At any point in time a subject under inspection may be in a transitory state which soon passes into a form more representative of the creature’s primary existence, but which is very different from its starting point. Most local insects are excellent examples of this principle. They may appear bright and colorful, only to change…Read more
Horror movies have, for over a century, featured a pantheon of destructive creatures rampaging through the world. Their characteristics have varied over the decades, but they always manage to return. In recent years zombies have been the nightmare of choice. Kill one and 5000 come to its funeral before returning to sacking society. More than…Read more
The recent ample rains will have a positive effect on the plant population, and by default home water bills. The liquid encouragement is the foundation for the growth and development of turf, shrubs and trees. The insect population benefits too. It is getting ready for what should be a banner year, at least for most…Read more
While the official beginning of summer is still weeks away, the temperature is warming and spring break activities are everywhere in panhandle Florida. While the major home landscape and garden chores are ongoing, for many the springtime cleanup of raking leaves and pine straw has been done for weeks. A few hours here and there…Read more
Panhandle Florida’s winter of 2023/24 has had some frigid nights. The frosty mornings have not been a rarity. Even so, there are signs winter is grudgingly retreating. Aside from the occasional warm day, the daylight hours are obviously increasing. Officially spring is still four and a half weeks away, beginning on March 19, 2024. This…Read more
Sometimes the news is just bad, and there is no way to sugar coat it. Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening and yellow dragon disease, is present in the Florida panhandle. Not surprisingly, the Asian Citrus Psyllid is present in the region, too. This tiny insect is one of two psyllids which are known vectors or…Read more
It is the time of year when visitors come crashing into panhandle Florida residences, especially those seeking an upgrade on their winter lodgings. The highways are clogged with traffic heading south in search of a willing relative or friend who might take in a traveler attempting to avoid unpleasantly low temperatures. The relatively salubrious climate…Read more
Halloween masks are big business for retailers attracting customers in October. After all, what child could refuse being a super hero, princess, or a hideous freak of nature while getting a sack full of candy? In reality, the tactic of appearing to be something intimidating is fairly common. It is especially useful in the untamed…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
The consistent heat and humidity of 2023’s summer has produced an abundance of blooms, both native and exotic. The range of colors helps compensate human residents, somewhat, for the physical discomfort of venturing into the often-sweltering environment. For many insects, the current crop of flowers is a signal that pollen and nectar are readily available…Read more
