The Friendly Bug blog
GARDEning with THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND the BUGLY!
(SCIENCE-BASED OPINIONS FROM A PUBLIC HORTICULTURE EDUCATOR)
COPROPHAGIA: THE REASON YOU FIND BUGS ON TURDS
HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED A CLUMP OF INSECTS (ESPECIALLY BUTTERFLIES) FROM AFAR, ONLY TO STUMBLE UPON A MOIST PILE OF EXCREMENT? DO YOU GET UP CLOSE AND MARVEL AT THE VARIETY OF FAUNA THAT IS GATHERED AROUND THE JUICY MORSEL AND WONDER WHY? DO YOU GET EVEN CLOSER, AND WONDER EXACTLY WHO IS ON THE POOP, WHO MADE THE POOP, AND PERHAPS EVEN SNAP A FEW PICTURES TO LOOK INTO IT FURTHER? YES? THAT’S WHAT I THOUGHT! If you are hanging on the edge of your seat, excited for more bugs, more poop, and more puns... ...FEAR NOT! Information will be coming your way shortly! So stay tuned for all the juicy details! But in the meantime, smell ya later!
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I am an Entomologist, Pollinator Enthusiast, Science Educator, Advanced Master Gardener, and lover of all things “bug” related!
I was born in Pakistan, and was immediately interested in every aspect of the natural world, anywhere from the tiniest ants to the antelopes and beyond. My family moved to Canada when I was 11 years old, and as we explored this new climate and landscape, I just fell deeper and deeper in love with nature. I got my undergraduate degree in Zoology from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada- and during the course of my degree I got a chance to learn about all kinds of amazing things including plants, trees, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, microbes, fungi, and…(wait for it)… …Insects! 🐜 Nearing the end of my Zoology degree, one of the requirements was to take a field research course to expand your knowledge of field collection methods and on-site research. The course I ended up choosing was a Field Entomology course that went to Arizona for a two week period. This course was an absolutely pivotal moment in my career- as I realized how incredible and vast the world of insects truly was. I never looked back since, and I was completely hooked on the notion that I needed to immerse myself in everything to do with insects and arachnids! With this ambitious goal in mind, I set out to learn more about this amazing group of animals, and found myself in Kentucky doing research on Solitary bees and bacterial endosymbionts. During my Master’s degree at the University of Kentucky I was able to collect insects as part of my research, for my graduate coursework, and for local schools for their science classes. During this time I was also able to learn a lot about beekeeping (and took care of the honey bees at the University of Kentucky). So amongst this array of experience with insects I found myself to be particularly drawn to pollinators- especially bees. 🐝 After graduating with my degree, I was able to work as a Research Technician in a Turf and Landscape Entomology Lab, where I got to work with pollinators on developing the best management practices and gardening practices to minimize impacts on pollinators, and conducting research on the plants that are very attractive to pollinators. Armed with this pollinator and plant knowledge I got a position as a Horticulture Instructor in an urban area, where I have the incredible opportunity to teach and work with Master Gardener Volunteers, and continue to learn so much from my students, gardeners, colleagues, and community members. With all this information oozing out of me, and an endless array of information continuing to come at me from all directions, I wanted to come up with an outlet to sort out the right from the wrong, the true from the false, and the good from the bad (all based on my opinions of course). That is why I created The Friendly Bug Blog, and that is why I am here! I am hoping that since you have come to this blog, that you are a lifelong learner, an insect and arachnid enthusiast, an avid gardener, or just someone who is curious about these topics! So feel free to take a look, and submit any questions and comments- because I would love to write about information that is important to you! Good afternoon backyard bug enthusiasts! This blog will be focused on all things “bug” related including:
The main reason behind this blog was to create a central information source for urban gardeners on their journey with the many critters that spend their gardening days with them. The main focus of this resource will be to equip gardeners and insect enthusiasts with information on how to embrace these critters, eradicate the pesky ones, encourage the awesome ones, or ignore them for the greater good. This will primarily be an education resource catered to urban gardeners and teachers, with information focused on “bug-friendly” gardening practices, pollinator conservation, insect education, and scientifically based tips from an Enthusiastic Entomologist (hey, that’s me!). Note: I would like to emphasize the fact that this blog will be focused on information that is research based and scientifically proven, and will include my pollinator expertise, environmentally conscious opinions, tips, and tricks! To top it all off, I will throw in some delicious entomological tales, snippets, and information that I know you would enjoy! So go ahead… Explore the Entomological. Investigate the Insects. Capture the Critters. And enjoy your Garden Guests! |
🐝 Abi SAEED 🐝Entomologist, Pollinator Specialist, Public Science Educator, and Archives
July 2017
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