Reintroducing Endangered Beetle

About a week ago the American Burying Beele (Nicrophorus americanus) was reintroduced into Wah' Kon-Tah Prairie here in Missouri.  The beetles (some 300) came from the St. Louis Zoo's breeding program.  I wish the beetles luck and hopefully this will be but a stepping stone to their eventual recovery in other places they once inhabited.

Macro Photography

I love macro photos, especially when the subject matter involves insects and such.  The other day I was looking for a photo to use as an avatar on a forum I belong to when I came across the work of Igor Siwanowicz.

And I could go on, but to save space I'll have to just give you a link to his gallery...HERE.  One day I hope to be able to capture pics half this good!

Life Will Find a Way

Friend of mine sent me the link for this article from NPR.  Pretty cool and interesting read.  I love the big stick insects!

Six-Legged Giant Finds Secret Hideaway, Hides For 80 Years

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Spring!

The mercury shot up to damn near 70 degrees today.  Sure felt good to be outside without a jacket.  Can't wait to get back into the field and start taking some photos/collecting specimens again.  This year my big goal is to snag some preying mantis and stick insects for rearing projects.  I also hope to start a study on the ecology of intermittent urban waterways...for fun!  This blog is intended to be a journal of sorts as I go.  Stay tuned.  In the meantime here's the bug 'o the day...
  

Phyllocrania paradoxa