As an avid lepidopterist and lifetime Michigan resident, I’ve had the pleasure of observing the many species of butterflies that inhabit our state From the majestic Monarch to the tiny Eastern Tailed Blue, Michigan hosts a wide variety of these winged beauties In this article, I’ll showcase some of the most notable butterflies found in … Read more
I get a lot of questions about insects when people learn that I’m an entomologist. These frequently sound something like, “I saw this little brown beetle in my house the other day – what is it?” Most of the time, I have a hard time identifying an insect based on a description like this. You … Read more
This mushroom is a big hit with chefs and market buyers thanks to its stunning pink color and delicious taste that is reminiscent of seafood! We grow this mushroom during the warmer months indoors under blue LED lights and the caps grow to be a brilliant RED! This mushroom should be picked young- as they … Read more
Black fungus (Auricularia polytricha) is an edible wild mushroom sometimes known as tree ear or cloud ear fungus, given its dark, ear-like shape. While predominantly found in China, it also thrives in tropical climates like the Pacific Islands, Nigeria, Hawaii, and India. It grows on tree trunks and fallen logs in the wild but can … Read more
As a nature lover living in California, I’m endlessly fascinated by the state’s incredible biodiversity. Over 20000 insect species call California home, including over 1,400 different types of beetles. From tiny fungus beetles just a few millimeters long to massive rhinoceros beetles over 6 cm, beetles come in a staggering array of shapes sizes and … Read more
There are many spider species throughout Washington state, but how can you tell these creepy crawlers apart? You may need to look closely at the arachnids in your home to understand the differences between a hobo spider vs. a wolf spider. But donât worry! Zunex is here to help! Wolf spiders and hobo spiders are … Read more
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. There is nothing more frustrating to the rose loving gardener than this nasty pest from the land of the rising sun known as the Japanese beetle. A beautiful rose bed one day can be turned into a … Read more
North Carolina is home to nearly 3,000 species of caterpillars. Before you grab the pitchforks and pesticides, consider that only about 3% of caterpillars are garden pests. Not to mention that caterpillars are baby butterflies and moths, and who doesn’t want more beautiful butterflies in their garden! Caterpillars are the larva stage of the butterfly … Read more
Given that it’s smaller than a grain of rice, it might be hard to believe that the minuscule southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis) could cause massive damage to forests! These beetles have been a well-known foe of the southern United States for centuries, but they are a new enemy to the Northeast. The southern pine … Read more
Texas is home to a diverse array of moth species. With varied climates ranging from arid deserts to humid swamplands, the state offers suitable habitats for moths of many different types. Here is an overview of some of the most frequently encountered moths across the Lone Star State. Prominent Moth Families in Texas Several moth … Read more