Monthly Archives: February 2017

Navigating While Walking Backward

Posted on February 11, 2017 by jjneal

The Spanish Desert Ant, Cataglyphis velox is a good model for studying orientation. They live in the desert where the landscape is flat and relatively uncluttered. Ant colonies have many individuals that can provide a pool of test subjects. Ants … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, by jjneal | 1 Comment

Rusty Patch Bumblebee Update

Posted on February 10, 2017 by jjneal

The USFWS published a revised decision on the Rusty Patch Bumblebee. The rule placing it on the Endangered Species List was scheduled to be in effect today, February 10, 2017. However, that rule along with all other rules published but … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Endangered Species, Policy | Leave a comment

Living With Asian Hornets

Posted on February 9, 2017 by jjneal

The Asian or “Yellow Legged” Hornet, Vespa velutina, is spreading in Europe and in 2016, reached the UK. First found in France in 2004, perhaps imported in a shipment of pottery from Asia, the Asian Hornet has adapted to European … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Invasive Species | 1 Comment

Paper Wasps in Winter

Posted on February 8, 2017 by jjneal

Paper Wasps build nests in sheltered areas and expand their colonies in the summer. In fall, the colony will disband. All the males and unmated females will die. Mated females (queens) will seek shelter from the elements, resting under leaves … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, by jjneal, Environment | 1 Comment

Fooling the Flower Visitors

Posted on February 7, 2017 by jjneal

Flowers can increase their pollination efficiency by attracting insects that carry their pollen to a nearby flower of the same species. Most flowers act in “good faith”. They reward the insect pollinators with nutrient-containing nectar. One South African orchid, Disa ferruginea, has … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, by jjneal, Environment | 1 Comment

Living With Insect Art

Posted on February 5, 2017 by jjneal

Artist Aganetha Dyck has been working with honeybees for 20 years. Her honeybee art involves placing objects in bee hives where they are covered with wax by the bees. Unfortunately, her exposure to bees has led to an allergy to … Continue reading →

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

Rusty Patch Bumblebee Redux

Posted on February 4, 2017 by jjneal

Last month. I posted about the Rusty Patch Bumblebee being added to the endangered species list with a recovery plan from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The FWS finalized the plan before the Trump administration took office. However, … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Endangered Species, Environment, Policy | 1 Comment