Principal Res. Scientist & Res. Program Leader in Insect Behavior. Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI at Univ. of IL. Amazing insects, rootworms, corn & more!
This is male #Polyphemus#moth, #Antheraea polyphemus (Family #Saturniidae). The feathery "plumose" #antennae are adapted to detect female sex #pheromone at low concentrations. If detected, males engage in upwind flight following the concentration gradient to the waiting female.
“Girl with kaleidoscope eyes” #Coelioxys sp. #Cuckoo#leafcutter#bees parasitize the nests of leafcutter bees by invading & laying their eggs inside that will kill the leafcutter larvae & then eat their store of nectar & pollen. This female was chilling on an aster in my garden.
“Who’s in charge now?” If asked, I’d affirm the wheel #bug, #Arilus cristatus, as the top predator in my yard. A recent encounter w/ one of many cross #orbweavers, #Neoscona crucifera, in my yard reminded me that the tables can, and do, turn. #Arachtober#spider#arachnid
As our conversation comes to a close, Dr. Joseph Spencer reflects on the future of managing corn rootworm pressure. Now it’s your turn to reflect on the best approach for your fields. Take our quiz to see which Bayer trait fits your needs next season. https://t.co/kMmb0MyM6N
A big thank-you to @talkingrootworm and the University of Illinois for inviting us out and sharing such great insight into the world of corn rootworm.
#Spider#mating or a midnight snack? There's both a male & a female orbweaver (perhaps #Neoscona crucifera) in there. I think it's more #marriage than mealtime mayhem as they were suspended from a single silken strand.
#Spider#mating or a midnight snack? There's both a male & a female orbweaver (perhaps #Neoscona crucifera) in there. I think it's more #marriage than mealtime mayhem as they were suspended from a single silken strand.
These boy #bees are catching ZZZs! #Melissodes bimaculata is in the same family as the honeybee, #Apidae. The males roost together overnight on vegetation, while females stay in their individual nest holes in the ground.
These boy #bees are catching ZZZs! #Melissodes bimaculata is in the same family as the honeybee, #Apidae. The males roost together overnight on vegetation, while females stay in their individual nest holes in the ground.
Join us for a weekly series of conversations with Dr. Joseph L. Spencer @talkingrootworm, Principal Insect Behaviorist with the Illinois Natural History Survey and part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois. Each episode delves into corn rootworm and the pressure patterns they bring, shaping cornfields this season and beyond.
👉 New episodes drop every week till September. Episode 1 drops tomorrow — don’t miss your chance to “Know Before You Grow.”
🔍 Follow along for insights that help you stay ahead in the field.
#RootwormWatch
Three’s a crowd. Old fields surround #Illinois woods have been alive w/ the amorous blinking of #fireflies for weeks! I’m giving firefly #3 an “A” for enthusiasm, but there is inevitable disappointment in his future! #Lampyridae#macrophotography
Three’s a crowd. Old fields surround #Illinois woods have been alive w/ the amorous blinking of #fireflies for weeks! I’m giving firefly #3 an “A” for enthusiasm, but there is inevitable disappointment in his future! #Lampyridae#macrophotography