Bee Gees

Summary: Over the past two years, the bee population has decreased dramatically and has immensely affected the pollination of plants. The question they are trying to answer is are bees dying because of the Varroa mite and deformed wing virus or pesticides? The scientist’s hypothesis was that the sudden decrease of bees was because of the Varroa mite and deformed wing virus, not because of pesticides. Their experiment was to produce and infect the larvae, pupae, and fully developed bees with an…

The yellow-shouldered blackbird (Agelaius xanthomus) is indigenous to the island of Puerto Rico. It is speculated that this species is derived from the red-winged blackbird which is native to the Haitian Island. Physically the yellow-shouldered blackbird looks just like it sounds, black with brachial yellow patches around the shoulders of the bird. The males are usually larger,heavier and have larger wings than the females of the species. On average the adult birds measure between twenty to…

From larva to a majestic winged monarch butterfly, the transformation a caterpillar undergoes in its quest to become a butterfly is truly unique. In such process a sixteen legged pest morphs into a beautiful butterfly. Though a beautiful sight, what a caterpillar actually goes through on this journey is quite gruesome. Many wonder how this 180 degree transformation is possible, but broken down it is much simpler to comprehend. Monarch butterflies lay their milky white eggs on milkweed, insuring…

A foreign ant species has found its way in the US, particularly in the state of Florida. The said ant is native to Madagascar but has made its way to Caribbean countries decades ago. Now, it is set to invade the US state. In Florida, there are currently 19 invasive ant species, which often thrive in warm weather and human activity such as the said state. The little yellow ant (Plagiolepis alluaudi) is an invasive, highly-reproductive, and foraging experts. At less than 2 millimeters, these…

Albert Einstein once wrote that “if the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would have only four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.” (Goodreads). Insect pollinators are responsible for approximately one third of food crops (Greenpeace, 3) Most wild plants rely on indirect or direct pollination in order to reproduce and thus the environment and economy govern on successful pollination (Green Peace, 3).…

Albert Einstein once stated, “if the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man.” It is vital that everyone be informed about the problem with the bee population and the need to take action to save the bees. SOS-Bees is a denomination of Greenpeace which, according to their mission statement, is the “leading independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful…

(875 words) Woolly Days ahead for the Hemlock Tree -Angela Cannon-Crothers I like bugs, ask anyone. I am awed by the mechanics of their life cycles, the biodiversity of the entire Order of Insecta, the magical beauty of so many of their kind. But there are a few that strike more than a few heebe-geebes -- some are downright frightening. Take the tiny hemlock wooly adelgid (ah-del-jid) for instance: a needle sucking scale insect of miniscule proportions that reproduces asexually (no male…

“The Giant hummingbird beats its wings twelve times per second, but the wings of smaller varieties beat up to 50 times per second”. · “The hummingbird's distinctive features are its long beak, vibrantly-colored plumage, and the humming sound”. · The Bee Hummingbird is the smallest bird in the…

Squirrels, likewise to humans and non-human animals, adjust their behaviors in accordance to seasonal changes. One key behavior that has been shown to vary by season is squirrel foraging behavior. It is important to understand this relationship in order to promote the well-being of squirrels by ensuring their ability to acquire energy-rich food year round. In a study conducted by researchers Everts, Strijkstra, Hut, Hoffmann, and Millesi (2004), it was shown that aboveground activity level…

There are also hazards that face the bat colony itself. By being located in the East College Street parking garage the bats may be at risk to the insecticide that is sprayed throughout the warmer part of the year. Insecticide trucks drive down highly populated centers in Nacogdoches, particularly those near athletic areas. As verified by Brian Bray, Director of Community Services for the city of Nacogdoches, there has been insecticide sprayed down East College Street throughout the year until…