Monthly Archives: May 2017

Living With Processionary Caterpillars

Posted on May 31, 2017 by jjneal

Caterpillars of the Australian bag shelter moth, Ochrogaster lunifer, feed at night and spend the day in shelters of silk, debris and fecal matter.  The caterpillars feed on leaves from Acacia, Eucalyptus and Corymbia. If the caterpillars defoliate their host, … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging | 1 Comment

Living With Genetically Altered Pests

Posted on May 30, 2017 by jjneal

The ability to manipulate insect genes has led to new methods of insect control. Some genetic manipulations lead to insects that are sterile or fail to develop. The company Oxitec produces genetically altered insects that could potentially control pests. Initial … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, News, Pest Management | Leave a comment

Living With Madagascar Silk

Posted on May 29, 2017 by jjneal

Caterpillars of the silk moth, Bombyx mori, are the most common species used for silk production.  Thousands of years of selection have created an insect that can efficiently produce silk. However, all caterpillars produce silk and some other species are used for … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, Environment | 1 Comment

Ant Man Returns

Posted on May 28, 2017 by jjneal

Comic book heroes as movie stars have generated surprising blockbuster hits. Ant Man, a second tier Marvel Comics superhero found a wider audience in the 2015 hit movie, Ant Man.  Can the sequel be far behind? The sequel, Ant Man And The … Continue reading →

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

Spring Dragonflies

Posted on May 27, 2017 by jjneal

The Common Whitetail Dragonfly, Libellula lydia, has a long activity period. Whitetails can be active in Indiana as early as April and some are still flying late into September and early October. Whitetails rest on the ground to hunt for prey. … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Environment | 1 Comment

Living With Grain Storage Pests II

Posted on May 26, 2017 by jjneal

The original grain elevators were focused on efficient storage and handling of grain. The elevated storage concept was adopted by grain growers throughout the US as evidenced by the grain silos that dot the rural landscape. Silos allowed grain growers … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Pest Management | Leave a comment

Living With Grain Storage Pests

Posted on May 24, 2017 by jjneal

Grain elevators are used to store grain for future shipment. Large concentrations of grain in protected conditions create an ecosystem for insect colonization. The pests vary with geography, but many pests are distributed globally, having made their way around the … Continue reading →

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