Evolution in an Urbanizing World
It is definitely that time of year again: insects and other invertebrates seem to spawn from every nook and cranny. We see snails feasting on freshly emerged leaves, earthworms being snatched away by hungry and breeding birds and flies scouting for a place to lay their eggs. We double-check for ticks after a nice forest... Continue Reading →
The Asian Ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a common sight in many urban gardens, such as those on Governor's Island in New York Harbor. They are voracious predators, feeding on soft-bodied arthropods like aphids and scale insects. These beetles were imported into the united states in 1916 to help control insect pests. Larval Asian Lady beetle... Continue Reading →
A painted lady (Vanessa cardui), a species of butterfly common in urban habitats (Photo credit: Jean-Pol GRANDMONT) The urban heat island effect is a well-known consequence of urbanization whereby temperatures in cities are higher than those in surrounding natural areas. One wrinkle in the heat island effect is that the increase in temperatures is not... Continue Reading →
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