought of them. Either way, we share this planet with these alien-like creepy crawlies. Insects were here on Earth long before humans, and they are here to stay. There are actually way more insects than humans on Earth. There are … Read more
Brown beetles encompass a remarkably diverse group of insects. With over 400000 species worldwide beetles represent the largest order of animals on Earth. Their high diversity means beetles have adapted to thrive in virtually every terrestrial habitat. Many beetle species exhibit signature brown coloration, making them a common backyard sight. Let’s take a closer look … Read more
Purple mushrooms have long captivated people with their vivid and unusual colors. These mushrooms grow in forests around the world from North America and Europe to Asia and Australia. While the majority are considered poisonous some purple mushroom species are edible. This guide provides an overview of 23 common purple mushroom species, including details on … Read more