#booklice

#booklice

A maggot's age and species can give essential information to forensic entomologists investigating murders. Combing through these fly larvae, investigators can potentially learn when and where a crime happened, whether the body has been moved or whether toxins were involved. For example, blowflies are among the earliest insect colonizers of corpses; they typically sniff out and lay eggs on a dead body within minutes to hours.

Native ants are beneficial to the environment. They will eat pest insects such as fleas and termites. They also aid in breaking down organic matter such as dead plants and animals. Native ants form distinct colonies that will battle each other, limiting their populations. They also tend to behave themselves and stay outdoors. Argentine ants tend to invade indoor spaces during hot, dry weather or after heavy rain.

A peek behind the scenes at the zoo reveals animal escapades, and a glow-worm shines in a mild midwinter, in our weekly dip into Nature 's archive.