Ranch Manager Harold Out in the Field

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…

Death comes for us all. When death came for this longhorn beetle, other insects were grateful for theresource. A stilt-legged fly (Rainieria antennaepes) approaches, then retreats.Severalscuttle flies(Phoridae) are already feeding on the carcass. Many insects specialize on dead arthropods. But these flies are just grabbing the opportunity. European hornet (Vespa crabo) flying back to nest…

This is a southern devil scorpion. They inhabit the southern Appalachian region and are the only scorpion that lives east of the Mississippi River, except for three species in Florida and surrounding areas. Like most scorpions, they have two eyes in the middle of their ‘head’ area, but also have ‘lateral eyes’. This species has…

This large hornet is native to Europe and can be common, especially in areas of human development. They are predators of other arthropods, which they bring back to their nest in a cavity such as a tree hole. Despite being large and scary, they are not aggressive. In the TN Woods, You Can Find All…