(February 20, 2020)
Even parasites have nightmares Some experts assert that the most common lifestyle in nature is that of parasitism. (Read Rachel Nuwer's interview with ecologist Kevin Lafferty "Parasitism is the Most Popular Lifestyle...
(January 2, 2020)
After almost five years doing a weekly blog it had to happen. With rainy, cold weather and the fact that over the last several years I've already written about most...
(November 14, 2019)
A harmless imposter Being the local "bug guy," I was recently asked about a spider that looked "almost exactly like a black widow" but lacked the distinctive red hourglass...
(September 5, 2019)
Mayflies on the Van Duzen Getting a late start, I made my way down to the river after the sun had gone from the canyon. I noted many tiny flying...
(August 8, 2019)
Nymphs on patrol I have seen alarmingly few dragonflies along my stretch of the Van Duzen River this year. Where I'm used to seeing dozens in a day, I'm seeing...
(July 11, 2019)
Dragonflies remembered Sometimes it takes a little excursion to get back home. A fond memory from childhood was watching eight spotted skimmer dragonflies (Libellula forensis) over the little creek at...
(July 11, 2019)
When my wife asked if I wanted to take a midnight stroll I was delighted. I was even more delighted when we saw a couple of unexpected predators. Not wishing...
(June 27, 2019)
Deadly Darlingtonias About two hours north of Eureka on State Route 199, a few miles past Gasquet, a small sign announces, "Botanical Trail." It's a very short drive on...
(May 23, 2019)
The bald faced truth I decided to devote this week's contribution to a single unpopular species. Known for its large size, aggressive behavior and powerful sting, the bald faced...
(April 25, 2019)
Between the raindrops Despite the dreary weather, life must go on. Eager to get along with their lives, our local insects show up even for the brief patches of...
(March 28, 2019)
Spring at last After a few false starts it feels like spring is finally underway. Days ago, a walk in the woods with my dogs produced a tick. I've...
(February 28, 2019)
Bugs from long ago About 30 years ago, I was riding my mountain bike in the desert north of Reno when I saw a large, shiny insect climbing up...
