Bug Squad

It's Veterans' Day, but to jumping spiders, it's just another day--another day to ambush unsuspecting prey. We spotted this jumping spider on an orchid cactus, Epiphyllum (Greek for "upon the leaf"). It was catching a little morning sun and poised for business.

The Lone Star State will be far from "lone" or "alone" Nov. 10-13.

"Would the extinction of honey bees lead directly to the extinction of humans?" That's a recent question posed on Quora, where folks can ask questions and receive answers. The answer is "no.

If you think people don't care about monarch butterflies, think again. A recent survey published in Conservation Letters showed that Americans are willing to spend at least $4.78 billion to help conserve monarchs (Danaus plexippus), one of the most recognizable of all insects.

Orange zinnias not only brighten our autumn days but glorify our gardens. And when there's a bug on the zinnias, all the better.