ecoEXPLORE

The answers to the moth mystery is here! How many did you get right? Don't forget to start your Moth Badge by the end of this month. Once you start the badge you'll have an entire year to finish. Happy exploring!

In honor of our Moth Field Focus Badge this entomology mystery is testing your moth identification skills. How many can you identify? Tune in tomorrow for the answers!

Check out this awesome Eastern Pondhawk dragonfly observation submitted by exoEXPLORER, lauranino. There are so many reasons that dragonflies are arguably one of the coolest insects around. First, dragonflies are ancient! Dragonflies were flying around 70 MILLION years BEFORE the first dinosaur appeared on earth. And at the time they were giant, about the size of a crow.
Dragonflies are also one of the few insects who can move all four wings independently from one another. This makes them expert hunters! When hunting other insects, like mosquitos, dragonflies are successful about 90% of the time. As a reference, a pack of lions have about a 25% hunting success rate. They are known for being the most effective hunters on earth!

Did you know that some insects start their lives living in the water? Join Meghan as she shares all about her love for macroinvertebrates and stream quality. We hope you enjoy the journey as we learn about aquatic insects and explore a mountain stream in the fall foliage!

What are Macroinvertebrates? Meghan takes over for this video and shares all about her love for ...

ecoEXPLORER, tommyexplorer, has been working on their Moth Badge and submitted this amazing challenge, depicting the difference between moths and butterflies. We love when science and art come together so beautifully! Great job!

Have you ever wondered what happens to insects in winter? Join Ana has she interviews a queen bee, a stonefly, a grasshopper, and a fly to see what their winter plans are!

Entomology Season: Insects in Winter Have you ever wondered what happens to insects in winter? Join Ana ...

Insects undergo massive transformations in their lives, changing body form multiple times. Join us for this program, where we'll explore the three types of insects metamorphosis and how different insects grow and change throughout their lives. See our website for more information. Hope to see you there!

Woah! ecoEXPLORER, guineapiggirl recently submitted this awesome photo of an Eastern Hercules Beetle. These beetles are among the heaviest and longest beetle in the United States. The males have a large horn that grows from their heads. These horns are used to battle other males and attract mates. What a cool observation! What has been your favorite insect observation?

Since our Entomology Field Season is in full swing let's review what makes an insect an insect! First, all insects have an exoskeleton, meaning their skeleton is on the outside of their body. Next, every insect has three body segments. This includes a head, thorax and abdomen. Lastly, all insects have six legs. This is probably the easiest way distinguish an insect from other creepy crawlies that you might find outside.
So, lets review:
Spider! ❎ NOT an insect
Snail! ❎ NOT an insect
Beetle! 👍 INSECT!
Millipede! ❎ NOT an insect
Honey Bee! 👍 INSECT!
Dragonfly! 👍 INSECT!
Earthworm ❎ NOT an insect
Happy exploring! 🐝🦋

Check out this amazing luna moth observation submitted by ecoEXPLORER cherry.
Like all moths, luna moths go through a very dramatic metamorphosis. After hatching from an egg luna moths spend six-seven weeks as a caterpillar. As a caterpillar they can regurgitate their food when feeling threatened to help deter predators. As adults they have spots that look like eyes, which can also help prevent them from becoming a tasty snack.
Have you started your moth badge? Remember, if you start your moth badge by the end of August then you'll have an entire year to finish!