Monthly Archives: January 2016

Living With Anti-Freeze

Posted on January 23, 2016 by jjneal

Some Collembola (Springtails) are active in winter and can be seen hopping on top of the snow. Species such as Hypogastrura harveyi are given the name “snow fleas”. How do they withstand the cold? Hypogastrura harveyi makes proteins that inhibit the … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, Biomaterials, by jjneal | 1 Comment

Springtail Eyes

Posted on January 22, 2016 by jjneal

Springtails are small hexapods that are adapted to a wide diversity of climates. One species, Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni can be found in Antarctica, one of the few hexpods able to survive the extreme cold. Collembola have small heads and little space for … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Taxonomy, Vision | 3 Comments

Living With Zygentoma

Posted on January 21, 2016 by jjneal

Throughout much of the 20th century the Zygentoma (silverfish and relatives) were lumped together with the Archeognatha, or jumping bristle tails in an order known as Thysanura. Today the jumping bristletails are placed in their own Order, Archeognatha. With all … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Taxonomy | 1 Comment

The Iowa Invasion

Posted on January 21, 2016 by jjneal

2016 is an election year which means the political invasion in Iowa is in full force. Meanwhile, a quieter invader is lurking in the trees. The Emerald Ash borer has just been found in Des Moines. Unlike the political invaders, … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Invasive Species | 1 Comment

Living With Oxygen

Posted on January 19, 2016 by jjneal

Insects are known to feed on very dry substances (such as seeds, hair & flour) without the need to drink water. How do insects remain hydrated with nothing to drink? Metabolic water. In the process of turning sugar into energy, … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Food, Pest Management | 1 Comment

The Dirt on Fleas

Posted on January 18, 2016 by jjneal

My colleague Mike Dryden, who has spent his career studying fleas on pets, has a very informative YouTube video called, The Dirt on Fleas. The video outlines a basic strategy for minimizing flea problems. When fleas on a pet become … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Health, Pest Management | 2 Comments

Bed Bug Home Remedy

Posted on January 17, 2016 by jjneal

Bed bugs can be difficult to eliminate even for pest control professionals. Homeowners can have a more difficult time and can become desperate for relief. Some turn to home remedies that can be dangerous. The Detroit Free Press describes what … Continue reading →

Posted in Bed Bugs, by jjneal, Health, News, Pest Management | 4 Comments