Black and white caterpillars are a common sight in many parts of North America. While the coloration may seem simple, there are actually dozens of different species that feature this distinct look. In this article, we’ll take a close look at some of the most frequently encountered black and white caterpillars, how to identify them, … Read more
Ohio is home to over 600 species of spiders making it one of the most spider-rich states in the country. While some spiders in Ohio can deliver a painful (but usually harmless) bite most play an important role as predators of pest insects. Learning to identify, appreciate, and coexist with spiders can lead to a … Read more
Red mushrooms are highly fascinating due to their bright colors and unique shapes. These species sometimes sprout in lawns from seemingly nowhere and create beautiful clusters of red and orange hues. Despite their striking appearance, only some varieties of red mushrooms are edible species, while others are among the most poisonous mushrooms you should definitely … Read more
Orange mushrooms are a sight to behold in yards, gardens, and woodlands Their brightly colored caps in shades of orange, yellow, and red stand out against dark soil, grass, leaves, and tree bark But these colorful fungi can sometimes be dangerous to eat if you mistake a toxic orange mushroom for an edible one. This … Read more
When I first started raising backyard chickens, I didn’t think much about egg color. I was more focused on having healthy, fresh eggs for my family and raising friendly, docile chickens. But before long, I found myself dreaming of a colorful egg basket! I had no idea how many different colors of eggs chickens can … Read more
by Dr Hannah Rowland, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, and Dr John Skelhorn, Newcastle University Many prey species have eyespot markings that are believed to ward off predators. But how, and does a predator’s angle of approach make them less effective? Dr Hannah Rowland and Dr John Skelhorn write for Frontiers about their research, … Read more
Yellow and black caterpillars are a common sight in gardens, fields, and woodlands during the spring and summer months These brightly colored larvae are the juvenile form of butterflies and moths before they undergo metamorphosis Identifying yellow and black caterpillars by appearance, host plants, and habitat can help you learn the species of moth or … Read more
As a gardener, seeing red bugs on your plants can be worrying These little critters can damage and even kill your beloved plants if left unchecked While some red bugs are beneficial, like ladybugs, most suck sap or feed on plants, stunting growth. Properly identifying red bugs is the first step to eliminating them. Then, … Read more
It only takes a bug jumping once for you to remember a detail like that for the rest of your life. Insects that jump are unpleasant, but it’s even worse if they’re allowed to take over your home. Some of the most stubborn among them, like fleas, prove difficult to kick out once they’ve set … Read more
The sight of wasps around your home may be unwelcome due to concerns about stings. However, not all wasps are aggressive, including the blue mud wasp. Read on to learn more about what they are and why you may not want to remove them from your yard unless they’ve become a nuisance. The Buzz on … Read more