Monthly Archives: June 2016

Chewing Leaves

Posted on June 30, 2016 by jjneal

Grasshoppers eat plant leaves by biting off pieces small enough to ingest. Chewing leaves involves complex physical properties of both the grasshopper mouthparts and the leaf. When a grasshopper or a person chews off a piece of leaf, the leaf … Continue reading →

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Living On Plant leaves

Posted on June 29, 2016 by jjneal

Many insects get nutrients for growth and development from plant leaves. Plant leaves consist of cells mostly devoted to photosynthesis, but some dedicated to structure, transport or defense. Plant cell contents are surrounded by a cell wall. The cell wall … Continue reading →

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Insect Repellent In Vogue

Posted on June 28, 2016 by jjneal

For the Zika Summer of 2016, insect repellent is in vogue, and also in Vogue magazine. Kari Molvar writes in Vogue, What’s the Best Bug Spray to Use in the Age of Zika? The Pros Weigh In Don’t spray your … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, fashion, Health, Zika | 1 Comment

Living With Zebulon Skippers

Posted on June 27, 2016 by jjneal

Males of the Zebulon skipper, Poanes zabulon, are feisty and territorial. Males will perch on top of foliage to scan the surrounding area for approaching females. The male (picture left) has decided that Gene’s finger is an advantageous perch. Males will fight … Continue reading →

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Insects In Flight

Posted on June 26, 2016 by jjneal

Insect flight is a marvel to behold. The variety of wing structures and adaptations for flight are fascinating. High speed photography can capture the flight process and enhance studies of the varieties of ways insects can move through the air. … Continue reading →

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Living With Cicada Politics

Posted on June 25, 2016 by jjneal

It is 2016. Brood V of the periodic cicada emerged in force in eastern Ohio. 2016 is an election year. What do you get when you cross an election year with a cicada emergence? Politicians quit comparing their opponents to … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Environment, News | 1 Comment

Living With Tortoise Beetles

Posted on June 24, 2016 by jjneal

The Golden Tortoise Beetle, Charidotella sexpunctata feeds on plants in the sweet potato family (Convolvulaceae) including sweet potato and morning glory. To attract them, plant sweet potatoes.  Look for tiny gold spots on the leaves. The beetles have clear protective … Continue reading →

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