Monthly Archives: June 2012

Ants and Peonies

Posted on June 30, 2012 by jjneal

Ants are commonly found on peony buds. The buds secrete a sweet liquid that attracts ants. This has led to the false notion that the presence of ants is necessary for peonies to bloom. There is no truth to this … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Environment | 1 Comment

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: Hanging On

Posted on June 29, 2012 by jjneal

Caterpillars have an abdomen that is much longer than the thorax which contains the 3 pairs of true legs. The stubby legs of the thorax only provide grip at the head end of the caterpillar. However, gripping stems and branches … Continue reading →

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Silver Spotted Skipper

Posted on June 28, 2012 by jjneal

The silver spotted skipper is the largest of the skippers commonly found in Indiana. Silver spotted skippers are readily recognized by the silver patch on the hind wing. The caterpillars may be found on foliage of locust trees and on … Continue reading →

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More Traffic Stopping Insects

Posted on June 27, 2012 by jjneal

Colorado is having a record season for caddisflies. Caddisflies live underwater as larvae and fly as adults. This year the large numbers of caddisflies are causing problems for some motorists. The swarms of caddisflies collide with cars. They are small … Continue reading →

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Stink Bug Proboscis

Posted on June 26, 2012 by jjneal

The “True Bugs” evolved mouthparts that are modified into a feeding tube (proboscis) for sucking liquids. The advantages of feeding on liquids are many. Many plants are defended against herbivores by toxic chemicals or structural barriers such as tough waxy … Continue reading →

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Recruiting Entomologists

Posted on June 25, 2012 by jjneal

Entomology is a noble and often misunderstood profession. Many people are simply uninterested in insects or afraid of them. They think of people who are overly fond of insects as unusual at best. Young people with an interest in insects … Continue reading →

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This Beetle is a Traffic Stopper

Posted on June 24, 2012 by jjneal

Emerald Ash Borer has eaten its way through Detroit and is now chewing on other metropolitan areas. EAB is rapidly transported by human activity such as moving infested firewood and nursery stock. Efforts at preventing or slowing the spread have … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Environment, Invasive Species, News, Pest Management | Leave a comment