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.
Despite resembling a bumble bee, this is a actually huge fly that preys on other insects. They have strong venom for downing prey or inflicting a painful bite if handled. Notice this specimen turning its head to track potential prey flying by. Many flies mimic bees, and this species is among the largest in the…
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…
We like them fresh when we eat them, right? Well, a company in New York has stocked bars with jars of different varieties. Bonus: they grow 30-100 lbs. of mushrooms a week all the while collecting data on light, temperature and other factors. They are both decorative and close to diners! One of a handful…
Ponerine ants like this live their lives in forest soils and feed on other arthropods.
The Calico Pennant is a colorful, beautifully marked dragonfly. A key identifier for this species is the dark spot that occurs short of the wing tip. This spot is positioned next to the leading edge of the wing, and it does not extend as a band to the trailing edge of the wing. This dragonfly…
This large hornet is native to Europe and can be common, especially in areas of human development. They are predators of other arthropods, which they bring back to their nest in a cavity such as a tree hole. Despite being large and scary, they are not aggressive.