Monthly Archives: September 2012

Living With Invasive Drosophila

Posted on September 30, 2012 by jjneal

Drosophila flies, officially known as “Vinegar Flies”, but commonly called “Fruit Flies” have accompanied our fruits and vegetables in North America for centuries. Drosophila melanogaster, a standard subject for genetics studies, will lay its eggs on damaged fruit such as … Continue reading →

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Insect Pipe-Dreams

Posted on September 29, 2012 by jjneal

From Chansi Long, I learn about retired mechanic, Leroy Mize who has turned to creating insect sculptures in his retirement. His medium, old pipe wrenches, is familiar from his years of work as a mechanic. Each wrench is fitted with … Continue reading →

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Camouflage Crystal Color

Posted on September 28, 2012 by jjneal

The Diamond Weevil, Entimus imperialis, inhabits Southwest Brazil. Its name comes from the brilliant green diamond spots on its body. The color is not a pigment, but a structural color. A group of Dutch Scientists* has been measuring the reflective … Continue reading →

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Flying While Impaired?

Posted on September 27, 2012 by jjneal

Rhinoceros Beetles are noted for the long horns present in male beetles. The horns are used for defending territory and a male with a longer horn can usually best a male with a shorter horn and thus be more likely … Continue reading →

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Living With Tansy Beetles

Posted on September 26, 2012 by jjneal

The Tansy Beetle is a beautiful metallic beetle in Britain that is endangered because its habitat has been reduced by human development. As discussed in a post last year, the beetle survives only in a 30 km stretch of the … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Education, Environment | 1 Comment

Living With Red Bay Ambrosia Beetle

Posted on September 25, 2012 by jjneal

Much of the Midwest and East Coast is concerned with Emerald Ash Borer, a beetle that is methodically killing all the ash trees in North America. Although it is currently the most devastating pest, the Emerald Ash Borer is not … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Environment, Invasive Species | 8 Comments

Air Potato Beetles

Posted on September 24, 2012 by jjneal

The Air Potato, Dioscorea bulbifera, is a plant in the Yam Family (Dioscoreaceae) not a true potato (Family Solanaceae). The Air Potato is a native of Asia, that has made its way to North America. In Africa, the Air Potato … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Education, Environment, Invasive Species, News, Pest Management, Policy | 29 Comments