Monthly Archives: April 2016

Repellents & Pregnancy

Posted on April 30, 2016 by jjneal

Women are especially concerned about health risks during pregnancy that could affect their child. Some chemicals and drugs are known to have adverse effects and are to be avoided. To be safe, many pregnant women try to avoid as many … Continue reading →

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Mysterious Stinging Insects

Posted on April 29, 2016 by jjneal

Over 90% of residents of the US report being stung by an insect before reaching adulthood. Most people are unable to accurately identify the insect responsible.  Accurate identification is important to people who have an allergic reaction to an insect sting so … Continue reading →

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Protecting Endangered Species

Posted on April 28, 2016 by jjneal

The US-EPA is issuing draft reports for public comment on the effects of pesticides on endangered species. Three organophosphate insecticides, chlorpyrifos, malathion and diazinon are the first pesticides studied. The potential for effects on endangered species from these pesticides is … Continue reading →

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Living With Gut Microbes

Posted on April 27, 2016 by jjneal

The Sonoran Desert Turtle Ant, Cephalotes rohwer, maintains bacteria in large numbers in the lumen of the midgut and hindgut. The type of bacteria is restricted to 16-20 strains that are transmitted to newly emerged adult workers shortly after they … Continue reading →

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Painted Lady Problems

Posted on April 26, 2016 by jjneal

Rearing butterflies can be a compelling educational experience for young biology students. Venders market kits with eggs and artificial diet that can be used to rear a variety of caterpillars including Painted Lady Butterflies. Occasionally, the artificial diet fails. I … Continue reading →

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World Malaria Day, 2016

Posted on April 25, 2016 by jjneal

April 25, 2016 is World Malaria Day, a time to focus on past progress and future challenges. First the good news: Euro Region, 1995: 95,000 malaria cases; 2015: Zero! Other countries reducing malaria transmission to zero in 2015: Argentina, Costa Rica, … Continue reading →

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Living With Insect Museums

Posted on April 24, 2016 by jjneal

The Huaxi Insect Museum bills itself as the largest in Asia.  The museum has over 400,000 specimens with 20,000 on display. As shown in the photo (left) the museum has spacious areas for display of specimens. This attracts almost a half … Continue reading →

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