Monthly Archives: August 2010

Follow the Rules

Posted on August 31, 2010 by jjneal

One of the major problems of pesticide regulation (or any regulation) is compliance. Why should people follow the rules? Fines or criminal penalties can provide negative incentives and punish wrongdoing. However, if the chances of being caught are low and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bed Bugs, Health, Pest Management, Policy | 4 Comments

Raising Monarchs

Posted on August 30, 2010 by jjneal

This has been a banner year for Monarchs in West-Central Indiana. After reports of diminished populations due to poor overwintering conditions in Mexico, the populations have rebounded and Monarch caterpillars can be found on most milkweed plants and much of … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment | 10 Comments

Antlions

Posted on August 29, 2010 by jjneal

For my introductory entomology class, it is useful for students to observe insects in nature. Students who have an experience with the insects I discuss in class find it easier to relate. Enter “Bugwalk”, a walk in the park on … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Environment | 6 Comments

Evolution of flight

Posted on August 28, 2010 by jjneal

The evolution of flight has been the subject of much speculation by entomologists. The fossil record is not very helpful, because the oldest fossil wings are less than 400 million years old and relatively well developed. One problem for developing … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment | Leave a comment

Sometimes You’re the Bug

Posted on August 27, 2010 by jjneal

“Sometimes you’re the windshield. Sometimes you’re the bug.” So go the lyrics of the Mary Chapin Carpenter song, “The Bug”. Recent collisions between student pedestrians and cars bring to mind the issue of car-bug collisions. Some of the same principles … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Music | Leave a comment

Comedy, Art, Infotainment

Posted on August 26, 2010 by jjneal

It was only a matter of time before the bed bug explosion made its way into the dialogs of TV comics. Bed bugs in high places are good for a few snickers, but not so funny when the problem hits … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Health, News, Pest Management | 2 Comments

Masters of the Air

Posted on August 25, 2010 by jjneal

There are more described species of insects than any other animal. Of the hundreds of thousands of described insect species, only a small handful live in or on the ocean. Ecologists and biogeographers ask the question, “Why are insects so … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments