One of the perpetual mysteries of life which is occasionally discussed over a cup of coffee on cold mornings is “how do the bugs survive in the frigid weather?” The truth is most do not, a vast majority living only a year or some seasonal fraction of it. Many human residents take pleasure, some sadistically,…Read more
Ever since June 20 of this summer, the days have been getting gradually shorter. On Sunday, September 23, 2024 the autumnal equinox will occur and the days will continue to get inexorably shorter. This change in the length of daylight is so subtle it is not noticed by most of the human residents of panhandle…Read more
The generalized reputation of any group is always suspect because the actions of a few can tint or taint the collective perception of all members. Any assemblage has its saints and sinners, but most of those associated are just going quietly about their assigned tasks. This concept applies to humans, and also to insects. Wasps…Read more
Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of pollinators to our ecosystems. The insects and animals that move pollen from one plant to another ensure a good majority of the world’s crop and food production. Recent studies have shown that approximately 75 percent of the plants cultivated for human benefit are pollinated by insect and animal…Read more
The generalized reputation of any group is always suspect because the actions of a few members can tint or taint the collective perception of all members. Any assemblage has its saints and sinners, but most of those associated are just going quietly about their assigned task. This concept applies to humans, and also to insects….Read more
The spring weather has provided enough rain for the plants to burst into growth. Stink bugs, leaf-footed bugs, grasshoppers, all sizes of caterpillars and many more have been enjoying the lush and plentiful dining selections. More than one north Florida homeowner or gardener has noticed the sudden appearance of a hungry pest species which is…Read more
An often-heard refrain is “I hope it gets cold enough to kill all the bugs.” While the thought is understandable from some perspectives, it is totally impractical. Most bugs and other tiny critters, be they insects, arachnids or worms, are beneficial to human habitation of the planet. They provide a myriad of important, but often…Read more
“Oh gracious, why wasn’t I born old and ugly,” said a Charles Dickens character in the 1841 serialized novel Barnaby Rudge. This is not an often-heard sentiment in the 21st century which is focused on youth and beauty. While this pronouncement is the complete opposite of contemporary culture, the statement does apply to some in…Read more
As the days begin to shorten and cool, a few insects remain just as active as they did six months ago. All spend their days searching for the diminishing food supplies in preparation for the inevitable. Chief among these hardy six-legged creatures is European Honeybees. The social insects with a matriarchal home life are still…Read more
There is nothing favorable about being compared to a roach, having roaches, or appearing roach-like. It is all negative and an insult to boot. In panhandle Florida one of the native species is the woods roach, Eurycotis floridana. Commonly referred to as the palmetto bug, this insect can reach almost two inches in length and…Read more
