The Jewel Beetle, renowned for its dazzling iridescence and intricate patterns, is a captivating insect found in forests and woodlands world...
Introduction: The Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes ), a member of the Canidae family, is a highly adaptable and clever mammal that has captured the ...
Introduction: Cranes, belonging to the family Gruidae, are majestic birds celebrated for their elegance, distinctive calls, and intricate co...
Introduction: The Snowy Owl ( Bubo scandiacus ) is a majestic bird of prey that embodies the stark beauty of the Arctic tundra. With its st...
The Peacock, with its extravagant plumage and majestic demeanor, is one of the most iconic and admired birds in the world. Renowned for its ...
Introduction: The Peregrine Falcon, scientifically known as Falco peregrinus , stands as a testament to the marvels of avian evolution and ...
In a continuation of the insect theme from the post about the Beyond the Hive Competition, here are some more examples of interesting designs, from simple to extravagan
Introduction: The lion, scientifically known as Panthera leo , is a majestic and awe-inspiring creature that has captivated human fascinati...
The octopus, a mesmerizing creature of the ocean depths, possesses remarkable intelligence, adaptability, and a host of fascinating abilitie...
Introduction: The Cheetah, scientifically known as Acinonyx jubatus , is a marvel of evolution, renowned for its incredible speed and disti...
Introduction: Dragonflies, belonging to the order Odonata, are enchanting insects that grace the summer skies with their vibrant colors and ...
Hummingbirds, with their iridescent plumage and remarkable agility, are among the most captivating creatures in the avian world. These tiny ...
Introduction: The Scarlet Macaw, scientifically known as Ara macao , is a breathtakingly beautiful bird that graces the tropical rainforest...
Ants, belonging to the family Formicidae , are among the most industrious and successful insects on Earth. These tiny but mighty creatures f...
Introduction: The Toucan, belonging to the family Ramphastidae , is a striking and charismatic bird known for its distinctive large, colorfu...
A quick visual card to identify the good bugs vs bad bugs in your northeast garden. Use this guide to avoid removing important bugs.
Introduction: The Red Panda, scientifically known as Ailurus fulgens , is a charismatic and elusive creature that inhabits the dense bamboo...
The main difference between a bug and a beetle is that a bug belongs to the order Hemiptera whereas a beetle belongs to the order Coleoptera. Also, a notable difference between a bug and a beetle is their mouthparts. Bugs have a needle-like, piercing stylet while beetles have chewing mouthparts.
Introduction: The Bald Eagle, scientifically known as Haliaeetus leucocephalus , is an iconic and majestic bird of prey that holds a specia...
Introduction: The Gazelle, a slender and graceful antelope species, epitomizes the beauty and agility of wildlife on the African savannah. W...
We put together 54 common types of ladybugs in North America you may encounter in your garden (with names and pictures).
Introduction: The Firefly, scientifically known as Lampyridae , is a captivating and enigmatic insect that enchants summer nights with its m...
Introduction: The River Otter ( Lontra canadensis ), a charismatic member of the Mustelidae family, is a playful and agile mammal that call...
Introduction: The Luna Moth ( Actias luna ) is a captivating and ethereal insect known for its enchanting appearance and nocturnal habits. ...
Introduction: The Monarch Butterfly, scientifically known as Danaus plexippus , is a captivating insect celebrated for its vibrant colors a...
Insects Names in English Admiral butterfly ambush bug antlions aphid archaeognatha assassin bug bat bug bee bees beetle beetles biting lice blue morpho butterfly
Two pretty Birds: Selasphorus rufus visiting Caesalpinia pulcherrima When we bought our property in Picture Rocks in 2002, there was a run-down flower garden close to the house. We expelled half dead rose bushes and rabbit-fenced ice-plants right away. Most of our new landscaping plants were cacti and other succulents, but we also wanted a few flowers close to the house. Red Birds of Paradise Caesalpinia pulcherrima At gas stations and along street medians, we saw very healthy, lush Red Birds of Paradise Caesalpinia pulcherrima. Our sandy soil and maybe our stingy watering produced much smaller plants with fewer flowers, but the main problem proved to be low winter temperatures. Coming from more tropical regions, maybe the West Indies, the plants freeze down to the ground and have to start over after a normal Tucson winter. Our bushes are still hanging on ... Desert Bird of Paradise, Yellow Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii) We soon found another plant in the same genus, Yellow Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii) , that fits our climate better. It is native to Argentina and Uruguay, but has now naturalized in portions of the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Deserts. It's fast growing even under very arid conditions, deciduous and hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The branches are woody and the plant can be trimmed into tree shape. We also found that taller stems break like glass in our strong wind. The Yellow Bird of Paradise can be easily propagated from seeds. I have seen it on the southern slopes of some of our sky-island mountains and also in the wild in So Cal north around Dulzura in San Diego Co. Anyway, the plants are not very long lived. Recently, half of a 12 year old tree dried up. When I was cutting it up, I noticed the exit holes of beetles. There might have been both Buprestides and Cerambycids it seemed. Although it seems a lot like closing the barn door after the horse has escaped, we cut up the branches to place them in a closed container. If there are still beetles hatching, we will see them. I am interested to see what species can feed on an introduced tree. The leguminous Birds maybe related closely enough to mesquite and palo verde to host the same insects. There is of course no way of telling whether the beetles that left the holes had anything to do with the demise of the branch. Many species are strongly drawn to fresh-dead wood, which is still nutritious without being defended by tree sap. If I find anything, I'll add it here. September 1, 2014 two buprestids have emerged. A small black white and red Acmaeodera gibbula and a larger Chrysobothris sp. Robert Velten from So Cal says: "Chrysobothris merkelii is a good bet, quite polyphagous. They kill senescent Albizia trees in landscaping here. Seems like most of the woody pea family shrubs and trees locally can serve as hosts."
Looking like illustrations from the children's classic Alice in Wonderland photographer Igor Siwanowicz brings out the beauty in these little beasts.
