UConn Extension is celebrating Bug Month from July 1 – 31 with virtual programs and resources for the entire family. All ages are welcome to explore the activities dedicated to insects and their relatives. Bug Month virtual programs and resources are buzzing with the following: Answer a few questions to qualify for a […]
News & Articles
Confronting the ‘Insect Apocalypse’
A period of mass extinction threatens insects – and the humans and animals who depend on them. It’s not just bees and butterflies that are under threat: UConn entomologist and Professor David Wagner says all kinds of insects are at risk for “a death by a thousand cuts.” This is alarming, since insects play vital […]
Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Lynn Keller
UConn CAHNR Extension typically holds Bug Week in July; however, this year Extension has designated July as Bug Month. The UConn Extension Master Gardeners and Master Gardener interns participate. Bug Month is an educational outreach activity that promotes insects in the environment (bugs.uconn.edu/). Volunteers like Dr. Lynn Keller make this educational event fun and successful. […]
Butterfly of the week – Viceroy
The Viceroy butterfly, Limenitis archippus is similar to but smaller than the monarch butterfly. Viceroy butterflies live in most of the continental United States, southern Canada and northern Mexico. The wing span of the adult ranges from 2.5 to 3.375 inches. The viceroy is a very distinct butterfly for its genus, but can be confused […]
Butterfly of the week – Monarch
The Monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus, is the best known butterfly in North America. Monarchs found in North America can be split into the eastern and western monarchs. Those which live and breed west of the Rocky Mountains spend their winters in southern California whereas those who live and breed in the east overwinter in Central […]
Butterfly of the week – Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
The Eastern tiger swallowtail, Papilio glaucus, is one of the most common swallowtail butterflies in the eastern United States. It is widely distributed from New England to the southern Great Lakes and the Great Plains states as well as to Texas and Florida. The Eastern tiger swallowtail is a large butterfly with a 3 to 5.5 […]
Wild and Wonderful Insects of New England
Article and photos by Pamm Cooper Toward the end of spring and the beginning of summer, I find that the most interesting insects are to be found. While spring offers some really good forester caterpillars and their attractive moths, among other things, nature seems to me to save the best for last, it seems to […]
Want More Bugs?
Are you looking for more bug related activities, and can’t wait for Bug Week? We’ve pulled together a few things of interest for you: WayBack Burgers is offering Cricket Milkshakes. WNPR and the Daily Share both had news stories about it. The milkshakes are only offered for a limited time, stop and visit a Wayback […]
Citizen Scientists Needed
Citizen Scientists Needed for the Vanishing Firefly Project By Erin Weeks Originally Published on EntomologyToday.org Finding a mate can be hard enough in the animal kingdom, but nocturnal creatures face an added difficulty — locating potential partners in the dark. It’s a problem many insects have solved by evolving an array of mating signals that […]
The Untimely Death of a Worm
By Catherine Hallisey Connecticut FoodCorps As I was kneeling by a raised garden bed, planting snap peas with a couple of students, I heard a third grader scream “NOOOOOO!” from the other side of the garden. An array of thoughts immediately sped through my mind in the split second it took me to get over […]