Monthly Archives: October 2015

Not At Risk For Contamination

Posted on October 31, 2015 by jjneal

When we find at an adult cicada in nature, we almost never find substances smeared on the wing surface, particles attached to the wing or microorganisms growing on the wings.  However wing fouling is a common problem for many man-made … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Environment | 1 Comment

Transparent, Antireflective, Cryptic

Posted on October 30, 2015 by jjneal

Some species of cicadas can be difficult to locate even when loudly calling from trees. Their wings are transparent. Visually, they appear like part of the background because we can see the background through the wings. Blending into the background … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Insect Inspired | 1 Comment

The Enemy of My Enemy

Posted on October 29, 2015 by jjneal

Typically, finding a new insect from Asia living and thriving in North America is bad news. However, a parasitoid wasp Trissolcus japonicus, that is a potential biocontrol agent for the invasive Brown Marmorated Stink bug has now been located in the … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Invasive Species, Pest Management | 1 Comment

Misleading Transparency

Posted on October 28, 2015 by jjneal

To a naturalist, the wings of a cicada appear to be clear and simple structures. The transparency at the optical scale belies a complexity at the micro and nanoscale. The wing surfaces are not smooth, but contain a diverse range … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Insect Inspired | 1 Comment

An Inside Look At Insect Mating

Posted on October 27, 2015 by jjneal

Advances in visualization techniques now allow us to image the inside of living organisms.  A group of scientists* made CT scans of mating Drosophila and were able to observe previously unknown changes that occur in the female reproductive tract during … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Development | 1 Comment

Living With the Orange Sulfur

Posted on October 26, 2015 by jjneal

Like the cabbage white butterfly, the orange sulfur or alfalfa butterfly, Colias eurytheme, will fly until late autumn. The caterpillars feed on alfalfa, clover and other plants in the pea family that remain green long into the fall. They can be … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Environment | 1 Comment

Japanese Beetles In Summer and Winter

Posted on October 25, 2015 by jjneal

Japanese beetles in Indiana lay eggs in the soil in July and August when soil temperatures are warm. The embryos develop rapidly, larvae soon emerge and begin feeding before autumn arrives. Japanese beetle eggs are viable within a range of … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, by jjneal, Environment | 1 Comment