Content tagged with "Insects, Spiders and Kin"

Most spiders are unfairly feared and hated by humans, but the brown recluse is indeed one spider to avoid. The brown recluse is venomous, though a bite is almost never fatal. They are most commonly encountered in houses, where they occupy little-used drawers, closets and other small hiding spaces.

The adults are mothlike. The aquatic larvae are famous for building portable, protective cases out of local materials, including grains of sand, bits of leaves and twigs, and other debris.

The worst thing about Missouri summers is chiggers. They are nearly invisible but leave itchy red welts. Avoid their habitat areas, especially after noon.

The cicada killer ranks most formidable in appearance of any wasp in the state. It is, however, nonagressive toward people and is virtually harmless, unless handled roughly. As in all ground-nesting wasps and bees, each active nest can usually be recognized by a mound of earth excavated by the female with its mandibles and legs.