Longlegged fly (Condylostylus) hunting on leaftops
These attractive metallic flies are commonly seen on leaftops, hunting for smaller insects. They are lively creatures and some species have elaborate mating dances.
These attractive metallic flies are commonly seen on leaftops, hunting for smaller insects. They are lively creatures and some species have elaborate mating dances.
Scuttle flies are likely among the most ecologically diverse families of all arthropods. The diversity of habits is staggering. Although some scuttle flies specialize on ants, even killing them in interesting ways, these individuals are likely just seeking to snack on an already-dead ant, before scuttling on their way
Nearly 1,000 species of click beetle inhabit the US, and eyed click beetles are among the largest. They have two large eyespots, surely for protection against predators, as eyespots in other insects. But the eyespots of eyed click beetles are unique. They absorb 96% of light, nearly ‘super black’, and much more than most blacks…
DNA studies show that there are thousands of different fungi in a single sample of soil, many of which are unknown and hidden – so-called “dark taxa.” Retiboletus Ornatipes, commonly known as the ornate-stalked bolete or goldstalk, is a species of bolete fungus in the family Boletaceae. Originally named Boletus Ornatipes, it was transferred to Retiboletus in 2002. The question “is Retiboletus Ornatipes edible” is…
Rarely encountered, even by specialists, forcepflies are strange insects with little known about their biology. Although they spend most of their life as a larva, their larval stage remains a mystery, despite a century of searching.
Among the many species of rattlesnake, timber rattlers are the only species in the area. They have powerful venom that is medically significant to humans; however bites are uncommon due to their mild disposition. Despite issuing a characteristic warning sound, they are actually slow to strike. Individuals live 9–10years and primarily feed on rodents.
This wasp is about two millimeters long and easily mistaken for a tiny ant. They are fast runners and can jump readily with a unique method of contorting the body. This female is looking for insect eggs, which act as a perfect host for her own eggs. This species likely utilizes stink bugs as hosts.