2020 is proving to be a…ahem…wild year. The unusual, big eyed creatures we know as the PERIODICAL CICADA or CYCLICAL CICADA–particularly those known as Brood IX by U.S. Entomologists–made their debut in the late spring of 2020. Male cicadas make a lot of noise to attract a mate and in big brood years, that can…Continue Reading CICADAS and CICADA KILLERS… subtitled… “Is This A Murder Hornet?”
Asian Giant Hornets – A Concern for New York?
By now many Americans reading or watching the news have heard about “murder hornets” from Asia invading the American landscape. It is true that in many parts of East Asia, Japan in particular, a large hornet lives and feasts upon honey bees and other insects. This is the Asian giant hornet (AGH), or Vespa mandarinia,…Continue Reading Asian Giant Hornets – A Concern for New York?
All Buzz and No Sting
The sound of buzzing in our ears is one that evokes terror. Even as an entomologist, I can only stand the sound for a short time before I involuntarily swat at my winged assailant. If this is your reaction too – know that you’re not alone. Our distress over the buzzing of a flying insect,…Continue Reading All Buzz and No Sting
Dog-day Cicadas — and the Wasps That Do Them In
Midsummer in New York is when things really start to heat up. And as if hot days aren’t enough, the sound of the dog day cicada makes it seem even hotter. Cicadas are robust insects — up to 1 ¼ inch — with piercing mouthparts that suck up plant juices. Cicada nymphs live underground, feeding…Continue Reading Dog-day Cicadas — and the Wasps That Do Them In