Category Archives: Caterpillar Blogging

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: Toxic Caterpillars

Posted on May 17, 2013 by

The Oak Processionary Moth, Thaumetopoea processionea, has been expanding its range. A native of Southern and Central Europe, the moth has expanded into the Netherlands, Belgium and Northern Germany. Why is its range expanding? One factor is movement of plants … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, Education, Environment, Health, Invasive Species, Pest Management | Leave a comment

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: Living With Medication

Posted on May 10, 2013 by

Humans are successful as a species, in part because we find ways to treat and rid ourselves of parasites. Traditionally, many of our medicines come from plants. Can insects use plant “medicines” to treat their parasites? One of the wooly … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, Environment | 1 Comment

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: A Nutritious Breakfast?

Posted on April 26, 2013 by

Caterpillars start life as an egg on a leaf. Many species have been observed to consume the chorion (egg shell) which is primarily made of protein. The chorion is assumed to be a better source of protein than the plant. … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, Environment | 1 Comment

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging-In the Beginning

Posted on April 20, 2013 by

In the beginning, a caterpillar emerges from an egg. Mother Moth determines where to lay her eggs. The oviposition site is important with regard to proper nutrition for the caterpillar, protection against enemies and optimizing the microenvironmental conditions. Laying an … Continue reading →

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Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: Reproductive Loss Syndrome II

Posted on April 12, 2013 by

Last Friday, I posted about mare reproductive loss syndrome and evidence pointing to caterpillars as culprits. There are many species of caterpillars that have barbed hairs. Further evidence would be appearance of a similar syndrome elsewhere. In a paper titled, … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, Environment, Health | Leave a comment

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome

Posted on April 5, 2013 by

In May of 2001, a mild panic seized the horse farms of Kentucky as over 20 percent of pregnant mares aborted. The loss has been estimated around $500 million dollars. This mysterious syndrome appeared suddenly and disappeared just as quickly. … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, Health | 2 Comments

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: Caterpillar Fungus

Posted on March 29, 2013 by

Caterpillar fungus, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, is in high demand because of its purported medicinal and aphrodisiac properties. Marketing geniuses are selling it to a world audience as, ‘Himalayan Viagra’. Ophiocordyceps sinensis, is found in the Himalayan mountains in association with Ghost … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, Environment, Health | 2 Comments