Critter corner

Critter Corner is a collection of fun facts and intriguing insights. Each article in this collection offers valuable insights into the lives of these creatures, providing a mix of scientific information and approaches to avoid them. This collection strives to be both enlightening and captivating, encouraging you to recognize the intricate and sometimes peculiar world of the tiny creatures that coexist in our environment.

Learn about the peculiar mating habits of March flies, and explore the underground world of wireworms. Uncover the truth about true flies, including their advantages and blood-sucking tendencies, and gain a fresh perspective on bats, often misunderstood but crucial insect predators.

9 fast facts on hummingbirds

What winged wonder zooms forward and backward at speeds of up to 75 beats per second? The sharply iridescent hummingbird zooms by in a whir, searching for nectar to sip with its long, tubular tongue.

Jul 2018 | Article

Bats

Bats, which make a lot of people duck and cringe, are actually invaluable insect predators, and given a second look these furry little creatures are actually quite cute.

Jul 2018 | Article

Fleas

All known species are obligate parasites in the adult stage, and infest man and other mammals and birds, feeding on blood.

Jul 2018 | Article

Yellow jackets

General information about yellow jackets.

Jul 2018 | Article

Cluster flies: Noisy but harmless

Large flies buzz and annoy, clustering together around windows and knocking into lampshades. These are cluster flies — noisy but harmless flies that enter homes through cracks and gaps.

Jul 2018 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

True flies (order Diptera)

The benefits and blood-sucking details you need on flies from nine different families.

Jul 2018 | Article

Jul 2018

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Wildlife, Insects

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