When I first started raising backyard chickens, I didn’t think much about egg color. I was more focused on having healthy, fresh eggs for my family and raising friendly, docile chickens. But before long, I found myself dreaming of a colorful egg basket! I had no idea how many different colors of eggs chickens can … Read more
by Dr Hannah Rowland, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, and Dr John Skelhorn, Newcastle University Many prey species have eyespot markings that are believed to ward off predators. But how, and does a predator’s angle of approach make them less effective? Dr Hannah Rowland and Dr John Skelhorn write for Frontiers about their research, … Read more
Yellow and black caterpillars are a common sight in gardens, fields, and woodlands during the spring and summer months These brightly colored larvae are the juvenile form of butterflies and moths before they undergo metamorphosis Identifying yellow and black caterpillars by appearance, host plants, and habitat can help you learn the species of moth or … Read more
As a gardener, seeing red bugs on your plants can be worrying These little critters can damage and even kill your beloved plants if left unchecked While some red bugs are beneficial, like ladybugs, most suck sap or feed on plants, stunting growth. Properly identifying red bugs is the first step to eliminating them. Then, … Read more
It only takes a bug jumping once for you to remember a detail like that for the rest of your life. Insects that jump are unpleasant, but it’s even worse if they’re allowed to take over your home. Some of the most stubborn among them, like fleas, prove difficult to kick out once they’ve set … Read more
African fat tail geckos are one of the most popular pet gecko species. Their docile nature easy care requirements and wide variety of stunning morphs make them a top choice for reptile enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the wonderful world of African fat tail gecko morphs. What Are Morphs? A … Read more
Dehydration is a grave issue that can drastically harm your ball python and even lead to its demise if not addressed quickly. Knowing the signs of dehydration, having the plan to treat it, and understanding how to prevent it are all important when caring for these reptiles. The existence of all living creatures, whether they … Read more
The sight of wasps around your home may be unwelcome due to concerns about stings. However, not all wasps are aggressive, including the blue mud wasp. Read on to learn more about what they are and why you may not want to remove them from your yard unless they’ve become a nuisance. The Buzz on … Read more
These little frogs are easily recognized by their blue color, which is generally darker on the limbs and belly and overlaid with black spots or patches, especially on the head and back. As their name implies, poison dart frogs can release toxins from the skin that are distasteful and potentially lethal to would-be predators. Blue … Read more
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