How to Identify Caterpillars While the appearance of various species of caterpillars and moths is extremely variable, one simplified characteristic used to differentiate caterpillars is moth caterpillars are usually described as being somewhat fuzzy, while no butterflies are considered fuzzy. Both moth and...
Identify the host plants:Consult field guides or reputable online resources. Different species have specific larval host plants they prefer. For example, tomato hornworms are often found on tomato plants, while the monarch species feed exclusively on milkweed. Consult a local expert:Reach out to ...
Predators learn to associate the colors and patterns with a bad taste and generally avoid preying on monarchs altogether. Read next: How to identify the green caterpillars in your garden Unfortunately for the monarchs, milkweed populations have dwindled due to the use of herbicides in crop ...
They also use wing shape and color to identify, and sometimes impress, a mate. Finding a mate and reproducing are often the last events in a butterfly's life -- most live just long enough to start a new generation of butterflies. There are some species that live long enough to migrate...
Flycatchers can be really confusing to identify. One bird that had its back to us was a little difficult to figure out until I was finally able to see a little yellow on its belly feathers later. I also check the bill shape, arrangement of the wingbars, whether there’s an eyering, ...
Butterflies are able to identify their favorite type of plant through their highly keen sense of smell. Butterflies eat the nectar, or sugary fluid,...Become a member and unlock all Study Answers Start today. Try it now Create an account Ask a question Our experts can answer your tough ...
So, how do you know what beneficial insects you want to keep in your yard? We’ll help you identify some of the most common “good bugs” and tell you how to attract each one to your yard. Beneficial insects (and other helpful bugs) covered in this article: ...
Secondly, take the time to complete some research on which butterfly species you want to attract or that are popular in your locality. The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) has useful resources online to help gardeners identify regional species specific to their location and US hardiness...
“lumpers,” identify species as belonging to the same group even though there may be small differences. Other scientists, called “splitters,” identify the same species as belonging in distinct groups because of the same small differences. The lumpers produce a relatively simple taxonomy, the ...
If you’re planning to collect seed pods to donate to a soil and water conservation district, it’s important to learn to identify different types of milkweed. Sometimes seed pods from only certain species of milkweed are being collected. Common milkweed is the most desirable species to monar...