Natural Science Forum / Biology / Entomology / January 2005

I notice that, like the subject of this Newsgroup, most of the potential
participants also become dormant during winter months.

Leps-L is the only international lep discussion group, that I am aware of, where, because it is not moderated, one can fully discuss issues if one has the fortitude to participate, i.e., reading something that is really jarring and taking it in stride, and not being afraid to be ...

There are some interesting observations on this subject here in Yuma, Arizona.  We are tucked away in the very southwest corner of the state.  We are having the wettest winter for about 9 years, maybe longer than that.  Back in 1994, or thereabouts, we had similar spring rains ...

I am wondering if anyone knows of or has had experience with raising either
Iphiclides podalirius or Papilio alexanor in the US? I have an opportunity
to try both species, but cannot find information on what specific US
foodplants will work. I am in the midwest. Any help would be ...

FYI:
Many of the readers of these list-serves are likely aware that the entire collection of J. Research Lep is now on-line.  What you might not be aware of is that there is a major effort underway to put much of the historic taxonomic literature on line as well.  In particular, ...

Are "pantry bugs" and the moths that make holes in wool clothing one
and the same?
I use lavender oil to protect the wool clothes. What would you
recommend for pantry bugs?

What do mosquitoes gain in the design decision to have such high rate
of wing beats that are a sure giveaway to their location when in a
quiet room?  More flying agility?
True, quiet rooms probably were not where they evolved.

Hi, when flies die, why do their legs retract and criss cross over each
other?  Is it muscle contraction or something else.  Appreciate any help in
this matter.
John from Scotland

I've been through all my field guides, but this one has me stumped.  Some
photos:
http://www.markcassino.com/temp/insect/insect.htm
I spotted it in my yard in Kalamazoo, Michigan last August, while I was

As web editor for The Lepidopterists' Society, I occasionally update the
list of butterfly/moth web links that is available on that website.  I've
just started adding a new category called "Searchable Databases" and need
your help in making it complete.