The Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth is a fascinating insect worth exploring. As a member of the Saturniidae family, this moth stands out due to its distinct appearance and life cycle. In this article, we will dive into the details of this captivating species, from its appearance and natural habitat to its interesting behaviors. Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth Caterpillars of the Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth are unmistakable for their vibrant colors, displaying a bold sequence of green, yellow, and black stripes. As they mature, these caterpillars transform into stunning adult moths, featuring broad wings wi ..read more

Boxelder bugs are a common sight in areas where boxelder trees are found, often taking up residence in homes and buildings. While their appearance may be cause for concern to some, rest assured that these bugs are actually quite harmless. Unlike other insects such as mosquitoes or ticks, boxelder bugs do not bite humans or animals. Eastern Boxelder Bug They are part of the Rhopalidae family, closely related to scentless plant bugs, stink bugs, and cicadas, which possess piercing and sucking mouthparts. Instead of feeding on blood, boxelder bugs use their mouths to feed on boxelder tree seeds a ..read more

Scorpionflies might look intimidating due to their unique appearance, resembling a blend of scorpion and wasp features. The males possess a scorpion-like tail, which can often spark fear in those who encounter them. However, it’s essential to properly understand this insect and its behavior before jumping to conclusions about its potential danger. Contrary to their threatening appearance, scorpionflies are not dangerous to humans. The male’s scorpion-like tail is in fact harmless and is not capable of stinging. Moreover, although scorpionflies share some similarities with wasps, they don’t pos ..read more

Orbweaver spiders are a fascinating group of arachnids, known for their intricate, wheel-shaped webs and diverse appearance. They belong to the family Araneidae and can be found in various habitats such as gardens, forests, and meadows. Although they might appear intimidating, most orbweavers are harmless to humans and play a vital role in controlling insect populations. There are many different types of orbweaver spiders, each displaying unique features and behaviors. For example, the Cross Orbweaver has yellow to brown coloration with a distinctive cross-shaped pattern on its abdomen. In con ..read more

Praying mantises are fascinating insects, known for their distinct appearance and their role in maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem. They serve as natural pest control by actively searching for their prey using their keen vision. Now, let’s explore what these intriguing creatures feast on. As a predator, the praying mantis consumes a variety of insects and other arthropods. Their diet mainly consists of aphids, flies, grasshoppers, and other small insects. In some instances, mantises will even eat other members of their own species. So the next time you spot a praying mantis in your garden ..read more

Bot flies are a common concern for horse owners, as their larvae can cause health problems in horses. The horse stomach bot fly, Gasterophilus intestinalis, is a predominant species found in North America that attacks horses, and can lead to a stomach bot larvae infestation within the animal’s system source. These flies lay their eggs on the lower forelegs of horses, which then hatch into larvae within five to ten days source. Horse Botfly. Source: Janet Graham, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Once hatched, the larvae make their way into the horse’s mouth and eventually to its digestive ..read more

The Black and Yellow Mud Dauber is a species of solitary wasp scientifically known as Sceliphron caementarium. Commonly found across various regions, these wasps are known for their distinct appearance and unique mud nests. Known to be non-aggressive, they are dark with metallic hues and thin waists, often spotted hunting spiders to feed their offspring. Black and Yellow Mud Dauber Female Mud Daubers create their nests from mud, each cell containing a single egg. To provision their offspring, these protective mothers collect up to 25 live, paralyzed spiders per cell. Despite their slightly int ..read more

Pseudoscorpions, often overlooked, provide a variety of benefits to humans. These tiny arachnids, which resemble scorpions without a tail or stinger, are natural predators of a range of household pests. Undoubtedly, their presence can be a boon in controlling these unwanted visitors. These small creatures, which grow up to 1/4 inch or less in length, help keep the ecosystem balanced by feasting on insect larvae, ants, dust mites, and small flies. With no harm to humans, pseudoscorpions can be considered as beneficial allies in maintaining a healthy environment within our living spaces. Overvie ..read more

The walking stick bug is a fascinating insect that mimics its natural background to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings. These slender creatures, also known as walking sticks or stick insects, boast six spindly legs and two long, thin antennae, making them easily recognizable even though they’re masters of camouflage. You may not come across walking stick bugs often due to their effective disguises, but they are a diverse group of insects. The most common species in North America includes the northern walkingstick, which reaches lengths of up to 4 inches. In contrast, the giant walking s ..read more

The giant leopard moth, scientifically known as Hypercompe scribonia, is a visually striking insect with a fascinating life cycle. This moth is recognized for its attractive white wings adorned with black spots, which can sometimes appear iridescent blue under certain lighting conditions. The moth’s development stages include egg, larva, pupa, and adult, and its life cycle varies between one and two broods per year, depending on the region. The larvae, known as giant woolly bears, are quite distinctive, with their fuzzy black appearance and distinctive red bands between each body segment. As t ..read more