Chinese Mantis

The American Bird Grasshopper is native to North America, where it occurs in the eastern United States, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Occasional, localized outbreaks of this grasshopper occur, and it is often referred to as a locust, though it lacks the true swarming form of its congener, the desert locust. The adult male of the…

The Red Imported Fire Ant is polymorphic, as workers appear in different shapes and sizes. The ant’s colors are red and somewhat yellowish with a brown or black gaster, but males are completely black. Red Imported Fire Ants are dominant in altered areas and live in a wide variety of habitats. They can be found…

Camel crickets, despite their name, are related to katydids rather than crickets. But unlike their cousins that sing to attract mates, camel crickets are largely silent. Instead they likely use smells and vibrations to communicate. Although, much of this is speculation, since the behavior of most species remains a mystery! American Bird Grasshopper Banded Pennant…

Something comical about other animals experiencing the struggles of our human lives. Here a collared ant is dragging a dead carpenter ant back to its nest, when the claws of the dead ant get stuck on the bark. There’s something cathartic and endearing about the ensuing struggle. American Bird Grasshopper Banded Pennant Forcepfly (Merope tuber)…

The Azure Bluet is often seen flying near water sources that are slow-moving if they have a current at all. Ponds, marshes, bogs, and lakes are all great habitats for this type of damselfly that feeds on small flying insects. The striking blue color is seen on both males and females. A single blue band…