Middle South
June, 2004
Regional Report
Web Finds
Daddy Longlegs
They have no fangs or venom, but that doesn't stop people from being spooked by these not-quite-spiders. Damp weather supports big populations, so this may be another banner year for daddy longlegs. Care to collect a few and watch them up close? State University of New York professor Gerry Rising offers nifty trivia and observation tips in this online column called "Harvestmen." The creatures earn this name because they stay so busy cleaning up tidbits of garden debris.
Books
Garden Insects of North America
Understanding the world of insects just got easier for gardeners thanks to Dr. Whitney Cranshaw's new book, Garden Insects of North America; The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bugs (Princeton University Press, 2004; $29.95). It's a big one! Over 600 pages, with more than 1,400 photos make it the best bug book ever, and a necessary addition to your garden reference bookshelf.
