Tuesday, 28 December 2021

Leandra | Catalogue of Organisms

I'm sure I've noted before that there are a number of plant families that form significant components of the world's flora but tend to glide under the radar of popular representation owing to their largely tropical distributions. One of the prime examples is the Melastomataceae, an assemblage of over 5000 known species that represents one of the ten largest recognised plant families. Melastomes often stand out from other tropical plants by their distinctive leaves, which are opposite with acrodromous venation (several strong longitudinal veins arch outwards from the base to converge near the tip) and flowers that often bear large, colourful anthers (New York Botanical Garden). They are most diverse in the Neotropics with one of the significant genera found in this region being Leandra.

Leandra subseriata, copyright James Gaither.


As currently recognised, Leandra includes over two hundred species with the highest diversity centred in southeastern Brazil. Leandra forms part of the tribe Miconieae, distinguished by flowers with more or less inferior ovaries and fleshy berry fruits. Genera within the Miconieae have historically been difficult to define; as early as 1891, the Belgian botanist Alfred Cogniaux declared that they were essentially arbitrary. Leandra was supposed to be defined by its acute petals and terminal inflorescences but it has not always been clear whether a given species can be said to possess these features or not. It should therefore come as no surprise that the genus Leandra proved to be polyphyletic with the advent of molecular analysis (Martin et al. 2008). Nevertheless, a large clade centered on southern Brazil has continued to be referred to as Leandra sensu stricto.

There appear to be few if any direct observations of pollination in Leandra but flower morphology and comparison with related genera suggests that they are buzz-pollinated with pollinators taking pollen as a reward (Reginato & Michelangeli 2016b; buzz-pollination referring to pollination by bees where the bee's buzzing induces the flower to release pollen). Apomixis, with seeds being produced directly from ovule tissue without pollination, is not uncommon and may even be the majority condition (Reginato & Michelangeli 2016a). Seeds are dispersed by birds feeding on the berries. Many Leandra species appear very localised in distribution and they are particularly diverse in a number of high altitude areas. Species vary in their preferred habitat from disturbed to undisturbed; those species found in undisturbed locations are rare components of the understory, but those found in disturbed habitats may be among the most abundant shrubs in the area.

REFERENCES

Martin, C. V., D. P. Little, R. Goldenberg & F. A. Michelangeli. 2008. A phylogenetic evaluation of Leandra (Miconieae, Melastomataceae): a polyphyletic genus where the seeds tell the story, not the petals. Cladistics 24: 315–327.

Reginato, M., & F. A. Michelangeli. 2016. Diversity and constraints in the floral morphological evolution of Leandra s.str. (Melastomataceae). Annals of Botany 118: 445–458.

Reginato, M., & F. A. Michelangeli. 2016. Untangling the phylogeny of Leandra s.str. (Melastomataceae, Miconieae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 96: 17–32.

Monday, 20 December 2021

Heliconiids for the holidays: Longwinged butterflies, Heliconiidae

 

In parts of peninsular Florida and southern Texas, pretty Julia Heliconians brighten days year-round.

 

As the often-dreary days winter set in, you may be missing the antics and beauty of insects here in the DMV. Let’s take a quick trip to warmer climes to visit some gorgeous butterflies, longwinged heliconiids. Let’s head to Florida where several heliconiids reside or visit. 

Heliconiids extract nutrients from pollen grains held in their proboscis.

First on the list is the remarkable Zebra Longwinged butterfly, Heliconius charitonia. These beauties live up to six months. Zebras and their kin evolved an interesting strategy to gather nutritious pollen used to sustain their unusual longevity. Zebras fly a well-defined route through the forest visiting trusty plants presenting fresh pollen-laden blossoms each day. This fixed-route behavior is called traplining and is employed by many tropical pollinators including bees, hummingbirds, and bats. After collecting a gob of pollen on its long, coiled proboscis, the butterfly secretes specialized enzymes to release the amino acids and other nutrients in the pollen. Nutrients absorbed through the membranes lining the proboscis are used to produce eggs and maintain the high level of activity required to zoom about the forest. 

Passion vines sport magnificent blossoms and their leaves are food for heliconiid caterpillars.

In addition to visiting flowers laden with pollen, the Zebra also searches for different species of plants in the passion vine genus, Passiflora. These tropical vines bear the magnificent passion flower. Several species of passion vine are used by the immature stages of the zebra and other heliconiid butterflies as a source of food. These larvae are voracious caterpillars and consume great quantities of leafy tissue on a daily basis. As a group, passion fruit plants are protected from most leaf-munching caterpillars and other vegan insects by a veritable witch’s brew of highly toxic chemicals including alkaloids, a family of toxins that includes strychnine and nicotine, and cyanogenic glycosides, chemicals that release cyanide upon entering the digestive tract of a caterpillar or human. 

Common in Central and South America, the Banded Orange Heliconian can sometimes be seen visiting Florida and Texas.

However, members of the heliconiid clan, including the zebra longwing and the gorgeous Gulf Fritillary, turn the tables on passion fruit plants, bypassing the noxious defenses, and feasting with impunity on their leaves. Some longwings sequester cyanogenic glycosides from their food and others manufacture these compounds on their own, presumably for defense. The striking orange and black coloration of the Gulf Fritillary warns vertebrate predators not to mess with this beauty. In addition to any plant derived defenses, the Gulf Fritillary has one more bit of chemical trickery to help keep predators at bay. Glands on the abdomen produce and release a concoction of complex esters when the adult butterfly is disturbed. This stinky defensive fluid dissuades predators such as birds from making a meal of these dazzling butterflies. 


This very hungry caterpillar turns into the beautiful Zebra Longwing, with banded wing patterns resembling those of a zebra. In the Amazon Basin you might see the stunning Sara Longwing with striking white chevrons on its iridescent blue-black wings. In Central America and the southern tier of the United States, brilliant orange, black, and white Gulf Fritillaries sip nectar and collect pollen from a variety of plants.

Do these structures on the leaves of passion vines resemble eggs of longwing butterflies to discourage female longwings from depositing eggs on the leaf?

With so much leaf-munching by the larvae of heliconiids, one wonders how the vines of Passiflora survive. It seems that the mobile and eagle-eyed butterflies locate passion-vine plants by the shape of their leaves. To fool these clever herbivores, tropical passion-vines have evolved leaves that vary dramatically in shape. In this way it is more difficult for butterflies to zero in on any one leaf shape as they search for food for their young. At least one species of Passiflora has taken this game of deception one step further. It has evolved a small structure on the tips of its leaves resembling the egg of a Heliconius butterfly. Larvae of Heliconius are known to be cannibalistic and female butterflies may avoid placing eggs on a leaf if it is already occupied by another caterpillar or by an egg about to hatch. By creating a structure that resembles an egg, the passion-vine hangs a sign that says “no vacancy” to the female butterfly looking for a spot to lay eggs. This remarkable act of mimicry helps the passion vine escape the ravages of very hungry caterpillars. 



Bug of the Week wishes you Happy Holidays and a Joyous and Healthy New Year!

 
 

Acknowledgements

References used in the preparation of this Bug of the Week include “Caterpillars of Eastern North America” by David L. Wagner;  “Coevolution of Animals and Plants” by Lawrence Gilbert and Peter Raven; “Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, Agraulis vanillae (Linnaeus)(Insecta: Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)” by Jaret C. Daniels; and “Novel chemistry of abdominal defensive glands of nymphalid butterfly Agraulis vanilla” by Gary N. Ross,  Henry M. Fales, Helen A. Lloyd, Tappey Jones, Edward A. Sokoloski, Kimberly Marshall-Batty, and Murray S. Blum; “Passiflora (Passifloraceae) defenses against Heliconius cydno (Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae) oviposition” by Kim Khuc and “Heliconius Homepage” https://www.heliconius.org/biology/ecology/



Monday, 13 December 2021

‘Twas two weeks before Christmas – Giant bark aphids, Longistigma caryae and giant willow aphids, Tuberolachnus salignus

 

Some adult giant bark aphids have wings and others do not. These are the largest aphids in North America.

 

This week we dive into the Bug of the Week mailbag to learn about some fantastic aphids discovered on limbs of a beautiful oak tree near the Chesapeake Bay.

On the branch of a beautiful oak tree, giant bark aphids are tended by ants. This classic mutualism, with ants protecting aphids from predators and parasites and in return receiving honeydew from aphids, is a partnership found in several countries around the world. Image credit: Catherine Carr

‘Twas two weeks before Christmas and what did I see, But some giant bark aphids on a leafless shade tree. 

Aphids are not usually known for their very large size, But these babes on tree limbs win the “big-aphid” prize. 

As steadfast sap-suckers they spent several past weeks Sipping plant-sap from branches through stout hollow beaks. 

Aphid moms slurp sweet phloem by night and by day, And transform it to nymphs - born alive, by the way. 

In this colony of giant willow aphids, the large female on the upper left portion of the branch is giving birth to a daughter.

These strange spawning efforts are quite something to see, Bug-geeks call this birth-trick viviparity.  

As autumn days wane and cold winds start to blow These gals change their game-plan. They just seem to know. 

No more birthing of youngsters on twigs in the cold, They lay eggs on tree branches, many thousand all told. 

Eggs of the giant bark aphid are the overwintering stage. They line small branches by the thousands and change from amber to black as they age.

Tiny black aphid eggs seem the perfect life stage To brave wicked winter when vicious storms rage. 

And if aphids can dream, their fond hope might just be That no hungry egg-eaters find their young on the tree. 

In this season of darkness of cold and of gloom Not far off is a season when trees start to bloom.

Cast off fear giant aphids, be glad and be happy! Next spring eggs will hatch when trees get all sappy. 

Through millions of years your plan has been true What more can be said? Happy holidays to you!

Braving icy winds and freezing temperatures, giant willow aphids try to squeeze in one more generation before Old Man Winter puts an end to their season.

Acknowledgements

 Bug of the Week extends apologies to Clement Clark Moore.  We also thank Dr. Catherine Carr for providing the inspiration and an image for this episode. Like woolly alder aphids, woolly beech aphids (aka beech blight aphids), and others we met in previous episodes, these aphids reproduce parthenogenetically, that is without males. To learn more about magnificent giant aphids on beech and willows, please visit the following websites:  

University of Florida Featured Creatures: giant bark aphid

Tuberolachnus salignus, Giant willow aphid



Tuesday, 7 December 2021

Would anyone be able to help answer some of my questions about bug pinning??

Would anyone be able to help answer some of my questions about bug pinning?? submitted by /u/BlindBear0
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/rbl6s2/would_anyone_be_able_to_help_answer_some_of_my/

Ophiusini Corrections | Catalogue of Organisms

Earlier this year, I presented a post on the noctuoid moth tribe Ophiusini. As it turns out, that post includes some notable errors. One of the main sources I used, Zahiri et al. (2012), stated that Ophiusini "have a strongly modified apex to the proboscis, with strong and enlarged spines and erectile, reversed hooks that are used in fruit-piercing or lachrymal-feeding behaviour". As reviewed by Zilli (2021), such hooks on the proboscis are unique to a separate subgroup of the family Erebidae, the Calpinae. Ophiusini have thin, nail-like spines on the proboscis but no erectile hooks. They are still fruit-piercers but no ophiusins have been observed to date engaging in lachrymal feeding.

Artena dotata, copyright Shipher Wu.


Zilli (2021) had further comments on the historically fraught concept of Ophiusini. As noted in my earlier post, 'Ophiusini' has historically been recognised as a cosmopolitan group of moths but molecular studies have lead to its restriction to the Old World, North American exemplars being transferred to the related tribe Poaphilini. However, though the two groups are each supported as monophyletic by molecular data, they are not well defined morphologically. Characters previously thought distinct to one or the other do not always hold true. Ophiusini have been described as having reduced coremata but some ophiusins have coremata larger than those of some poaphilins. Ophiusins have been supposed to lack the waxy bloom on the pupa found in other noctuoids but some species do indeed have such a bloom. Some have pointed to the use of Euphorbiaceae as host plants by Poaphilini but not Ophiusini, but not all poaphilins feed on Euphorbiaceae and their use of this plant family is generally correlated with species being more generalist feeders overall.

One character that may yet distinguish the two tribes is the location of the androteca, a groove along the top of one of the leg segments in the male that contains a long brush of dense hairs (I'm not sure just what the function of this structure is meant to be but I would suspect something to do with dispersing pheromones). In Ophiusini, this structure is found on the femur of the fore leg. In Poaphilini, it is on the tibia of the mid leg. Nevertheless, Zilli (2012) questions the reliability of this feature: both arrangments are found in other tribes and neither alone is diagnostic.

Conversely, molecular phylogenies support the two tribes as sister taxa, and they share a number of distinctive features of the terminalia. While he does not formalise the suggestion, Zilli (2012) seems to feel tha twe might be better served by a return to a broader Ophiusini uniting the two tribes as one. I commented in my previous post that noctuoid classification has been in a continuous flux for as long as it has been a thing. It would be presumptuous to believe that it has finally been settled.

REFERENCES

Zahiri, R., J. D. Holloway, I. J. Kitching, J. D. Lafontaine, M. Mutanen & N. Wahlberg. 2012. Molecular phylogenetics of Erebidae (Lepidoptera, Noctuoidea). Systematic Entomology 37: 102–124.

Zilli, A. 2021. Tabwecala robinsoni gen. nov., sp. nov., from Vanuatu and its systematic postion in the 'Ophiusini-Poaphilini' clade (Lepidoptera, Erebidae). Nota Lepidopterologica 44: 193–211.

Would anyone happen to know what this is? Looks like a moth crossed with a dead leaf, he also has some kind of yellow fluff under two armpits

Would anyone happen to know what this is? Looks like a moth crossed with a dead leaf, he also has some kind of yellow fluff under two armpits submitted by /u/Really_Lilly420
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/rb2gcc/would_anyone_happen_to_know_what_this_is_looks/

My terrarium has little white worms with antennas, help please

My terrarium has little white worms with antennas, help please submitted by /u/camimm
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/rb0rae/my_terrarium_has_little_white_worms_with_antennas/

An Acanthocephala alata my wife found yesterday

An Acanthocephala alata my wife found yesterday submitted by /u/ppopoca
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/raznup/an_acanthocephala_alata_my_wife_found_yesterday/

What in the hell was this thing? (found, and killed, in Italy)

submitted by /u/Kheletor
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/rax25k/what_in_the_hell_was_this_thing_found_and_killed/

Monday, 6 December 2021

Wasps and hornets size comparisons (with lego minifigure)

Wasps and hornets size comparisons (with lego minifigure) submitted by /u/AwesomeFrito
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/raqewb/wasps_and_hornets_size_comparisons_with_lego/

hawk moth greetings!

hawk moth greetings! submitted by /u/BakaOctopus
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/rarevn/hawk_moth_greetings/

Hospitalitermes nigriantennalis (pic by Bernard Dupont; Attribution-ShareAlike licence) - see oldest comment for description.

Hospitalitermes nigriantennalis (pic by Bernard Dupont; Attribution-ShareAlike licence) - see oldest comment for description. submitted by /u/Termitico
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/raj0gu/hospitalitermes_nigriantennalis_pic_by_bernard/

I live in Northern Illinois, & it's fallen as low as 13° F in the last 30 days. Several times, my Ring has been triggered by these flying things between 8PM and 4AM. They pass by within a minute or so, and it has only happened a couple of times a month. What bug lives in winter that this could be?

submitted by /u/gourdhorder
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/rai0wf/i_live_in_northern_illinois_its_fallen_as_low_as/

Family? Not even sure if it’s Coleoptera. Anyone have an idea?

Family? Not even sure if it’s Coleoptera. Anyone have an idea? submitted by /u/iamthefluffyyeti
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/rahvl6/family_not_even_sure_if_its_coleoptera_anyone/

Termite eggs, juvenile and adult stages, help identifiying (more in comments)

Termite eggs, juvenile and adult stages, help identifiying (more in comments) submitted by /u/Sopega
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/rahrka/termite_eggs_juvenile_and_adult_stages_help/

Thought you all might enjoy this amazing stick I saw! :)

Thought you all might enjoy this amazing stick I saw! :) submitted by /u/cottentailandfluffy
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/rag1wz/thought_you_all_might_enjoy_this_amazing_stick_i/

Insect collection help- what suborder is this walking stick?

Insect collection help- what suborder is this walking stick? submitted by /u/Infamous-Tax4364
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/raf3qc/insect_collection_help_what_suborder_is_this/

Hot take: pest control professionals are fear mongering for profit

I doubt this is actually a “hot take”, but I haven’t really seen anyone discussing it. Not sure if this is the right place, but ai know everyone here has an appreciation for insects!

I have noticed, when searching certain inverts, particularly insects and arachnids, one of the first results to pop up is always a pest control website. I will not name names, but we all know the big ones, and the rest are similar in their narrative: “bugs” are the root of all evil.

I was once searching for info about wolf spiders and their ability to take fall damage (I witnessed a very preoccupied mother carrying her weight in offspring fall off my windowsill). The results were scarce, but I noticed that multiple pest control sites came up.

I decided to click on one, and was brought to a page meant to resemble a “Wolf Spider Info” page.

The page insinuated that “wolf spider infestations” are a common occurrence, and to contact them for a consultation. They warned, “Do not try to kill the wolfspider yourself, as they carry their young on their back, and you may end up with more spiders.” which was about yhe only credible tidbit of info I found on there, and it was still devised in a way meant to scare people.

I think most of us understand the concept of “entohystaria” is an unjustified fear in modern day society.

But it especially bothers me that corporations seeking profit, including search engines promoting results, is only harmful to both us and our environment.

Fear often comes from a place of ignorance. Knowledge is power. These businesses use that fear to promote their service in which they can profit.

I’m not saying pest control is completely unwarranted, but they are not just killing the “pests”, they are killing the biological pest control.

Id love to hear your thoughts on this topic, and any simple solutions to counter this fear mongering!

submitted by /u/Rosiepuff
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/rae51y/hot_take_pest_control_professionals_are_fear/

Posted the cocoon a while ago and now it's finally out

submitted by /u/Nome_Qualquer
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/radpo4/posted_the_cocoon_a_while_ago_and_now_its_finally/

Nymph?

Nymph? submitted by /u/iamthefluffyyeti
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/rad3d2/nymph/

Need help with dealing with these bugs. They are everywhere. Southeastern Europe if that helps.

submitted by /u/Enoz3
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/raegdc/need_help_with_dealing_with_these_bugs_they_are/

Anyone know what this lovely little fella is ?

submitted by /u/Technical_Wealth8905
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/ra9zs4/anyone_know_what_this_lovely_little_fella_is/

Help with ID? Found in North central Texas zone 7

Help with ID? Found in North central Texas zone 7 submitted by /u/elxding
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/raaspd/help_with_id_found_in_north_central_texas_zone_7/

Found this little guy on my car. What is he?

Found this little guy on my car. What is he? submitted by /u/Derrick067
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/raasl8/found_this_little_guy_on_my_car_what_is_he/

Pollinators that I photographed on native flowers in 2021

Pollinators that I photographed on native flowers in 2021 submitted by /u/Pardusco
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/ra7zb9/pollinators_that_i_photographed_on_native_flowers/

Holiday spiders help make the season bright: Jumping spiders, Salticidae and orb weavers, Araneidae

 

Several giant eyes help the red-backed jumping spider track its prey. Dazzling green fangs ensure prey don’t escape.

 

Spider egg sacs like these of the Basilica spider on holly sometimes inadvertently enter homes.

December 2021 will be remembered for many reasons, not the least of which is supply chain shortages that plague shoppers this holiday season. In addition to shortages of electronic devices and automobiles, choose-and-cut Christmas trees are somehow in short supply.  Ah, but my favorite trusty tree farm had no shortage of trees and, in what has become a regular event, my holiday tree had no shortage of spiders. This year my Nordmann fir had at least one tiny but very entertaining jumping spider.

Jumping spiders are unlike their cousins, the well-known orb weavers made famous by E. B. White in Charlotte’s Web. As their name implies, jumping spiders are hunters, relentlessly on the prowl for small insects and other spiders which they stalk, grab, subdue, and pulverize with powerful fangs. They are among the most intelligent of all arthropods. Their tiny brains are able to form spatial maps and plan circuitous routes to sneak up on unsuspecting prey. They are highly entertaining to watch as they explore their environment in search of prey. Their eight eyes, two of which are extraordinarily large, allow them to precisely track moving prey. Their mating rituals are spectacularly complex and rival those of vertebrates like Bower Birds. You can watch them hunt and court at this link: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/160121-jumping-spiders-animals-science

After bringing a field-grown Christmas tree into the house, I found this little jumping spider touring my houseplants. Once the stare-down with the camera guy was finished, the spider continued its explorations. Watch how it takes a shortcut from one leaf to another at normal and one third speed, hence the name jumping spider!

When morning dew glistens on silken strands, it's not hard to imagine why shimmering tinsel conjures thoughts of beautiful spider webs.

Other spiders play important roles in the anthology of holiday trees and their decorations. Each year as we put the finishing touches on our holiday tree, a serious debate arises regarding the quantity of tinsel necessary to complete the task. Some years ago, I explored the murky origins of tinsel. To some, the silvery strands of unknown composition evoke images of glistening icicles or shimmering crystals of frost on evergreen branches. But how did tinsel become part of a holiday tradition in so many households? To aficionados of arachnids, the tradition of festive tinsel has several different origins. One Christian story tells of Mary’s harrowing escape from Roman soldiers as she and Jesus hid in the hills near Bethlehem. With Herod’s legion in hot pursuit, Mary entered a cave seeking refuge. Spiders quickly sealed the entrance with silk and when soldiers arrived and saw the undisturbed webs, they disregarded the cave as a hideaway and continued their search elsewhere. Often maligned spiders saved the day! Since that time, tinsel has been strung on Christmas trees to represent a glistening spider web and to commemorate the spider’s miraculous deed.

Other tinsel legends from Germany and the Ukraine tell of spiders escaping the lethal brooms of housekeepers by hiding in dark corners of the home during preparations for holiday celebrations.  After exiting their redoubts on Christmas Eve, spiders excitedly explored the evergreen trees that had been brought inside and then left behind glorious cloaks of gossamer webs. When Father Christmas arrived that night and saw the gray spider webs, he miraculously changed them into sparkling silver strands, much to the delight of families who viewed the trees on Christmas morning. Since that time, tinsel has been strung as a symbol of the remarkable event.

In the wild, jumping spiders prowl vegetation looking for prey and, apparently, amuse themselves by taking tiny bungee jumps from high places.

Spider egg sacs like these of the Basilica spider on holly sometimes inadvertently enter homes.

Many spiders survive winter’s chill as eggs protected in silken sacs. If the spider’s last haunt was a spruce or fir, then egg sacs may enter homes as stowaways on Christmas trees. In the warmth of holiday homes, eggs hatch and humans may be recipients of dozens of unexpected visitors. If you discover a spider egg sac on your Christmas tree or fresh evergreen boughs, simply pluck off a small piece of infested branch and place it and the egg sac outside on a shrub. This will allow the spiders to hatch just in time to deliver a deferred holiday gift of pest control in your garden. And as for my adorable jumping spider, well prey is scarce during winter months in my home. My spider was released on a hemlock where overwintering woolly adelgids may serve up a holiday treat for this clever hunter.

Acknowledgements

We thank the Maryland Christmas Tree Association for providing the inspiration for this episode. The fascinating article “The execution of planned detours by spider-eating predators” by Fiona R. Cross and Robert R. Jackson was used as a reference for this episode.



Amber is amazing

Amber is amazing submitted by /u/maali74
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/ra6ayj/amber_is_amazing/

A blue Armadillidium vulgare. What created this?

A blue Armadillidium vulgare. What created this? submitted by /u/maali74
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/ra6eji/a_blue_armadillidium_vulgare_what_created_this/

Hey good people of r/Entomology, I need genuine advice as to what to do. These little huntsmen are in my window less than a meter from where my bed is in my bedroom. I have already taken out 20 offspring as well as the parent safely outside near some dead leaves and a tree. Please help, thanks.

Hey good people of r/Entomology, I need genuine advice as to what to do. These little huntsmen are in my window less than a meter from where my bed is in my bedroom. I have already taken out 20 offspring as well as the parent safely outside near some dead leaves and a tree. Please help, thanks. submitted by /u/adoscey
[link] [comments]


source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/ra6cch/hey_good_people_of_rentomology_i_need_genuine/

What is this? Ive been seeing it everywhere in Northern Virginia

What is this? Ive been seeing it everywhere in Northern Virginia submitted by /u/ch3esey
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/ra70n3/what_is_this_ive_been_seeing_it_everywhere_in/

Anyone know what this is? Found it on my violin, it's less than 0.5mm and looks like a tiny grey speck when looked at with just a naked eye. Sorry if it's a bad photo, I normally look at cells...not insects😅

Anyone know what this is? Found it on my violin, it's less than 0.5mm and looks like a tiny grey speck when looked at with just a naked eye. Sorry if it's a bad photo, I normally look at cells...not insects😅 submitted by /u/leftypipettey
[link] [comments]


source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/ra5fqj/anyone_know_what_this_is_found_it_on_my_violin/

Cross Orb Weaver (?) Ontario

Cross Orb Weaver (?) Ontario submitted by /u/WowAPost
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/ra61l8/cross_orb_weaver_ontario/

Do you guys keep or have any pet insects? Or inverts?

Any reason. Maybe you just like them. Maybe you need them for research, need to test something, are harvesting something, are observing them, etc. (Bugs, arachnids, shrimp, leeches, crabs, bees, etc) I'm kinda new to this sub and entomology in general. I'm having a budding interest in it that I think was triggered by starting to keep feeder insects (and trying to breed them) and binge watching Forsensic Files.

Do you guys have degrees related to entomology or something too? Just curious. (Sorry if I sound a little silly, I still don't really know very much.)

submitted by /u/Drugsnothugs0
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/ra2nuy/do_you_guys_keep_or_have_any_pet_insects_or/

What are these remains from my mealworms?

submitted by /u/Drugsnothugs0
[link] [comments]

source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/ra24ux/what_are_these_remains_from_my_mealworms/

Sunday, 5 December 2021

Any idea what this is?

Any idea what this is? submitted by /u/dazOkami
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r9tjuw/any_idea_what_this_is/

Question

I know this is more Arachnology but there’s no sub Reddit for that. Question is, are they many jobs out there having strictly to do with spiders? The thing is is that I probably won’t be able to acquire the degrees necessary to become an arachnologist but what about spider milking, or to capture spiders for arachnologists. Idk, I just love spiders and would like to work with them

submitted by /u/funqnort
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r9q04d/question/

Cleaning Mason Bees with sand. Fun for kids.

submitted by /u/changingone77a
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r9pdtx/cleaning_mason_bees_with_sand_fun_for_kids/

Can anyone ID this nematode (dog or even fox scat on bike tyre) See comments for more info

Can anyone ID this nematode (dog or even fox scat on bike tyre) See comments for more info submitted by /u/WestFoundation1
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r9lxfu/can_anyone_id_this_nematode_dog_or_even_fox_scat/

Gonocerus acuteangulatus was guarding the door to my workshop recently :)

Gonocerus acuteangulatus was guarding the door to my workshop recently :) submitted by /u/Pixelmanns
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r9ik7x/gonocerus_acuteangulatus_was_guarding_the_door_to/

Large Moth on Lower Alabama

submitted by /u/Piddleplop
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r9iqkp/large_moth_on_lower_alabama/

Is it me or are field crickets more sophisticated than other species

Idk how to explain it they just have a joyous whimsy to them. Like one time I saw one just sitting in a hole for no reason. And they don’t usually immediately just jump on your hands for no reason when you uncover them.

submitted by /u/I_will_consume_you_2
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r9k3ci/is_it_me_or_are_field_crickets_more_sophisticated/

crow eggfly aka Hypolimnas anomala guarding her eggs Luzon, Philippines 4-xii-2021

crow eggfly aka Hypolimnas anomala guarding her eggs Luzon, Philippines 4-xii-2021 submitted by /u/kuyawil77
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r9gw83/crow_eggfly_aka_hypolimnas_anomala_guarding_her/

Informative video on Spotted Lanternfly

submitted by /u/Insectopia2015
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r9hlig/informative_video_on_spotted_lanternfly/

Anyone know what this fuzzy little guy is? He was on my wall (in UK).

Anyone know what this fuzzy little guy is? He was on my wall (in UK). submitted by /u/RadioactiveRamenFire
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r9dh60/anyone_know_what_this_fuzzy_little_guy_is_he_was/

For the French speakers of this sub, here's a nice video.

For the French speakers of this sub, here's a nice video. submitted by /u/Blackcatblockingthem
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r9chu0/for_the_french_speakers_of_this_sub_heres_a_nice/

Saturday, 4 December 2021

These bugs were burned to a crisp during a controlled prairie burn. Ouch! Somehow the branch they're on is unscathed.

These bugs were burned to a crisp during a controlled prairie burn. Ouch! Somehow the branch they're on is unscathed. submitted by /u/Guppin
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r98fiy/these_bugs_were_burned_to_a_crisp_during_a/

are these fly eggs? or seeds? pls help!

are these fly eggs? or seeds? pls help! submitted by /u/squidwardsfupa
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r92agy/are_these_fly_eggs_or_seeds_pls_help/

What is this? Found in Indiana.

submitted by /u/plaquejack
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r8ytg0/what_is_this_found_in_indiana/

Based after u/addamay124’s meme

Based after u/addamay124’s meme submitted by /u/AdachiFromPersona4
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r8wzkc/based_after_uaddamay124s_meme/

Check out some families of Hymenopterans under a microscope with me! ^_^

Check out some families of Hymenopterans under a microscope with me! ^_^ submitted by /u/Insectopia2015
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r8xb76/check_out_some_families_of_hymenopterans_under_a/

What is this bug I always see at the gym? Its the size of my thumb. Sorry for the photo quality

What is this bug I always see at the gym? Its the size of my thumb. Sorry for the photo quality submitted by /u/ironddh
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/Entomology/comments/r8y78s/what_is_this_bug_i_always_see_at_the_gym_its_the/