Longlegged fly (Condylostylus) hunting on leaftops
These attractive metallic flies are commonly seen on leaftops, hunting for smaller insects. They are lively creatures and some species have elaborate mating dances.
These attractive metallic flies are commonly seen on leaftops, hunting for smaller insects. They are lively creatures and some species have elaborate mating dances.
DNA studies show that there are thousands of different fungi in a single sample of soil, many of which are unknown and hidden – so-called “dark taxa.” Retiboletus Ornatipes, commonly known as the ornate-stalked bolete or goldstalk, is a species of bolete fungus in the family Boletaceae. Originally named Boletus Ornatipes, it was transferred to Retiboletus in 2002. The question “is Retiboletus Ornatipes edible” is…
Collared ants are common woodland inhabitants and feed on a variety of arthropods. Here, a worker is dragging a dead carpenter ant back to the nest to feed the young. Battles among ants are common, but many ants scavenge on dead insects as well, which is likely what is going on here. American Bird Grasshopper…
Rarely encountered, even by specialists, forcepflies are strange insects with little known about their biology. Although they spend most of their life as a larva, their larval stage remains a mystery, despite a century of searching. American Bird Grasshopper Banded Pennant Bee-mimic robber fly (Laphria grossa) Io Moth (Automeris io)
Widespread hatred is common forthe10 or so introduced cockroaches that now invade our homes. But the US is home to more than 70 species of native cockroach that do not act as pests. These natives might resemble pest species, but they live their lives in the wilderness. This specimen is a wood cockroach (Parcoblatta). Male…
Scuttle flies are likely among the most ecologically diverse families of all arthropods. The diversity of habits is staggering. Although some scuttle flies specialize on ants, even killing them in interesting ways, these individuals are likely just seeking to snack on an already-dead ant, before scuttling on their way Female tiny parasitic wasp (Eupelmidae) with…
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…