Broad-winged Damselflies
Broad-winged Damselflies The four broad-winged damselflies (Calopterygidae) found in Wisconsin.
Category: Insects
What does the insect category hold? Insects, of course. Plenty of informational tidbits to help you ID an insect or just learn little interesting facts.
I’ve learned quickly that most people squirm at the thought of insects. I’m not one of them. I enjoy getting right up in their faces to see if I have seen “this one.” Hope you enjoy!
BEETLES / BUTTERFLY, MOTH, SKIPPER / DAMSELFLIES / FLIES / GARDEN PESTS
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle
Goldenrod Soldier Beetle One of the most common species of soldier beetles in the Midwest and Canada is the Goldenrod soldier beetle.
Milkweed Bug
Milkweed bugs are Lygaeidae which are part of the family in the Hemiptera with more than 110 species in 4 subfamilies. Many of the species feed on seeds, although some feed on sap
Tomato Pests
Tomato Pests Got yourself tomato pests? Let’s go over a few of the common ones you might see, or the damage they might leave behind on occasion.
Mourning Cloak Butterfly
Mourning Cloak Butterfly The mourning cloak butterfly is one of the first butterflies to be seen in spring.
White-lined Sphinx Moth Caterpillar
White-lined Sphinx Moth Caterpillar This White-lined Sphinx Moth Caterpillar (Hyles lineata) might not look like much now, but he grows up to be the white lined sphinx moth which most people mistake for a hummingbird.
The Eastern Harvestmen
Around our parts of the nation we call the Eastern Harvestmen creatures daddy longlegs, but the real name is the Eastern harvestmen. There are 6,650 species of harvestmen worldwide.
Golden Backed Snipe Fly
The golden backed snipe fly is a black insect with a bright yellow back and the body of the fly has an almost silver or white shimmering metallic striped look to it.
Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar
Milkweed isn't just for Monarchs. The Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar uses it for a food source too. Then it becomes the Milkweed Tiger Moth.
Stink Bug
Stink Bug There are many varieties of the stink bug. Most are olive green and black, although some are brightly colored and all are shield-shaped insects.
Common Scorpionfly
So what is this crazy-looking insect? Have you seen one before? This is the common scorpionfly. To me, there is nothing common about the look of this little guy.
Organic Deer Plant Repellent
Organic Deer Plant Repellent Recipe Deer love to munch on certain plants and it is rather comical how in one area a gardener will have luck with a certain product keeping deer away from their...
3 Things Gardeners Can Do To Help The Declining Honey Bee Population
Want to help out the declining honey bee population? I have put together a list of 3 things gardeners can do to help the declining honey bee population.
Leafhoppers and Planthoppers
Leafhoppers and Planthoppers There are over 12,500 varieties of leafhoppers and planthoppers, that feed on the sap from plants, grass, and trees but most are harmless to the plant.
Gall Fly Produces Goldenrod Galls
Gall Fly Produces Goldenrod Galls The Gall fly produces goldenrod galls that become the food source and host plant for gall fly larva over the course of the winter. The insect has a fairly interesting...
Snails
Snails At some point, you will have to contend with snails in your vegetable garden and flower gardens. Use these simple tricks to slay snails on your container plantings and gardens
How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats on Houseplants
How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnat on Houseplants The weather turns colder and immediately you turn your attention to bringing in some of your outdoor plants. A day or two goes by and you...
Spreadwing Damselflies
There are 11 different spreadwing damselflies in Wisconsin. Besides the spreadwings there are another two families of damsels including the broad-winged which has 4 and the pond species that has 34.
Low Down on Neem Oil For Plants
Low Down on Neem Oil For Plants Neem oil is fantastic if you purchase the correct kind and use it properly. Most of the time when I hear someone complain that Neem oil didn’t work for...
Blister Beetle
Blister Beetle A few of many beetles in the blister beetle family. The beetle is part of the Meloidae family, they are called blister beetles for a good reason.