Reasons why insects are beneficial

a mosquito on a flower

Insects are beneficial. For some reason, most people grow up thinking “Ew” whenever they think “Insect.” However, the vast majority of insects are actually beneficial to humans and the environment. Even those that we think of as annoying, such as mosquitoes, can actually be beneficial in some way. Mosquitoes are actually pollinators. A type of Read More »

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Incomplete metamorphosis — what is that??

The discarded shell of a dragonfly nymph

The majestic monarch goes through four stages in its life cycle — egg, caterpillar (larva), chrysalis (pupa) and adult butterfly. Insects that go through four stages have what is called complete metamorphosis. (Read about the monarch’s life cycle here) However, not all insects go through all four stages in their life cycle; some only go Read More »

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8 Insects You Should Love

    Up-and-coming invasive species Environmentalists have been watching and waiting as new invasive species begin to take hold and move across the country and across Iowa. Jumping worms, the brown marmorated stink bug, the gypsy moth and the spotted lanternfly. Let’s take a look at a few of these up-and-coming invasives. Jumping worms Most Read More »

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