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Wed, October 01, 2003, 3:00 am PDT

They've been known to tick people off, but don't dismiss beetles as mere pests. In fact, this bug site may very well turn your entire world on its ear. Contrary to our self-centered view of our place on the planet, insects, specifically beetles, are the dominant life form on Earth. One out of five insects is a species of beetle, and beetles thrive in every habitat except for the ocean. They're older than Methuselah and the dinosaurs. Sometimes they're pretty scary looking, other times they're just pretty. They can lay a mean egg and even ward off smaller insects with a stare from their beady eyes. But they do inspire amazing art and look lovely framed. Let's face it -- beetles are mysterious, creepy, and fascinating all at once. So poke around and get to know our strange bedfellows just a little better.

Filed under: Insects

Wed, August 06, 2003, 3:00 am PDT

These little guys look part human, are sometimes called Jerusalem crickets, and can be found eating the cheeks of children and adults alike. OK, so that last statement may or may not be true, but this "universally feared, hated, and disgusting creature" makes for compelling subject matter. It's imperative to familiarize yourself with the many parts of this "bald fetus of Satan," so you can steer clear of its vicious flesh-ripping limbs should you ever happen to cross paths with one. To see a close-up of the bug's horrifying physical tools, crawl over to the Pictures page -- start with the seemingly innocuous bug drawings, then move on to full-color photos, and if you think you can stomach it, check out the close-ups of the wretched creature. Sleep tight and don't let the potato bugs bite.

Filed under: Insects

Sun, May 11, 2003, 3:00 am PDT

Remember the pair of nerdy entomologists in The Silence of the Lambs, who, in a pivotal scene, helped agent Starling pin down a rare Death's Head Moth? Armed with a similar passion for bugs, this helpful site is rife with letters (including the worst bug story ever) from creeped out users in search of a positive ID. Have pesky critters invaded your kitchen cupboards? Never fear, the Bugman is here, and he is itching to answer questions relating to mysterious aphids, mites, weevils, and stink bugs that may be occupying your pantry or even sharing your bed. Scroll down a long list of unusual suspects, read the letters, and see if any of the photos match up with your unwelcome guests. The Bugman's responses are friendly, informative, and filled with tips to help you tackle, or learn to live with, these creepy domestic intruders. If you still can't find a positive match, quit scratchin' your head and send in a letter that describes what's bugging you.

Filed under: Insects

Mon, May 05, 2003, 3:00 am PDT

Whether fact, fiction, or a little bit of both, the quirky narrative that accompanies this beautiful bug book draws you into the site's clever premise. The mysterious guide takes you on a macro tour of his tiny urban garden. His backyard plot is not very big and is rather unkempt -- but it is home to all manner of strange inhabitants that await discovery. His lens zeroes in on creatures that buzz, creep, crawl, and leave slimy trails all over the ignored vegetation. The spare interface and easy navigation allow you to swing from limb-to-limb for a close-up view of various multi-legged creatures. Amazingly crisp shots of gossamer wings flapping, fruit flies swarming, shield bugs chilling, and spiders preying command your attention. In fact, this site might inspire you to look at your own backyard in a whole new light.


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