Category Archives: Environment

Living With Yellow Jackets

Posted on June 29, 2017 by jjneal

Fishermen and boaters on the Flint River in Southern Georgia have a new worry: Yellow Jackets. This photo taken by fisherman Lee Harper shows a nest over 4 feet wide attached to a stump in mid stream. Mr Harper reported … Continue reading →

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Weather Channel Warning

Posted on June 24, 2017 by jjneal

The Weather Channel provides information on severe weather, storms, floods, earthquakes and other natural phenomena that may disrupt daily life.  They have added a new warning:  Fire Ants.  Tropical Storm Cindy left flooding in its wake including many areas containing … Continue reading →

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Pump It Up

Posted on June 22, 2017 by jjneal

Butterfly mouthparts are long tubes that can be inserted into the narrow channels formed by flowers to reach a nectar reward. Flying or walking while dragging an extended tube would be awkward. Packaging the mouthparts into a tightly coiled tube … Continue reading →

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Know Your Insects

Posted on June 20, 2017 by jjneal

Firefighters in Hamburg, Germany were called to an historic church by reports of smoke rising from the building. Upon arrival, the firefighters found no smoke and no fire. What they did find was a swarm of gnats above the roof … Continue reading →

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Living With Antarctic Insects

Posted on June 19, 2017 by jjneal

Humans have been living on the continent of Antarctica for decades in bases heated to temperatures that support human life. Those conditions also support insects associated with human habitation. The house fly is now a permanent resident of Antarctica living … Continue reading →

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

Regulating Insect Collection

Posted on June 17, 2017 by jjneal

Insect collecting has been a popular hobby and a staple of K12 biology programs. Collecting and curation equipment such as nets and insect pins are relatively inexpensive and many collecting devices are home made. Insect collecting connects students with nature, … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Education, Environment, News, Policy | 1 Comment

Aphid Lions On Plants

Posted on June 15, 2017 by jjneal

Many groups of insects, including the familiar lady beetles and less familiar aphid lions, prey on aphids and other small insects. Aphid lions are the larvae of lacewings (Order: Neuroptera). Aphid lions have long sharp mouthparts that extend in front … Continue reading →

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