Monthly Archives: November 2010

Invasive Species for the Holidays

Posted on November 29, 2010 by jjneal

A couple of stories from the British tabloids illustrate one of the challenges of preventing transport of exotic species. The first report is of praying mantids found in a shipment of Christmas wreaths from Turkey by a florist. The mantids … Continue reading →

Posted in Invasive Species, Policy | 1 Comment

Winning with insects

Posted on November 29, 2010 by jjneal

The Olympus BioScapes International Digital Imaging Competition results were recently announced. Four of the top ten entries had arthropods as subjects including a harvestman (#1 winner) a damselfly (#7) and Beetles at #s 8 and 10. The winner is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Environment | Leave a comment

Giant Insects

Posted on November 28, 2010 by jjneal

300 million years ago (mya), some of the largest arthropods roamed the earth. Giant insects included the Protodonata, relatives of the modern dragonflies. Some fossils have wingspans exceeding 70 cm. The Protodonata and other giant arthropods lived in the era … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment | 1 Comment

Living Without Lice

Posted on November 26, 2010 by jjneal

The increase in cases of head lice, resistance to treatments and having to scramble for alternatives to attending school create headaches in our modern society. What’s a busy family to do? Hire the “Lice Squad”. The pressures on modern families … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Pest Management | 3 Comments

Head Lice Headlines

Posted on November 26, 2010 by jjneal

It is not often that insects headline the Hollywood Gossip sheets. However, recent headlines report: Top News Press Reports: “Madonna Has Lice” starpulse.com Reports: “Madonna Has A Lice Problem” ShowBizSpy Reports: Madonna Has a Head Lice Problem So what is … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Health, Pest Management, Policy | 3 Comments

Bubonic plague II

Posted on November 24, 2010 by jjneal

The Black Death (bubonic plague) that devastated 1300s Europe had its origins in Asia and devastated much of Asia prior to its appearance in Europe. Jack Weatherford in his book, Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, pieces … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Invasive Species, Pest Management, Policy | 5 Comments

Bubonic plague

Posted on November 23, 2010 by jjneal

Of all the insect diseases, Bubonic plague has had the most profound effect on modern human history. Bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis, is back in the news. According to a recent report in Nature Genetics DNA sequencing … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment