The edible insect industry is booming. And although the thought of eating bugs may be unappealing, insect protein is already being used for aquaculture, livestock feed, pet foods, and many products intended for human consumption. Insects are also being hailed as a possible solution to world hunger as increasing populations, and limited resources become a…

Researchers from Melbourne University have discovered how Australia’s Christmas beetles moderate their body temperature through the use of their colourful carapaces. There are approximately 36 species of Christmas beetle in Australia and the colour of different species’ “elytra” or hard shell can vary widely. The body temperature of some small animals like insects is directly…

Question: Our magnolia tree has sooty mold. We had the tree sprayed for the fungus, but it is still dripping stuff. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: Sooty mold is a fungus that grows on the sugary sap that is dripped on everything below a tree that has sucking insects. Some insects are sort of…

The Indonesian island of Borneo has been dubbed the “world’s lungs” because of its abundance of dense forests, which supports abundant life. It’s a prime place for macro photographers to capture lush flora and fauna—as wildlife admirer Abdul Gapur Dayak, from the small village of Tamiang Layang in Central Kalimantan, knows. Dayak, an avid macro photographer,…

No matter whether a region is rocky and arid, humid and sandy, or lush and mossy, critters abound. And as long as they leave well enough alone (i.e. hearth and home and shed, etc.) peace prevails. It is when creepy, crawly or slithery, slimy wildlife gets too close for comfort to human dwellings that territorial…