Category Archives: Caterpillar Blogging

Living With Climate Change

Posted on June 5, 2017 by jjneal

The Pine Processionally Moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, has historically been restricted to regions of Europe with a Mediterranean climate. The caterpillars are active in winter. They have adaptations that prevent freezing above -7 degrees C. (Water with no salts or antifreeze … Continue reading →

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

Living With False Beliefs

Posted on June 3, 2017 by jjneal

The Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain contain a diversity of ecosystems including forests. The Spanish government has a Forestry Management Service that is responsible for the care and maintenance of forested areas. The forests are known for the … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Caterpillar Blogging, Education, Environment, Health | 3 Comments

Friday Cat-erpillar Blogging: Pine Processionary Caterpillars

Posted on June 2, 2017 by jjneal

Caterpillars of the Pine Processionary Moth, Thaumetopoea pityocampa, have ruined many a vacation in the French countryside. These caterpillars produce urticating hairs that can elicit an allergic reaction in people and animals who contact them. The setae on the posterior … Continue reading →

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

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

Living With Uric Acid

Posted on March 4, 2017 by jjneal

In the larva stage of the tobacco hornworm, nitrogen waste is removed from the hemolymph and excreted by the digestive system. However, waste processing must drastically change during metamorphosis. A fully developed tobacco hornworm will drop from a plant to … Continue reading →

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