Georgia is home to a diverse array of ecosystems, from the mountain forests of the north to the coastal marshes of the southeast. This biodiversity makes the state vulnerable to invasive species – non-native plants and animals that outcompete native species, damage habitats and harm local economies. In recent years, invasive species have become an … Read more
Centipedes are nocturnal predators of insects and other small animals. A short list of possible prey includes: Centipedes have poor vision but are able to find prey by using their antennae. Once suitable prey is located, they use their quick speed to capture, bite, and inject their prey with paralyzing venom. The bite and delivery … Read more
Wasps get a bad reputation as unwanted picnic crashers and aggressive stingers But the truth is, most wasp species are not aggressive unless provoked. There are over 30,000 types of wasps worldwide, but only a small percentage of them will actively bother humans. Many wasps are actually quite helpful in the garden by preying on … Read more
Spiders eating other spiders may sound like something out of a horror movie but it’s actually quite common in the arachnid world. This gruesome behavior is known as spider cannibalism and occurs for a variety of reasons. Overview Spider cannibalism involves one spider consuming another spider, either of the same or different species. Some key … Read more
Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) are common insects in Floridas natural areas. They are among the most abundant herbivores in grassland ecosystems and are an important source of food for wildlife, especially birds. There are about 70 species of grasshoppers in Florida. Some species are quite rare and endangered, or unique to Florida. The purpose of this … Read more
While the sight of a wasp buzzing around your garden and inviting themselves to your picnics and barbecues in the daytime is nothing unusual in the summer months. Our evenings are typically free from these striped insects. We explore what they do when the sun sets and answer the questions are wasps more active at … Read more
Some of the best wildflower options for Illinois include bee balm, blue false indigo, and columbine. But there are many more, and in this article, we bring you nine colorful Illinois wildflowers for your garden. Wildflower seeds can be purchased in local nurseries and even online retailers. You can also ask a neighbor for a … Read more
Wasps are a common sight in Georgia, particularly during the warmer months. While these insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling other pests and pollinating plants, their presence around homes can raise safety concerns. From their ability to sting repeatedly to their often-hidden nests, wasps can quickly become a nuisance or even … Read more
Severe insect declines make headlines, but they are rarely based on systematic monitoring outside of Europe. We estimate the rate of change in total butterfly abundance and the population trends for 81 species using 21 years of systematic monitoring in Ohio, USA. Total abundance is declining at 2% per year, resulting in a cumulative 33% … Read more
The Bright and Beautiful World of Yellow Wildflowers Yellow wildflowers are a joy to behold. Their sunny blooms seem to embody the very spirit of spring and summer. While most common in North America, yellow wildflowers can be found brightening meadows, prairies, woodlands and backyards across the globe. With hundreds of varieties, there is an … Read more