Monthly Archives: March 2017

Fighting the Spotted Lanternfly

Posted on March 31, 2017 by jjneal

The spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula is a plant hopper (Fulgoridae) native to south and east Asia. It was first detected in southeastern Pennsylvania in 2014. Evidence from egg masses suggest it has been in the US since at least 2012. … Continue reading →

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

Welcome Back, Ishikawatrechus intermedius

Posted on March 30, 2017 by jjneal

Ishikawatrechus intermedius is a blind cave beetle first found in the cave Ôchi-dô, Kôchi Prefecture, Japan. Cave species can become adapted to life in a cave and lose the ability to travel outside the cave. When this happens, mating with … Continue reading →

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

Living With Degree Days

Posted on March 28, 2017 by jjneal

Insects do not maintain a constant temperature.  Insect body temperature varies with ambient temperature.  Insect rate of growth and development is proportional to temperature. Below a minimum temperature, there is no development. Above the minimum temperature (Developmental Threshold), the growth rate … Continue reading →

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

Blow Fly Flashers

Posted on March 27, 2017 by jjneal

Insects have remarkable methods of finding mates in their environment. Insects are known to use odors, sounds and light. Researchers* have discovered that blow fly vision is important in mate recognition. Young female blowflies are heavier than males and their … Continue reading →

Posted in behavior, by jjneal, communication | 2 Comments

Off The Page

Posted on March 26, 2017 by jjneal

The artistic nature illustrations of Maria Sibylla Merian have had a revived interest with a re-issue of her book, Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium. Her wonderful illustrations have inspired taxidermist and artist Jeremy Johnson to render 3 dimensional sculptures of her illustrations. … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, by jjneal, Insect Inspired | Leave a comment

Preserving Insect Collections

Posted on March 25, 2017 by jjneal

The Arizona State University insect collection will more than double after a donation from private collectors Lois and Charlie O’Brien. The O’Briens have traveled the world collecting insects for decades and have amassed over 1 million specimens. Their collection specializes … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Insect Inspired, News, Taxonomy | 1 Comment

Protecting Endangered Species

Posted on March 24, 2017 by jjneal

Species on the Endangered Species List are protected from harm by human activities intentional or unintentional. When companies operate in areas that contain endangered species, the companies must develop a plan that will minimize the harm or potential harm to … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Endangered Species | 1 Comment