Many worm-like insects and arthropods like grubs, beetle larvae, centipedes, and millipedes aren’t the most popular creatures in the world. Seeing such crawlers can make a person’s skin crawl and even just hearing the word “maggot” can turn someone’s stomach. Oddly, though, caterpillars get a free pass. Maybe it’s because everyone knows they turn into things more beautiful in adulthood -- butterflies and moths. It’s more likely that they’re accepted because some caterpillars are far more colorful than plain white grubs. But, can those varied hues temper what would otherwise be disconcerting sentiment towards crawlers if the observer discovered that they don’t turn into butterflies?   Would the insects’ outcome later in life affect how you see them in their youth? I bring that up because we are now in early fall, which is the season for sawfly larvae. They are out feeding as they prepare for a winter slumber that will see them as pre-pupae or pupae. These little crawlers lo...

  I’ve led dozen of nature hikes through the years and on each and every one of them one of the questions posed to me has been: “What does poison ivy look like?” You’d be surprised by how many people are unfamiliar with the plant, especially given that it is so bothersome and has sent many a person to the doctor or ER. To me, it should be one of those dangers you educate your kids about at an early age – like crossing the road and talking to strangers. So, here’s a primer about poison ivy... Where to find it Poison ivy grows best in direct sun, so it can be found in waste areas (the edges of parking lots, roads, railroad corridors), thickets, open woods, orchards and lawns. Young forests without a major canopy can be especially riddled with it. Sadly, poison ivy is one of the more abundant plants in Niagara County’s woodlands. In many spots, it can blanket forest floors and hiking trails, which is why I always tell hikers to wear pants, not shorts, in Niagara’s wilds. Compare that ...