Category Archives: behavior

In teaching the parts of insects to new students, I describe the insect antenna as the “Primary Oflactory Organ”, responsible for the “sense of smell.” However, this view is an oversimplification. Antennae are modified for many purposes including sound detection … Continue reading →

Social organisms take care of their dead in a variety of ways. Individuals in a colony can die of disease that if not properly managed can infect the entire colony. This is one reason why humans bury or cremate their … Continue reading →

The name, bee fly is commonly applied to numerous species of flies that resemble bees. Bee flies are some of the earliest pollinators to appear in Spring. Bee flies can be seen hovering in front of flowers, feeding on the … Continue reading →

This spring, in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, we have large flocks of Red Admiral butterflies. During the day, the butterflies, primarily males, congregate at sites that provide nectar or tree sap. However, in the evening, the flocks disperse. Where do they … Continue reading →

A number of pathogens and parasites can modify the behavior of arthropods to promote the interests of the pathogen, rather than the arthropod. These pathogens create “zombies”. I have posted in the past on Zombie Ants, Spiders, Bees and Gypsy … Continue reading →