Also known as the harvestman, the daddy long legs is not a spider.

Daddy Long Legs

Sunny and warm days seem to bring ladybugs around the house.

Ladybug

Meteorologists say we’re already in spring (meteorological spring starts March 1st). However, most people go by the astronomical start of spring which is the vernal equinox, occurring tomorrow (Saturday, March 20, 2010).

Regardless of when spring begins, I saw my first tick of the season today. I found it crawling on my arm after a walk in the woods…

Tick in Toilet

Monarch Butterfly Chrysalis

See Also: Monarch Butterfly

Walking Stick Insects have some good natural camouflaging. Can you spot this one?

Walking Stick Insect

When mowing the yard recently, I discovered a yellow jacket hole in the ground. I used a wasp and hornet spray but several yellow jackets still managed to escape and I got stung a couple of times (once on the hand and at least once on my scalp near my hairline).

Scalp/forehead stings can be bad as swelling can spread down the face. I even had swelling around my eyes for a couple of days. Did I learn my lesson? Well, apparently not since I took this picture after getting stung. Fortunately, there were no additional stings.

Yellow Jacket

Next time, I plan on using a foaming spray which should do a better job than the liquid at sealing off the entrance. The foam barrier should be much more difficult for the yellow jackets to avoid.