Spiders are common — yet often misunderstood — visitors in homes and gardens across the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Oregon and Washington. As temperatures drop, spiders tend to move indoors and closer to us, which can cause concern about potential bites or other safety issues. While some spiders can be harmful, others are a very … Read more
Invasive plants are non-native to a region, grow rapidly, spread aggressively, and displace native plants and wildlife, thus negatively impacting ecosystems. The impact of invasive plants has been linked to critical population declines in native birds, pollinators and other insects, increased erosion impacting water quality, and inhibiting successful forest regeneration and natural succession. Additionally, invasive … Read more
Caterpillars going through metamorphosis and emerging from their chrysalises as beautiful, colorful butterflies is one of nature’s most magical wonders. The process of how a creeping, leaf-eating caterpillar transforms into a stunning, graceful butterfly is fascinating and intricate. In this article, we will explore the anatomical changes, timing, stages, and science behind a caterpillar’s metamorphosis … Read more
There are over 600 spider species found in South Carolina. Almost all of them are completely harmless for humans or pets, even though they might look intimidating. This page gives you an overview and identification help for the most common spiders in South Carolina. We will first take a look at the medically significant spiders … Read more
Scorpions are probably not the first pests that come to mind when you think about Tennessee pest control. After all, these pests are much more famous out west, infesting homes in Arizona, Texas, and the like. However, we do have scorpions in our area, which is why you cannot neglect scorpion control in Nashville. Find … Read more
Our single color wildflower mixes are the perfect way to express your creativity. Make a colorful statement in your meadow by mixing and matching your favorite colors, or plant them all to show off the colors of the rainbow. Annuals have a one-year lifecycle and bloom in the first season. Perennials return year after year, … Read more
The most disturbing stories begin not on a dark and stormy night, but with the phrase: “it was a warm, sunny day in a flower garden.” While humans admire the smells and colors of spring, horrific scenes of torture, attack and hijacking may be taking place. The most brutal tales of body snatching are not … Read more
Conserving threatened organisms requires knowledge of the factors impacting their populations. The Eastern monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus L.) has declined by as much as 80% in the past two decades and conservation biologists are actively seeking to understand and reverse this decline. While it is well known that most monarchs die as eggs and young … Read more
Ladybugs are one of the most beloved insects, especially by children. Their bright red bodies and black spots make them instantly recognizable. However, not all ladybugs have spots. There is a fascinating diversity of spotless ladybug species around the world. Learning about these unique bugs opens up the wonders of nature. An Abundance of Spotless … Read more
As the weather begins to cool and the season for spooky decorations approaches, brown tarantula mating season is also upon us. Generally running from late August through October, the mating season sees the furry arachnids leaving their usual burrows and hideouts in dry, arid areas to cross swaths of land in search of mates, according … Read more