Wasps may seem like pesky insects that simply annoy us during picnic season, but they can actually pose serious dangers if provoked. Some species of wasps have extremely painful stings that can cause severe reactions in certain individuals. Additionally, the aggressive nature of social wasps means they will viciously defend their nests if disturbed. Understanding … Read more
Washington Jones and Carlos Calimares revised the account as part of a partnership with Aves Uruguay. Arnau Bonan Barfull curated the media. JoAnn Hackos, Daphne R. Walmer, Robin K. Murie, and Linda A. Hensley copyedited the account. Birds With Red Legs and Feet A Vibrant Group of Avian Species Birds come in a spectacular array … Read more
Birds are a highly diverse class of animals with an assortment of plumage colorations. Few birds are as striking as those with red chests among the diversity of avian wonders. The intensity of red varies from bright crimson and scarlet to ruby red, depending on the species. Either way, the red chests of birds are … Read more
I didn’t even know he was a silk moth when I first met him. It was October, a smoky afternoon pierced by the song of the tree crickets. His cocoon was hanging from a goldenrod stem along the stream, carefully woven and as long as a plum. I had never seen a silk moth cocoon … Read more
California is home to a diverse array of spider species, many of which are venomous to varying degrees. While most spiders are harmless and even beneficial in controlling pest populations, a few species can pose risks to humans due to their venomous bites, including the infamous Western black widow, various recluse species, and other spiders … Read more
Purple wildflowers add a pop of color and beauty to meadows, prairies, and woodlands across North America. Ranging from vivid royal purple to soft pastel lavender, these flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Some purple wildflowers are native while others were introduced from Europe or Asia. In this article, we’ll highlight 73 of … Read more
Texas is home to over 270 species of ants, making them one of the most diverse and widespread insect groups in the state. While the majority of ant species in Texas are considered beneficial, several species can become serious household and agricultural pests. Learning to identify the most common ant species in Texas is an … Read more
Bugs with long tails are a fascinating part of the insect world. While most people are familiar with common bugs like flies ants, and beetles there are many bugs out there that have extra long appendages that can equal or exceed the length of their bodies. Let’s take a closer look at some of these … Read more
White caterpillars stand out against the green foliage of trees and plants, making them easier to spot than other colored caterpillars. These worm-like larvae are the immature stage of moths and butterflies in the insect order Lepidoptera. There are many different species of white caterpillars, each with their own unique characteristics. This guide will provide … Read more
Is there a six-legged intruder in your Florida home? It could very well be the American cockroach, a common pest in warm climates. This common cockroach species in Florida can pose health risks by contaminating food and surfaces. Keep reading to learn how to tackle this persistent problem. Florida’s warm, humid climate makes it a … Read more