insects

19th Century Tales Of Cabbage Worms

July 17, 2021 by Maury Thompson Leave a Comment

In Ray Bradbury’s 1952 science fiction story A Sound of Thunder, Eckels, a time-traveling safari hunter accidentally steps on a butterfly during prehistoric times, which triggers a massive change to the eco-system when Eckels returns to 2055 society.

If it’s so that a single action can have consequences centuries later, I wonder about ramifications from the mass extermination of butterflies by a witty, well-meaning, 19th century Hague (on Lake George in Warren County) cabbage farmer. [Read more…] about 19th Century Tales Of Cabbage Worms

The Northeast’s Lymantria dispar Outbreak

July 10, 2021 by Editorial Staff 3 Comments

Occasionally I get an email from a camp, school, or even my local Rotary asking if I can present a program on insects. So it was not unusual last week for me to be handing insect nets to excited Cub Scouts. I led them toward some ash trees and made sure each Scout had an insect to examine under the microscope. Our field trip ended beneath a maple, where a parent had pointed out a profusion of caterpillars. [Read more…] about The Northeast’s Lymantria dispar Outbreak

Science Behind Our Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Outbreak

June 27, 2021 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

This spring, there has been larger-than-usual gypsy moth populations and leaf damage in several parts of New York State. Gypsy moths are non-native but are naturalized, meaning they will always be around in our forests.

Their populations spike in numbers roughly every 10 to 15 years, but these outbreaks are usually ended by natural causes such as disease and predators. Because of this, the State typically does not manage them and does not provide funding for treating gypsy moths on private property. [Read more…] about Science Behind Our Gypsy Moth Caterpillar Outbreak

Insectivorous Plants: Sundews

June 23, 2021 by Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

In 1860, a year after publication of his seminal work on the origin of species, Charles Darwin wrote to a friend, “At the moment, I care more about Drosera than the origin of all the species in the world.”

Darwin maintained a lifelong fascination with carnivorous plants, including members of the genus Drosera, collectively called sundews. His research into these fascinating species led to the 1875 publication of Insectivorous Plants, which remains a major reference work today. [Read more…] about Insectivorous Plants: Sundews

New York Insects: Paper Wasps

June 5, 2021 by Tom Kalinowski 1 Comment

While working around the home this summer, it is not unusual to notice the papery nest of a wasp tucked under the eaves, hidden behind a loose shutter, or placed in some other protected spot. While an encounter with this type of structure may temporarily disrupt a painting project or repair work, such a sanctuary is vital to the summer success of these familiar yellow and black insects, and should be left alone if at all possible as wasps play a role in helping to control the populations of numerous insects, spiders and other bugs. [Read more…] about New York Insects: Paper Wasps

Web of Mystery: Euonymus Caterpillars

June 2, 2021 by Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

Janet Hayward Burnham, of Bethel, Vermont, was driving to the bank one day when she saw a tree on the side of the road that looked like it was covered in decorative webbing, “cans and cans” of it, as if for Halloween. However, it was June. [Read more…] about Web of Mystery: Euonymus Caterpillars

The Hardy Bumble Bee

May 23, 2021 by Tom Kalinowski Leave a Comment

Shortly before apple blossoms open and honeysuckle flowers emerge from their buds, queen bumble bees awaken from their winter dormancy and begin the chore of establishing the small colony over which they will reign throughout the coming growing season. [Read more…] about The Hardy Bumble Bee

Bug Season: Biting Midges

May 22, 2021 by Tom Kalinowski Leave a Comment

A screened-in porch is an ideal place to relax on a summer evening. The tight, wire mesh that covers the walls allows the enjoyment of nature’s unique fragrances and wildlife sounds without the harassment of mosquitoes and other flying nocturnal pests.

However, during the early parts of summer, there is one bug that can detract from the ambiance. Biting midges are small enough to pass through traditional screens, allowing them access to any individual wanting to enjoy the evening. [Read more…] about Bug Season: Biting Midges

Flight Control Science of Flies

April 24, 2021 by Guest Contributor Leave a Comment

On sunny, warm days, house flies hatch and buzz around homes and offices. These flies complete aerobatic stunts that easily evade human efforts at swatting or shooing. That aerial agility, so frustrating to the would-be swatters, is thanks to a pair of highly specialized sense organs called halteres. [Read more…] about Flight Control Science of Flies

When & Where NYS Can Expect The Next Periodical Cicadas

April 22, 2021 by Editorial Staff Leave a Comment

This year, entomologists predict large populations of cicadas to appear across 15 states for a few weeks beginning around mid-May. This “Brood X” (the Great Eastern Brood) is a periodical group of cicadas that emerge every 17 years.

New York State is at the most northern extent of the range of Brood X and in recent emergences, only Long Island has been affected, usually in low numbers or non-existent. While New York State will most likely not see many Brood X cicadas this year, neighboring states to the south and west could see billions. [Read more…] about When & Where NYS Can Expect The Next Periodical Cicadas