Insects representing the different prey spiders adjust venom for.

The Great Insect Decline: Why Scientists Are Sounding the Alarm

Sylvia Duruson

In recent decades, a disturbing trend has been emerging across the globe – insects are vanishing at an alarming rate. These tiny creatures, often overlooked and underappreciated, form the foundation of countless ecosystems and food webs. Scientists have documented steep declines in insect populations on every continent except Antarctica, with some regions reporting losses of ...

Wolf spider on the ground carrying baby spiders on its back

The Hidden Benefits of Having Spiders in Your Backyard

Sylvia Duruson

When most people spot a spider in their garden, their first instinct might be to squish it or call for backup. However, these eight-legged creatures deserve a second look. Far from being mere pests, spiders play crucial roles in our backyard ecosystems and offer surprising benefits that many homeowners overlook. From natural pest control to ...

A glass tank for housing insects

The Best Tank Size for Different Pet Insect Species

Sylvia Duruson

Keeping insects as pets has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of these small yet complex creatures. Unlike traditional pets, insects generally require minimal space, making them ideal for apartments or homes with limited room. However, determining the right enclosure size is crucial for your insect’s health, natural ...

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that poses a significant economic threat to Agriculture and Forestry.

From Pests to Protectors: When Invasive Insects Save Ecosystems

Sylvia Duruson

In the complex theater of ecological relationships, invasive species have traditionally been cast as villains. These non-native organisms, transported across natural barriers by human activity, often wreak havoc on native ecosystems, outcompeting indigenous species and disrupting established ecological balances. However, nature seldom conforms to our simplistic categorizations. In a fascinating twist of ecological dynamics, some ...

Comparison of butterflies with different seasonal color variations including eyespots

Why Some Insects Make Better Pets Than Others

Sylvia Duruson

While dogs and cats often claim the spotlight in the pet world, insects have been steadily gaining popularity as alternative companions. These tiny creatures offer unique advantages as pets – they require minimal space, have fascinating behaviors, and can teach valuable lessons about biology and ecology. However, not all insects are created equal when it ...

Green praying mantis standing on a textured black surface.

Caring for a Praying Mantis: Your Guide to Raising a Tiny Predator

Sylvia Duruson

Praying mantises stand among nature’s most fascinating predators, capturing our imagination with their alien-like appearance and remarkable hunting abilities. These skilled hunters, with their triangular heads and folded forelimbs that give them their “praying” posture, make surprisingly engaging and low-maintenance pets. Whether you’ve found one in your garden or purchased one from a specialty supplier, ...

A realistic terrarium setup for a madagascar hissing cockroach.

Top 10 Pet Insects That Are Surprisingly Easy to Care For

Sylvia Duruson

When most people think of pets, they typically envision furry companions like dogs, cats, or perhaps small mammals like hamsters. However, the world of pet keeping extends far beyond traditional choices. Insects, often overlooked as potential pets, can offer fascinating, low-maintenance companionship with minimal space requirements. These tiny creatures present unique opportunities to observe natural ...

Water strider on green water

The Science Behind Why Some Bugs Walk on Water

Sylvia Duruson

Have you ever marveled at the sight of a small insect seemingly defying the laws of physics as it glides effortlessly across the surface of a pond or puddle? This fascinating phenomenon is not magic but rather an intricate dance between biology and physics. Water striders, fishing spiders, and other aquatic insects have evolved remarkable ...

Ladybugs preying on multiple pest insects in an agricultural field

How Insects Revolutionized Medicine, Robotics, and Engineering

Sylvia Duruson

The natural world has always been humanity’s greatest teacher, offering solutions to complex problems through millions of years of evolutionary refinement. Among nature’s most remarkable innovators are insects—the tiny, often overlooked creatures that constitute over half of all known living organisms on Earth. These six-legged marvels have survived for more than 400 million years, developing ...

Macro view of bees working on a honeycomb, showcasing intricate hexagonal patterns.

How Insects Like Bees and Ants Use Mathematical Patterns in Nature

Sylvia Duruson

In the intricate tapestry of nature, a fascinating phenomenon exists that bridges the worlds of biology and mathematics. Insects, particularly social species like bees and ants, demonstrate an uncanny ability to create and utilize mathematical patterns in their daily lives. These tiny creatures, often overlooked in our day-to-day existence, are in fact natural mathematicians, employing ...