Word From the Smokies: Fireflies are surprisingly diverse
For many people who grew up in the eastern United States, the soft yellow blink of fireflies drifting over dusky fields and lawns is synonymous with summer, a nostalgic symbol of warmth and childhood. But few would guess that the common eastern firefly (Photinus pyralis) is one of more than two thousand firefly species worldwide.
Word from the Smokies: Cicada emergence offers rare community science opportunity
During the summer of 2011, billions of cicada eggs hatched inside tree twigs across the Southeast. The hatchlings, called nymphs, dropped down and burrowed into the ground, where they’ve been sucking on tree roots ever since.
Soldiers for sustainability: Common fly could help address pollution, boost sustainability
They can eat just about anything and multiply like crazy. They live all over the world, in a variety of environments — wherever you go, they’re likely nearby.
Join Smoky Mountain Beekeepers for a series of talks
Red maples are popping, and it appears spring has sprung. As the weather improves, local beekeepers’ hives are buzzing back to life.
Up Moses Creek: Yellow Jacket Muse P.S.
(This piece is a follow-up to a previous “Up Moses Creek” column published Sept. 13 and available online at smokymountainnews.com/outdoors/item/36356-yellow-jacket-muse.)
One afternoon last month I went to look for wide, flat rocks in the woods above our house.
