Monthly Archives: January 2013

Of Ants and Aphids

Posted on January 31, 2013 by jjneal

Ants and aphids are known for their mutualistic relationships in which aphids will provide ants with honeydew. The ants in turn, will protect the aphids from predators. However, not all ants will protect aphids all the time. One ant species, … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Biomaterials, by jjneal | 2 Comments

Living With Aquaplaning

Posted on January 30, 2013 by jjneal

When cars drive on a road with ponding water, a layer of water can form between the tires and the road. The car loses traction in a phenomenon known as aquaplaning. Drivers dislike aquaplaning because they lose control of their … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Insect Inspired | 4 Comments

Living With Locomotion

Posted on January 29, 2013 by jjneal

Larger insects such as cockroaches are often used for the analysis of insect walking because their large size makes them easier to observe. Some insects that might be interesting and useful to study are too small for capture by standard … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Environment, Insect Inspired | Leave a comment

Look to the Stars

Posted on January 28, 2013 by jjneal

Previously, I posted about dung beetles doing a “dance” atop their dung ball for the purpose of orientation. At the time, celestial cues such as the sun were believed to be used for orientation. It is now clear that the … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal | 1 Comment

A Spring in Their Step

Posted on January 27, 2013 by jjneal

Spittle bugs, (Family Cercopidae) are known for the production of “spittle” a protective froth that surrounds the feeding larva on a plant. They are also known as the champion jumpers, able to leap up to 400 times their length. Why … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Insect Inspired | Leave a comment

The First Fly?

Posted on January 26, 2013 by jjneal

The US White House has the “First Lady”, the “First dog” and the “First Bees“. What about a First Fly? President Obama is not impressed. The first fly to audition for “First Fly” met an untimely fate. At a January … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, News | 2 Comments

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: Defensive Strikes

Posted on January 25, 2013 by jjneal

Caterpillars can be a bit “touchy”. Touching a caterpillar gently on its abdomen can elicit a “striking” behavior in which the caterpillar rapidly contorts its body and snaps at the point of contact with its mandibles. I once did a … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, Insect Inspired | 2 Comments