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
Black beetles are a common type of insect that can be found in homes and backyards around the world There are many different species of black beetles, each with their own unique behaviors and characteristics In this article, we will explore some of the most common black beetles, how to identify them, and whether they … Read more
Black and white wasps are a fascinating group of insects that can be found across North America. While many people are familiar with the black and yellow patterns of wasps like yellowjackets, seeing a wasp with stark black and white coloring can be surprising In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the … Read more
What’s buzzing around California? It’s not bees or mosquitoes, it’s wasps. Active year-round, wasps are most noticeable from March through November. This peak season sees their colonies at full size, leading to increased foraging behavior around food sources. Californias warm climate supports a lengthy wasp season, with common species including yellowjackets, paper wasps, and hornets. … Read more