It probably comes as no surprise that we highly encourage using invertebrates as teaching tools for a wide range of scientific subjects, from physiology to biomimicry. But when working with […]
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Notes from the Lab: Ladybugs in the Garden
Recently, while collaborating on a science fair project with a Sentinel high school student, we received a package of 1000 live ladybugs. The charismatic little beetles arrived with a shipment […]
Read MoreNotes from the Lab: Polly, Queen of Arachnids
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Polly, our infamous and beloved burgundy goliath bird-eating tarantula. Polly was a true queen amongst arachnids, demanding respect and […]
Read MoreNotes from the Lab: Life Finds a Way
Many consider insects to be the most successful lifeforms on the planet. If you’re a longtime reader of Notes from the Lab, it should come as no surprise that they […]
Read MoreNotes from the Lab: Snow Fleas
Winter doesn’t technically start for another week, but it certainly made an early arrival in our corner of the world. While I miss the noisy din of insects at the height of summer, […]
Read MoreNotes from the Lab: Spider Myths (Part II)
It’s time to break down some popular myths surrounding spiders! Myth: “The daddy long leg is the most venomous spider in the world, but its fangs are too small to […]
Read MoreNotes from the Lab: Insect Sleep
Sleep is nearly universal within animals. Though it may present differently between species, everyone needs a rest now and then. Insects are no exception. Sleep signatures in insects resemble those […]
Read MoreNotes from the Lab: Entomophagy
What did you have for breakfast this morning? Cereal? Eggo waffles? Pan-fried scorpion? If consuming insects has never crossed your mind, then you’d be considered the minority. Western culture has […]
Read MoreNotes from the Lab: Bloodsuckers
Happy Halloween to you all! We’re wrapping up this month’s gruesome topics with a primer on the vampires of the insect world. Mosquitos have certainly earned their place as the number one […]
Read MoreNotes from the Lab: Weird Science
Welcome back to the Lab! For the last several weeks, our Barcoding US Ants participants have been actively involved in the wet lab portion of our project. During the summer, […]
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