Category: Ask an Entomologist
Mosquito Repellent Clothing: does it work?
Short answer: Yes! I love mine! I also have a very stylish hat that isn’t treated, but keeps the insects from biting my neck and head. And now, to qualify my answer with a bunch […]
How to photograph insects
Unfortunately, I don’t have much of a camera, so can’t give you good advice. However, I can refer you to some other people who take amazing photos, and that are willing to share their knowledge […]

Ask an Entomologist: Bot Flies
A story in the news today: Man surprised by bot flies on his head! I was looking at some of the comments on that article, and thought some general info about bot flies might be […]

What’s the best way to repel mosquitoes?
Do a Google search on this phrase, and I’m afraid nearly all the top results will try to sell you garbage. You can buy solar-powered ultrasound “repellers” that claim to scare mosquitoes off–but they’ll mostly […]

DDT and Attacks on Rachel Carson: The CliffsNote Version
A collection of links and essays
Fireflies!!!
I’m so happy to be home, especially because the first firefly of the summer was out last night! Fireflies create their glow with the help of a protein with the awesome name of luciferin. Why […]
Awesome Moth/Butterfly ID website!
One of the most common questions I get is “I saw an awesome butterfly–what was that?” Here’s a great resource: Moths and Butterflies of North America In addition to photos of most adults and larvae, […]
Providing native bee habitat in your yard
One logical question following the discussion of tomato pollination, and the decline in honey bees is “what can I do to promote native bee populations?” Several great publications are available to discuss how to do […]
Tomatoes, bees, and sex toys.
New post over at Skepchick :) I’ve been having an “ask an entomologist” session over at the JREF forums, and a question came up about tomatoes and pollination. Mercutio was concerned that with the disappearing […]