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Bug of the Week - February 22, 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:30:53 +0000

Bug of the Week is my weekly insect identification challenge for you. Think you can identify this mystery insect? It's not always easy to identify an insect from a photo, but grab your favorite field guide and see what you can find. If you think you have the answer, post it in a comment. You can also get some clues in the forum. Visit again next Wednesday for the answer and to try another challenge.

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Circadian Rhythms Help Plants Battle Insect Pests

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:30:20 +0000

New research suggests that plants use their circadian rhythms to gain an advantage over their insect foes. Specifically, plants can ramp up their production of defense chemicals during the day, when insect pests are active.

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Friday Fact - Giant Whip Scorpions

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:39:18 +0000

Did you know...

The giant whip scorpion, Mastigoproctus giganteus, can stop predators in their tracks with one squirt from a pore near its whiplike tail. It sprays an 85% concentration of acetic acid up to a foot away, aiming for the eyes or nose of the attacker. Vinegar, by comparison, is about 5% acetic acid. Giant whip scorpions are also called vinegaroons.

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Bug of the Week - February 15, 2012

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:30:27 +0000

Are you ready for another insect identification challenge? You've got one week to identify the insect in this photograph. I've provided a few clues in the forum, if needed. When you think you know it, post your answer in a comment below. Next Wednesday, I'll give you the answer, as well as another challenge.

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Need a Last Minute Valentine's Gift? Name a Roach for Your Sweetie

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:00:35 +0000

Valentine's Day is tomorrow - do you have a gift for your valentine yet? No? Well, lucky for you, the Wildlife Conservation Society has just the thing for last minute shoppers.

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Bug of the Week - February 8, 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:15 +0000

I stumbled on this critter while vacationing in Puerto Rico last month. You'll probably need the clues in the forum to identify this mystery insect. Try to name it to the genus, at least. Post your answer in a comment, and don't forget to visit my site again next Wednesday for the answer.

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A 165 Million Year Old Love Song

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:30:28 +0000

Well, this is a first, as far as I know. Scientists believe they have brought a long extinct mating call to life. Not the critter, mind you, the call of the critter.

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Friday Fact - Hackled Orbweavers

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:12:43 +0000

Did you know...

Hackled orbweavers, in the family Uloboridae, are unique among spiders for their lack of venom glands. These interesting spiders usually spin horizontal webs, sometimes shaped like a wedge of pie instead. They get the name hackled from the unusual silk they produce. Hackled silk has many fibers, and looks almost fuzzy rather than smooth like most spider silk. Though it's not sticky, hackled silk is effective for capturing prey, as small insects get entangled in the fuzzy, fibrous threads.

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Bug of the Week - February 1, 2012

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:30:33 +0000

Bug of the Weeeeeeek! (Sorry I have this little Bug of the Week song I sing to myself when I put this post together each week. You should hear it, it's a good song.) Here's your challenge for this week. Think you know what it is? Submit your answer in a comment, and come back next week for the answer. Your clues are in the forum.

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The Buzz - January 2012

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:36 +0000

One last look at the new articles published this month on About Insects:

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