Paper wasps are social insects that build intricate nests from paper fibers and raise their young communally. They may strike fear into the hearts of those who see them, but they are highly beneficial pollinators who skillfully remove young caterpillars from flowers...
There are millions of species of insects, all trying to survive in the world. When insects cause harm to humans or the things we care about (plants, animals, buildings, etc.), they are considered pests. Only 1% to 3% of all insect species in the world have ever been...
The writing spider, or black and yellow argiope, is a brightly colored predator. They are considered orb weavers, which means they spin their web in a circle shape. This particular species adds zig-zag patterns to their web which looks like a person’s writing, which is why they are referred to as the writing spider in some places. Their body is black and yellow, with black and brown, red or yellow banded legs. Females are more than twice the size of males of the same species
Butterflies are beautiful, graceful creatures and there are over 20,000 different species located in many parts of the world. They also provide a very important service for the plant kingdom: pollination. While they perch on a flower to drink the nectar that sustains them, some of the pollen dust sticks on their wings and legs. As they flutter around, some of the pollen is dropped onto other flowers of the same species.
The Spiny orb weaver is one of many species of beneficial spider that feasts on small garden pests. Their common name is appropriately labelled, the spider has six pointy projections located around its abdomen. Bright coloration of the abdomen such as yellow, red, white and black are associated with this interesting critter, and the rest of its body is black. Although they may look dangerous with their bright colors, they are harmless to humans.
Dragonflies are graceful, brightly colored predatory insects with four wings and a long body. Large ancestors of dragonflies, those with a three-foot wingspan, were on this planet longer than we can imagine. Fossil records show that dragonflies have been here since before dinosaurs appeared! They fly over open areas of water, fields, and wetlands with ease.