Insects

Insects • October 8, 2025

Great Lakes Under Attack: 12 Invasive Fish Species You Need to Recognize

Picture this: you’re standing on the shores of Lake Michigan, watching what should be crystal-clear waters teeming with native lake trout and whitefish. Instead, you’re witnessing an ecological battlefield where foreign invaders have fundamentally altered one of North America’s most precious freshwater ecosystems. The Great Lakes now host over 188 non-native species, with invasive fish […]

Osemhenon Ikpea • October 8, 2025

Insects • October 7, 2025

Cicadas in Tennessee: Complete Species Guide for Annual and Periodical Types

Tennessee’s summer symphony wouldn’t be complete without the distinctive drone of cicadas filling the warm air. You might be surprised to learn that the Volunteer State hosts 13 different cicada species, each with unique emergence patterns, sounds, and identifying characteristics. Whether you’re hearing the familiar buzz of annual dog-day cicadas or witnessing the spectacular emergence […]

Ekokotu Emmanuel Eguono • October 7, 2025

Insects • October 7, 2025

6 Dangerous Centipedes in North Carolina You Need to Identify

You’re walking through your North Carolina home late at night when something fast and multi-legged scurries across your path. That moment of panic isn’t uncommon—North Carolina hosts several centipede species, and knowing which ones pose potential risks can help you respond appropriately. While most centipedes actually benefit homeowners by controlling other pests, understanding their identification, […]

Abiodun Desmond • October 7, 2025

Insects • October 7, 2025

North Carolina’s Most Common Stinging Insects: What You Need to Know

North Carolina’s warm, humid climate creates perfect conditions for numerous stinging insects that can quickly transform your peaceful outdoor activities into potentially dangerous encounters. From aggressive yellowjackets defending underground nests to the impressive aerial displays of bald-faced hornets, these eight species represent the most frequently encountered stinging insects across the Tar Heel State. Understanding their […]

Victor Anunobi • October 7, 2025

Insects • October 7, 2025

13 Florida Stinging Insects Ranked by How Much They Hurt

Florida’s warm climate creates the perfect breeding ground for some of the most painful stinging insects in North America. While a typical honey bee sting registers around a 2 on the Schmidt Pain Scale, some Florida natives can deliver pain levels that reach the maximum 4 rating. Understanding which stinging insects pack the most painful […]

Otaigbe Best • October 7, 2025

Insects • October 3, 2025

8 Dangerous Centipedes You’ll Find in Your Texas Home

You’re reaching for that box in your garage when something with lightning-fast legs scurries across your hand. In Texas, that something could pack a venomous bite capable of sending you to the emergency room. While most people worry about scorpions and spiders, Texas centipedes pose an equally serious threat that’s hiding in plain sight throughout […]

Kehinde Ikpea • October 3, 2025

Insects • October 3, 2025

The 9 Cicada Species You’ll Find in Michigan (And When to Hear Them)

Michigan summers wouldn’t be complete without the distinctive buzzing soundtrack of cicadas echoing through backyards and forests. While many people assume all cicadas are the same, Michigan actually hosts nine distinct species that emerge at different times and produce unique sounds. You’ll encounter both annual species that appear reliably every summer and mysterious periodical cicadas […]

Zainab Badmus • October 3, 2025

Insects • October 3, 2025

Cicadas in North Carolina: 14 Species You’ll Encounter This Summer

Every summer evening in North Carolina brings the unmistakable drone of cicadas filling the air, but you might be surprised to learn that 14 distinct species create this seasonal symphony. Unlike the massive periodical emergences that capture headlines every 13 or 17 years, most of North Carolina’s cicadas emerge annually, providing consistent background music to […]

Job Adeniyi • October 3, 2025

Insects • October 3, 2025

Identify These 9 Common Cicada Species in Ohio

You’re sitting on your porch on a warm Ohio evening when that familiar buzzing fills the air. But did you know that distinctive sound could be coming from any of nine different cicada species? Ohio hosts both annual cicadas that emerge every summer and the famous 17-year periodical cicadas that create massive choruses during their […]

Job Adeniyi • October 3, 2025

Insects • October 2, 2025

The Complete Guide to Bee Predators: From Bears to Wasps and Everything In Between

Did you know that a single bear attack can destroy an entire beehive in minutes, yet tiny mites smaller than a pinhead pose an even greater threat to bee colonies worldwide? This striking contrast illustrates the diverse range of predators of bees that challenge both wild pollinators and managed apiaries across the globe. From microscopic […]

Joy Ebarefeye • October 2, 2025