What Are Bagworms? The Tiny Hitchhikers You Don’t Want in Your Florida Yard

Yesterday I spotted a strange little cocoon hanging from a leaf, and saw it start wiggling. Then a little worm popped out of the top and went back in. I had just seen my first bagworm! At first glance, these mini mummies seem harmless, but inside that tiny, camouflaged case is a voracious caterpillar just … Continue reading What Are Bagworms? The Tiny Hitchhikers You Don’t Want in Your Florida Yard

The Day I Found a Katydid in My Kitchen

I saw a very large brown mystery bug in my kitchen, and it turned out to be a katydid! Specifically, a Brown Conehead Katydid. Apparently, these are nocturnal creatures, so seeing one in the middle of the day, inside my house was out of the ordinary. I didn't recognize it right away because it was … Continue reading The Day I Found a Katydid in My Kitchen

What is that Giant Brown Moth?

I saw what looked like a small bird flapping on the outdoor table, and on closer inspection, discovered it was a giant brown moth with two black circles on its back like eyes. A quick Google search let me know this was a Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus) and it is one of the largest moths … Continue reading What is that Giant Brown Moth?