Bug Bytes
As described by Edward O. Wilson — perhaps the best known American biologist, researcher, naturalist and author — invertebrates are "The Little Things That Run the World." And indeed they do, in so many ways. In terms of numbers — while most invertebrates are pretty small, the sheer number of them is astounding. Together, they have more biomass than any other animal on earth.
Learn more about the fascinating creatures that run the world, with Bug Bytes from the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium.
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Instead of collecting pollen in “baskets” located on their hind legs like honey bees and bumblebees, leafcutters are a unique family of bees that really dive into their work. -
As highly skilled predators, predaceous diving beetles can make easy meals of a wide variety of prey. But it’s their larvae that have the fierce reputation earning them the nickname “water tigers.”
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Similar to other insects, like honey bees and some wasps, the ants store nectar during times of plenty. But instead of storing this excess food within the nest or in combs, honey pot ants employ a different strategy — overfeeding some of their nest-mates.
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Sometimes feet just stink. But if you’re a bumblebee, that’s actually a good thing.
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While out exploring during winter, you may come across an area of snow that appears to have been sprinkled with pepper. There are small black dots all over the place. If you take the time to look closely, you may notice that these dots are slowly moving — sometimes even jumping.
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There are 3 species of black widows found throughout the United States — the southern, western, and northern black widows. Their appearance will vary depending on species, if it’s a male or female spider, and whether it’s an adult or juvenile.
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These massive spiders are from the upland rainforest regions of northern South America and have the largest body size and mass of any spider. But despite their intimidating size and enormous fangs, biting is their last resort.
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As the name suggests, Wasp Mantisflies look a lot like a wasp, but they have the head and front legs of a mantis.
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Rather than actively hunting or catching their prey in a web like some spiders, Goldenrod Crab Spiders are sit and wait predators, waiting for their next meal to come to them.
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Surprisingly, humans and honey bees are much the same when it comes to sleep. Whether it’s a bee after a full day busily attending to colonial duties or a human after a long day at the office, we both need sleep to continue to function at our best.
