Dr. Tim's Spineless Wonders
Dr. Tim's Spineless Wonders
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Insects May Be Smiling on the Inside
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019
As a fourth-grader I drew my first real insect in art class. I think it was a pretty good rendering. It was anatomically correct for the most part, right up until the very end when, as children often do, I planted a big ole smiley face on the head, two dots for eyes, a circle…
Read More Plan to Run from Killer Bees
Thursday, December 6th, 2018
This spring, for the second time since 2005, A.J. Foyt was attacked by Africanized, killer bees. Known to millions of fans simply as A.J., the American race car driving legend won a staggering number of races in several types of cars. He is one of three (Rick Mears and Al Unser) drivers to win the…
Read More Monarch Majesty and Mimicry
Thursday, November 8th, 2018
When going to work each morning, my son-in-law dons nicely pressed khaki pants, a collared shirt and polished shoes. He even combs and wears mousse in his hair. He carries his cellphone on a clip on his belt next to his keys for all to see. His name and the company he works for are…
Read More Along Came a Spider . . . Web
Thursday, October 4th, 2018
Spiders are at once one of the most feared — yet beneficial and misunderstood — and studied animal in the world. Legend suggests that the mere sighting of a spider brings good luck for the day, and many cultures adhere to the myth that killing a spider will bring seriously bad luck. Not only are spiders…
Read More Why Did the Woolly Bear Cross the Road?
Wednesday, September 5th, 2018
Dear Dr. Tim: Have you noticed the hairy caterpillars crossing paved roads recently? What are they, where did they come from and why are they crossing the roads? Isn’t that a dumb thing to do? Don’t they know they could be run over? Concerned Driver. Dear Concerned Driver: If you are driving right now, I…
Read More Moles, myths and misconceptions
Tuesday, August 7th, 2018
Occasionally I am asked to speak at landscape management meetings about moles – you know, the furry little animals that tunnel just below ground and make such a mess of a lawn. I don’t know why they ask me, an insect scientist, to speak about moles? I assume it is because it just dawned on…
Read More Mosquito Bait
Wednesday, July 11th, 2018
I like to go for leisurely walks with my wife. It is romantic and we get to exercise and enjoy nature together. I like it when we are able to use this time to talk. She says communication in a marriage is important. I agree. During spring and summer – when mosquitoes are out —…
Read More Lightning Beetles — Light Up My Life
Tuesday, June 5th, 2018
Possibly the most romantic insect in the world is known for the pulses of soft, amorous light it emits in parks, backyards and roadsides on warm spring and summer evenings. First, the male flashes its seductive light in a quick Morse love code-like signal while hovering a few feet above the ground. Then, the female…
Read More What Is all the Stink About?
Thursday, May 10th, 2018
Dear Dr. Tim, A brown-colored, disgusting looking bug appeared out of nowhere in my home. It landed on a magazine I was reading. I don’t care much for bugs – most of them creep me out – so, I sent my husband to throw it outside. That was a mistake. Wow did that thing ever…
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