usgsbiml: Parasite.   Nest parasite to be exact.   Formerly in the genus Psithyrus, these bees are now in the genus Bombus, with the rest of the bumble bees.  The idea is that they are just bumble bees that have decided that it is easier to invade other bumble bee nests and disable or kill the queen and have the old queen’s daughters do their bidding….easier than doing all that pollen collecting themselves.   This species appears to be associated with B. perplexus and B. rufocinctus, though there is certainly much more to learn and likely additional hosts.  This male came from the State ..read more

inspect-my-insect: undereyelouisvuittons: How can ants have farms? They’re too small to control the chickens and the pigs What’s that ya said there, pardner? Can’t hear ya over all these aphids ..read more

I honestly don’t know. I do stuff with wasps, but i haven’t really thought about this lmao. Anyone else have a better answer ..read more

cool-critters: Emperor gum moth (Opodiphthera eucalypti) The emperor gum moth is a species of moth in the family Saturniidae native to Australia. Caterpillars can usually be found on young adult leaves between October and March. The emperor gum moth does not feed after it emerges from the cocoon, relying solely on the energy it stored as a caterpillar. Their adult life span is limited to a couple of weeks in which they mate, lay eggs and die. This insect was the first used in the successful development of continuous insect cell cultures. photo credits: flagstaffotos.com.au, Fir000 ..read more

brilliantbotany: Acmella oleracea, often known by its former scientific name Spilanthes, is a unique flower in the Asteraceae family. It has many common names, including electric daisy and toothache plant. These stem from the fact that the plant contains numbing agents. Chewing on the flower causes temporary numbness, tingling and salivation. This has made it a useful treatment for toothaches and stomach issues ..read more

dailyplantfacts: Saxifraga bronchialis var. austromontana is in the family Saxifragaceae. Commonly known as spotted saxifrage, it is native to western North America along the Rocky Mountain Range from New Mexico north to British Columbia. Spotted saxifrage is a mat forming herbaceous perennial found in mountainous areas along rocky outcrops and in conifer forests. The white flowers are covered in purple to red dots, and born on top of long leafless flower stalks that emerge from the basal rosette of mosslike leaves ..read more

pbsdigitalstudios: Here are four ingenious ways carnivorous plants catch their prey, from @grossscience featuring @braincraft ..read more

typhlonectes: The Chemicals Behind the Colours of Autumn Leaves With autumn looming on the horizon, the leaves on some trees have already begun the transition towards the vibrant hues of autumn. Whilst this change may outwardly seem like a simple one, the many vivid colours are a result of a range of chemical compounds, a selection of which are detailed here… Read more: http://www.compoundchem.com/2014/09/11/autumnleaves ..read more