The Trophic Cascade Begins: Annual Cicadas, Cicada Killer Wasps, and Cow Killers (??)

Brood XIV (14) of the 17-year Periodical Cicadas have come and gone in Ohio, leaving behind oviposition damage (flagging) as a reminder of their spring fling. Annual Cicadas are now arriving on the scene along with their nemesis, Cicada Killer Wasps. Later, another trophic level may be added with the arrival of Red Velvet Ants.
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Authors
Joe Boggs
Curtis E. Young

Communing with an Ancient

Consistent heavy rains, coupled with warm temperatures, have re-awakened a sleeping primeval organism in southwest Ohio landscapes. The ballooning yellowish-green or bluish-black blobs are the hydrated form of the ancient cyanobacterium, Nostoc commune (Nc).
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Authors
Joe Boggs

Asian Needle Ant Panic

The Asian Needle Ant is native to China, Korea, and Japan. Contrary to some recent media headlines, it is not new to the U.S. The needle ant was first found in Decatur, GA, in 1932, and has since been confirmed in a number of other states, including in one location in southwest Ohio.
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs