Entomology

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Why are there bugs in my firewood? Identifying and managing firewood insects. A stack of firewood on the ground covered in a dusting of snow.
Why are there bugs in my firewood? Identifying and managing firewood insects
With the arrival of winter-like weather, many of us will be firing up the fireplace. When bringing wood inside for the fire, we can sometimes bring...
What praying mantid have I found? Identifying praying mantids in Illinois. Closeup photo of a female Carolina mantid on a tree
What praying mantid have I found? Identifying praying mantids in Illinois
Most people are familiar with praying mantids. These large predatory insects are a common site in the fall, and we often encounter their egg cases (...
Wheel bugs: good bugs with a painful bite. Adult wheel bug climbing from a yellow flower to a brown flower.
Wheel bugs: good bugs with a painful bite
As we transition from summer to fall and the temperatures start cooling off, many of us will be spending more time outdoors. While enjoying our time...
Keeping butterfly and moth pupae over the winter
Caterpillars are frequently collected by students for science classes, or by parents to...
More than monarchs - What are those bugs on my milkweed? milkweed bugs on seed pod of butterfly milkweed.
More than monarchs - What are those bugs on my milkweed?
Milkweeds have become a popular garden plant the last several years. They are most commonly planted to help support monarch butterflies because...
Cicada Killer wasps in search of cicadas, not humans
The summer nights of Illinois stir the senses with the illuminating performance of lightning bug and the concerts of the cicada. The annual cicadas...
monarch butterfly resting on a finger
At-Home Science for Kids: Raising butterflies and more!
Like a lot of parents right now in the US, we have decided to homeschool our children. Right now, I’m trying to remember what in the heck did I do in...
a pink spotted lady beetle on a strawberry flower
Ladybug, Ladybug
Ladybugs, ladybirds, or more appropriately lady beetles (they are beetles, not bugs after all) are common insects in the landscape. They are one of...

News Releases

Aphid pests on the move in backyard gardens, agricultural fields
URBANA, Ill. – Ever spy small, yellow dots on the back of plant leaves during the summer months? Those tiny pear-shaped specks are aphids. Aphids are a common insect pest in the home landscape and for houseplants. There are many species of aphids in Illinois and they feed on a large...
Become a U of I Extension Master Gardener
Do you want to know more about horticulture?  Are you looking for ways to volunteer and connect with other gardening enthusiasts?  The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener program trains adult volunteers who assist on many local projects.  Master Gardeners grow produce for area food...

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