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Popular as a houseplant since Victorian times, Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata "Bostoniensis") has long, drooping, graceful fronds that make it suitable for hanging baskets and containers. It has a number of more frilly and feathery varieties with more finely divided or crested leaves. Boston fern grows outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8b through 11. Ferns are an ancient group of plants, the Pterophyta, that originated 300 to 400 million years ago. They were common throughout the Jurassic Period when dinosaurs roamed the earth and are still plentiful.
Canaries are birds native to the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa. They are generally bright yellow in color but do come in other hues, including orange and white. Determining the sex of a canary can be difficult as there are very few physical differences between male and female canaries, though knowing the sex is essential to some breeders/owners as the male canaries are the songbirds of the two. Use proper handling methods to find out the sex of your canary.
The D-subminiature, or D-sub, connector is an electrical connector long associated with computers, communications equipment and related electronic devices. It gets its name from the trapezoidal shape of its sides that resemble a “D.” It is a multi-pin connector available in several sizes accommodating from nine to 104 separate pins.
Known for their bright colors and flowing fins, betta fish make a beautiful addition to your fish tank or aquarium. Unfortunately, bettas can be finicky about their tank mates. Having all males in one tank may create behavioral problems. Having all females cuts down on the aggression, but prevents any baby bettas. Identifying male and female bettas not only aids in the breeding process, but also helps you avoid aggression issues that arise in an unbalanced aquarium.
DSum is a function in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. It adds the numbers listed in rows and columns based on a given criteria. The syntax for the DSum function is: DSum( range, field, criteria). Let's say a charity organization wants to analyze the fund-raising capacity of its patrons based on gender and age. This can be done using the DSum function in Excel.
Comparable worth seeks to bridge the compensation gap between genders. This controversial topic is hotly debated and has staunch supporters on either side. Comparable worth supports value-based pay systems to achieve gender-pay parity. Its purpose is to eliminate gender pay discrimination and implement it on local levels. Supporters believe using these more-customized methods can also enliven impoverished communities.
Ferns are among the most ancient plants to have true roots and a vascular system that carries nutrients throughout the plant. The roots develop from the rhizome, a stem that is sometimes trunk-like and sometimes long and running beneath the surface of the ground. The root system is well-branched and protects against loss of soil by erosion.
Canaries have been household pets for centuries, having been discovered as a species when Spanish sailors brought the birds back from the Canary Islands in the 15th century, and Spanish monks then bred canaries and sold the males as pets. Eventually, breeders in Italy and Germany popularized the pet songbirds throughout Europe. In the early 20th century, coal miners used canaries to detect toxic fumes in coal mines. Canaries are currently used by neurologists for research into the neurological development of the human brain. Like all species, the male canary and the female canary have distinct characteristics and differences.
Ferns are among the oldest living things on the planet, having been around for 300 million years. Just as their primitive ancestors, they do not reproduce from seed, but rather by spores. The tiny dots that can often be seen on the underside of fern leaves or fronds are spore cases. These cases hold the spores that will be released, germinate and become other fern plants.
The poppy plants in the genus Papaver are not among those plants that have separate male and female flowers. Colorful but odorless poppy flowers have both male and female parts and are pollinated both by bees and other insects and by the wind.
Muscadine grapes are native to the Southeastern part of the country and were first cultivated by early colonists. They are best suited to the warmer coastal regions, away from harsh winters. Planting these sun-loving vines requires research into varieties, as some have flowers that don't produce pollen.
While male and female budgies do display different behaviors from time to time, they have many common behavioral traits. Budgie owners often report fascinating and interesting personalities among individual birds. While budgies can literally bite the hand that feeds them when they are fearful, in general they are good-natured birds that enjoy playing and have a remarkable natural curiosity. Owners promote their fun-loving natures and inquisitiveness by providing them with toys and nutritional foods.
Pioneer’s AVIC-F900 in-dash navigation AV receiver with flash memory, DVD playback and built-in Bluetooth short-range radio connectivity allows you to play music from your iPod and make hands-free calls using your voice only. MSN Direct functionality is built-in but requires an extra subscription. Video connectivity includes a rear-view camera and other external video components. Video output can be to a rear display, such as a rear seat headrest display. All of the video inputs can be overridden to switch from the video playing to the rear view image when the gear shift is moved to the “R” or “Reverse” position.
Rivet snaps have a variety of uses and are punched into a number of different materials. Rivet snaps are used to fasten leather, canvas, plastic, fabric and a plethora of other materials. They are used on saddle bags, tents, clothing, boats and countless other objects. It is the simplicity of the rivet snap that gives it such diversity. Removing old snaps and punching new rivets takes less than five minutes, regardless of the rivet snap's application.
Athurium watermaliense is an ornamental aroid grown as a houseplant for its glossy foliage and interesting flowers. The plant is a tropical species and produces a deep purple inflorescence. Anthurium produce seeds from the spadix, which is the true flower of the plant.
Local bands, DJs and other users of smaller entry-level and semi-pro DMX systems are typically on a budget, a fact that sometimes prompts the substitution of standard microphone cables for more expensive DMX cables. While the wire configuration and connectors used in both cable types are exactly the same and can be substituted, cables specified for DMX use will provide more reliable performance, especially as the system grows in size and complexity.
With its ferocious teeth, the black dragonfish looks more like a deep sea monster than a fish. Known as Idiacanthus atlanticus, these long, skinny fish live deep below the ocean's surface and have the ability to produce light that other fish can't see. This allows them the ability to easily find and hunt prey.
Developed by CyberConnect2, "Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2" is a fighting game for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 that, unlike many other fighting games, requires you to "make friends" with the characters in your roster to unlock additional levels in the game's Campaign mode. You can earn up to five friendship stars with any of the game's characters in Campaign mode, and upon reaching the max rating, you can unlock a special "Friendship Event" if the character has one.
The raccoon, Procyon lotor, is one of the most adaptable of North American mammals, able to live in urban and rural areas. Good luck if you try to tell a male and female raccoon apart by just their markings alone. No differences exist between the sexes concerning the markings raccoons display; from their heads to their tails, the males and females look alike. Other ways, requiring much more extensive observations, are necessary to distinguish the boy from the girl raccoons.
The green anole is a diminutive member of the polychrotidae family of lizards. It is a widespread U.S. lizard species which has been introduced to some other areas of the world. This introduction has occurred mainly through the lizard's popularity as an exotic pet. It is a highly adaptable species and is a common sight within its range.
The Pekingese toy dogs originally came from Peking, China (now Beijing). They are small dogs with laid-back personalities. Males and females are very similar, although there are some key differences. The issues with either gender can be mostly resolved by spaying or neutering your Pekingese.
In vocal music, singers are typically divided into six ranges. For women, from highest to lowest, those are soprano, mezzo soprano and alto or contralto. For men, the ranges from highest to lowest are tenor, baritone or second tenor and bass. Sometimes, however, males sing in the higher, traditional female ranges, especially before they hit puberty. More rarely, there are women who can sing as low as a male tenor or even bass.
If you plan on breeding salamanders to produce babies, you will need to know the secondary sexual characteristics of the genders. It can be hard to tell males from females. Some species can only be sexed during breeding season or when they reach maturity. You will need a male and female salamander for comparison to observe the difference.
Creeping bellflower, Campanula rapunculoides, can be a pretty wildflower or an invasive weed, depending on your point of view. It originates in Europe where it grows wild in shady or partly sunny areas. The delicate bell-shaped flowers resemble Spanish bellflowers and other relatives in the Campanulaceae family.
When an entire garden turns brown and dies, it is likely there is more at work than some disease run rampant. Disease typically infects plant families or specific plants but rarely overtakes an entire garden.
Driveways shaded by dense vegetation and surrounded by poorly drained soil provide ideal growth conditions for moss. Consistent rainfall also evokes moss growth on driveways. Although moss is a fundamental part of ecosystems, it is undesirable on driveways. Moss' squishy green growth is unattractive on any driveway surface and unsafe to walk on. Control of moss on driveways is imperative to keeping them safe and visually appealing. Since chemical-based moss control solutions are hazardous to wildlife, vegetation and humans, get rid of moss on driveways using natural techniques.
Some needle browning and seasonal drop is common with blue spruce trees (Picea pungens). During most of the time, the browning is hardly noticeable. However, sudden browning of large amounts of needles warrants concern, since it indicates an underlying growing problem. Care for the trees immediately so the needles regain their natural bluish-green to silvery-blue hues.
Cultivating your own trees can help you customize the look and aesthetic of the outdoor areas of your home. However, like all other gardening projects, you should learn about all the most common diseases and their attendant symptoms, so that any infection can be noticed and treated in time to preserve the health of the tree. Blue spruce trees, for example, are susceptible to several diseases that can be recognized by their physical symptoms, such as needle defoliation.
When plants are grown hydroponically, they are grown without any soil. Instead, plants are rooted in an inert support medium such as clay or perlite and are fed essential nutrients via direct application to their roots. Most of the time this works well, and the plants grow without any problems. In some cases, though, the nutrients are out of balance and problems such as leaf curl can result.
Wasps are important pollinators and, like bees, are classified as Hymenoptera. Although wasps may resemble bees, many wasps are not covered with fuzz. With no fuzz for pollen to adhere to, transporting pollen from flower to flower is difficult for the wasp. Plants attract wasps and other pollinators by displaying enticing colors, shapes or odors. These stimuli alert pollinators that they will find nectar or some other reward when they land on flowers.
Flowers help plants reproduce by housing their reproductive structures, including male and female reproductive parts. A stamen is part of a flower's male reproductive organs. Each flower's stamen consists of several anthers and filaments, which work together to produce pollen.
Box elder trees are a dioecious species of maple. Dioecious trees produce separate male and female flowers on different trees. A male box-elder tree produces male flowers, and a female box-elder tree produces female flowers. When not in bloom, or while fruit is attached, it can be difficult to discern the two from each other, but there are a few ways to tell them apart.
Bumblebees have an important role in the environment as pollinators. Unfortunately, these fuzzy insects are in decline. The disappearance of bumblebees not only impacts food crops but native wildflowers as well. As bees disappear, the flowers they pollinate do as well. Planting native flowers such as daisies in your garden can help protect threatened bumblebees.
Whether it's jeans, dress pants or more casual designs, the differences between pants designed for men and those designed for women are subtly varied. As most pants are crafted in the same manner, it's often just little distinctions that separate a man's pant from those designed for a woman.
The vast majority of plants are hermaphroditic in one way or another. Either each flower bears both male and female reproductive organs, or each plant possesses both male and female flowers. Only 4 percent of plants deviate from those two options. Only for this small group of plants is there a distinction between male and female plants, a system known as dioecy.
Needle drop naturally occurs seasonally in blue spruce. Some browning and shedding of inner needles is normal in the fall. During most years, the browning and needle drop is hardly noticeable. If the inner needle browning is significant, however, a fungal disease may be the culprit. Cytospora canker and Rhizosphaera needle cast are common causes of inner needle browning in blue spruce.
Some people experience an increase in heart rate when they spot a spider scurrying across the ground. However, only a very small number of spiders have the ability to cause serious harm to humans, and most varieties are beneficial to their environment because they prey on household pests including mites and fleas. Whenever possible, these critters should be left alone.
Coccoloba uvifera, or seagrape, occurs naturally along the tropical beaches of the Americas, from Florida to the southern Caribbean. It is a low, spreading species of tree with a shrubby growth habit topped by a crown of leathery, rounded leaves. The common name refers to the clusters of 1-inch-wide fruit that appear in summer, which resemble grapes when ripe. Although Coccoloba uvifera is generally propagated using vegetative methods such as layering, the seeds will germinate if sown fresh. However, plants produced from seed often lack the favorable traits of the parent plant.
Paving a walkway or patio with blocks lends a textured, traditional look to a landscape. Made from clay, concrete or brick, paving blocks are a long-lasting material that opens up a number of design possibilities. Laying block pavers is a do-it-yourself project that calls for basic tools and takes about a weekend to finish, depending on the scale of the pavement.
Not a true oleander, but a distant cousin in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), the yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) thrives in heat and sunny garden sites. Native to tropical South America, yellow oleander is killed back when hit by light winter frosts. Temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit can also kill the roots, preventing any regrowth in spring. Also called lucky nut, yellow oleander's narrow green leaves and fragrant apricot-yellow flowers make it a showy addition to a subtropical or water-conservation garden. The sap is toxic and must never be consumed.
Although not all spiders build webs, web spinning is one of the things that make the orb weaver spider stand out from other Arizona spider species. The orb weaver is brilliant at spinning its perfect and attractive web, making it an essential part of Arizona insect control, as well as a sight to behold.
Oleanders are evergreen shrubs used in home and commercial landscape designs. These shrubs thrive in full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Oleanders produce colorful flowers that are toxic if ingested. While these plants are generally healthy, they are susceptible to insect infestations.
Plumerias are small to medium-sized tropical trees with large clusters of leaves and fragrant flowers in a variety of colors. These delicate flowers are used to make leis. Leaf damage done to plumerias impacts the ability of the tree to produce healthy growth and may limit its annual flower production.
The blue spruce tree (Picea pungens) is also referred to as Colorado blue spruce or silver spruce and is chiefly native to the western U.S. and the Rocky Mountains. An excellent windbreak tree, the blue spruce is susceptible to fungal diseases that cause its needles to turn brown or red and prematurely fall.
Researchers estimate there are over 500 spider species in Oregon. Only a handful live near human habitations, and of these only the black widow spider is truly poisonous. Some include the yellow sac and hobo spiders among the dangerous, but there is little scientific proof that their bites are harmful. Most spiders are beneficial, and you can avoid encounters with hobo spiders with an understanding of their habits and appearance.
Any winter squash or gourd with a rounded shape and orange skin is quickly called a pumpkin in the United States. Pumpkins develop on many cultivars of any of three plant species: Cucurbita melo, Cucurbita maxima or Cucurbita moschata. All these frost-intolerant, warm-season annual vines produce male or female flowers, but only after pollination do female blossoms develop into pumpkin fruits.
Flagstone walkways protect surfaces in high-traffic areas. Flagstones set across a lawn effectively keep a well-traveled path from wearing down the grass. Through a large flowerbed, a flagstone path provides access to the plants. In a vegetable or herb garden, a flagstone path can be planted with edibles in keeping with the theme. Choose tough plants for softening the visual effect of flagstone in high-traffic areas.
Insects, fungi and bacteria can all be described as "tree pests" since they all can adversely affect the health of a tree. Insects do not usually cause just the leaves at the tips of trees to turn brown, however, but affect the entire tree. Trees with brown, dying leaves on the tips of branches suffer from "dieback," which refers to the tree dying from the tips inward. Dieback is usually caused by fungi or bacteria.
Favored for its superior strength and aesthetic appeal, concrete block paving is a prevalent driveway and patio surface. Although concrete block paving is virtually indestructible, it isn't resistant to moss. Moss's cushion-like growth thrives on concrete block paving in humid, moist and shaded environments. Unsealed concrete block pavers are especially susceptible to moss, since their exposed pores absorb moisture, which encourages moss growth. Moss on concrete block pavers requires control because its slippery texture is dangerous to walk on. Promptly remove moss from concrete blocking paving using a few effective techniques.
Pumpkins grow on long vines that can reach up to 30 feet long by the end of the growing season. The vines develop large yellow flowers that are classified as either male or female, with the male flowers being far more prevalent. Identifying the ones that are female allows to you watch for the development of baby pumpkins. In addition, you must differentiate the flowers if you intend to hand-pollinate the vines yourself.
Big or small, a scurrying cockroach typically evokes revulsion in people, who commonly see the tiny critter as a symbol of bad hygiene. Cockroaches carry plenty of hygiene risks and often thrive in filthy environments; however, some question just how dirty the creatures are. Regardless, if you have an infestation, you can combat it by practicing good hygiene yourself.
Virginia is home to a diverse assortment of spiders. Of the13 main Virginia spiders, three are either red or partially red: the crab spider, the arrow-shaped micrathena and the widow spider. Of the widow spiders, three are red or partially red: the red widow, the southern widow and the northern widow.
Plant pain is a controversial topic in the scientific and educational communities. There is no definitive proof on either side of the fence to determine if plant pain is a myth or a fact.
Begonias include flowering- and foliage-type plants of more than 1,000 species. Begonias are warm-weather plants but survive through the winter if kept indoors in storage or as houseplants. Begonias don't suffer many problems, but the plants are vulnerable when it comes to water. They struggle with too little water, and disease issues arise when they are overwatered.
Plumeria flowers not only light up a landscape with their colorful blooms and vibrant smells they are also an important flower for bouquets and flowering gifts. Plumeria trees also produce one of the primary flowers used in making Hawaiian lei necklaces. So if you notice the normally beautiful flowers suffering from curling leaves, it is time to act. There are two possible causes of curling leaves in plumeria, and both require quick action to avoid further damage.
Plants have a perfect means of making and spreading seeds. Seeds are the next generation of that plant species and are formed and spread by pollinators. The flower is a plant's means of attracting pollinators and contains all four parts of the plant's reproductive system.
Pipe taps look like small bolts with threads on one end and a square head on the other, with sharp points sticking out in between the two. They take unthreaded pipes and add threading to make fitting them into place easier.
Many shrubs are grown as privacy hedges, ways to identify property boundaries or to highlight landscape and garden designs' showier plants and flowers. However, shrubs with curled leaves become unattractive and unhealthy, especially as the leaves turn yellow and drop prematurely from the shrubs; many of the causes of curled leaves also contribute to leaf loss. Keep shrubs healthy to avoid problems with leaf curl.
Scientists have identified over 165,000 species of moths and suspect that many more remain undiscovered. These little winged creatures belong to Lepidoptera, the same order as their butterfly relatives. Moths and butterflies also share a life cycle called four-stage metamorphosis, but moths generally tend to be more earth-toned than their colorful cousins.
Statistics have proven male and female drivers operate vehicles in different ways. Safety and accident rates by both genders have been taken into consideration to find consistencies between men and women. Where most cases are concerned, women tend to be more careful on the road, whereas men are more aggressive by nature.
Apple trees are often grown for their beautiful blooms and for the fruit they bear. While apple trees are generally healthy, they are susceptible to a fungal disease that can cause rapid wilting and death. Texas root rot is common in apple trees, and there are currently no chemical control products that can eliminate the disease.
The blue-green sharpshooter transmits Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium that is particularly deadly to some grape crops, especially in California. Xylella fastidiosa infects many plant species, but not all plants are as susceptible to the infection's effects. The bacterium causes Pierce's disease in grapevines, and leaf scorch and phony peach disease in many parts of the country, especially the Southeast. The bug prefers to feed on woody plants, especially along stream banks. There is no cure for Xylella fastidiosa diseases. Adult blue-green sharpshooters get their colorful name from their bright, blue-green head, wings and thorax. The bug has yellow legs and…
Although gardens are home to beautiful and attractive flowers and vegetables, they are often home to weeds as well. These invasive plants are not only unsightly, but some varieties cause rashes. Know some of the more common garden weeds that cause rashes is the best way to avoid trouble.
There are many types of garden orb-weaving spiders; however, the most common is the argiope (Argiope aurantia). Although it is occasionally confused with the North American banana spider (Nephila clavipes), the female argiope is black and yellow while the female banana spider has yellow spots but is light orange or tan in color. The argiope spider is not considered dangerous.
The Knight Goby is a brackish fish, which thrives in an environment that is a mix of freshwater and saltwater. The gray and often speckled fish, which is native to India and Indonesia, grows to 3 inches long and has a life span of four to six years. In an aquarium environment, the Knight Goby should be surrounded with hiding spaces such as caves, driftwood and plants, especially if it is sharing the tank with others, because it is a territorial and aggressive fish. Owners can breed Knight Goby pairs by setting the ideal conditions in the tank.
The red maple (Acer rubrum) is named for its showy red displays during every season. The winter brings red twigs and buds, spring brings red flowers and summer brings red leafstalks and twigs. The fall, however, is the red maple's true showcase; in this season, the tree produces vibrant red leaves of crimson or wine red. Red maples are particularly susceptible to a variety of fungal, bacterial and nutrient-deficiency diseases, including the often fatal verticillium wilt.
The hobo spider, also known as the aggressive house spider, can bite without provocation. Once native to Europe, the hobo spider was accidentally introduced to North America on boats and now exists in parts of Montana and surrounding states in the Pacific Northwest. A hobo spider finds its way into domestic dwellings through cracks, doors and windows. While some species of house spiders cause bites that don't inflict serious wounds, the hobo spider can cause serious skin infections.
There are several common species of small, brown spiders found in homes, barns and gardens throughout the U.S. Yet, although these spiders are small and mundane compared to their more glamorous, exotic relatives like the black widow, they play in important biological role in eliminating common insect pests in gardens, forests, fields and homes. Funnel weaver, woodlouse, wolf and American house spiders are common examples of small brown spiders found in homes and gardens.
All cucurbits, including cucumbers, melons, squashes and pumpkins, have male and female blossoms. The male blossoms pollinate the female blossoms, making fruit production possible. Identifying both is important if you choose to hand pollinate flowers. Some gardeners cook the edible flowers, either stuffed or dipped in batter and fried. Use only the male flowers, though, and leave the female ones to produce pumpkins.
Cactus honey looks and tastes similar to traditional bee-derived honey, but this sweet treat stems from the juice of agave cactus plants. The finished product contains 90 percent fructose (depending on how it's processed), which makes it much more potent than regular honey. It tastes sweeter than honey and other types of sweeteners, which is why some people prefer agave.
You can cut the dead branches off your cherry trees at several points during the year. Pruned trees do not need their wounds dressed if you make proper cuts when performing maintenance. Proper cuts are made flush with the branches so they don't leave stubs or horizontal cuts angled so water does not settle on the cut surface, preventing the growth of disease-causing organisms, according to North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.
Pecan trees are monoecious, which means the same tree will produce both male and female flowers. However, male and female pecan flowers have very different appearances. The tree, a native to North America, has long been a source of food to both indigenous people and settlers from Europe. They grow quite tall, often reaching more than 70 feet in height. Native to the parts of the Deep South, the pecan is in the same family as the hickory and black walnut.
Shoes are a part of your appearance. It is the finishing touch to the outfit. Mixing and matching to blend and complement your outfit. Shoes come in a variety of styles for both men and women. Men and women need everything from running shoes to dress shoes. There are significant differences between a shoe for a women and a shoe for a man.
The caddisfly resembles a small moth, with hairy wings instead of scaly wings like its distant relatives, moths and butterflies. Found in fast-moving streams, the caddisfly plays an important ecological role by eating algae and providing a food source for fish and other creatures. Identifying the body parts of a caddisfly depends on which of the four metamorphosis life stages the caddisfly is in when examining it.
Spiders are frightening to many homeowners by their very appearance, but in fact spiders are probably among the most beneficial animals that occur in outdoor and indoor environments. Spiders eat some of the most bothersome insects and will only attack humans defensively and as a result of extreme provocation. Still, some spiders can be harmful to humans, so as a homeowner it is wise to learn the spider species that are more likely to travel inside your home so as to better recognize the ones that may be harmful to your family.
If you plant pumpkins in mid-May or early June, then you'll probably start to see flowers in July. But for the novice pumpkin gardener, those first flowers can bear disappointment. Pumpkin vines have separate male and female flowers and the fruitless male flowers appear first. You have two options when your flowers start to appear: Leave pollination to the bees or take the do-it-yourself approach.
Both nematodes and trematodes are parasitic worms that prey upon various plant and animal hosts. Nematodes, also known as round worms, can be free-living, but many species live on animal hosts and produce serious disorders. Nematodes that infect plants can cause severe crop losses. Trematodes, known as flukes, infect animals, and their life cycles generally include residence in two different species: a primary and an intermediate host.
Copper piping is used in home building to feed water from the main water supply line to the rest of the home. Most homes use Type L copper piping which is a medium-walled three-eighths pipe. The pipes are connected using adapters and solder to form a semi-permanent bond. The pipes can be separated if needed at the connections by applying heat to the solder to melt it. New adapters are used to connect the pipes back together.
Grapevines produce large, succulent leaves that, when healthy, look beautiful in the home garden. Occasionally, the leaves may curl downward, an indication of disease, herbicide injury or a nutrient deficiency. Rarely, leaf curling may be a sign of drought stress. Keep plants healthy through good care so they are better able to withstand diseases and other problems.
Golden orb weavers are a family of medium-sized spiders. The only golden orb spider to exist in North America is the nephila clavipes. The golden orb spider can be found throughout the coastal southeast from North Carolina to Texas. Though venomous, the spider is considered nonlethal to humans. The spider is generally easy to identify due to several distinctive characteristics.
Oleander is an attractive shrub or small tree for the ornamental garden. It bears large fragrant pink, white, red, yellow or orange flowers but must be used cautiously around the home as it is very poisonous. Oleanders are warm-climate plants, but they can tolerate temperatures down to 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time. Oleander is resistant to most diseases but cold damage, extended drought and several insect pests can cause foliage to curl.
A single female spider produces dozens of offspring in a single mating season. These offspring come from eggs, which spiders store in egg sacs. Most spiders keep egg sacs safely in the fabric of their webs, though some spiders transport eggs and egg sacs for various reasons. Wolf spiders, known to carry their babies on their backs, live throughout the United States, including North Carolina.
Zucchini is technically a fruit, though we consider it a vegetable, because the seed-bearing fruit develops from the ovary of female flowers. Male flowers contribute the pollen that fertilizes these ovary flowers, leading to zucchini development and growth -- and a summer full of fresh zucchini dishes, stuffed and grilled zucchini and, of course, zucchini bread. If suddenly your zucchini blossoms fall from the plant it may not be a problem. When it is, resolving it may take some time and effort.
May beetles, which are also called June beetles or June bugs, grow up to 25 millimeters and are reddish brown with a shiny shell. These beetles fly towards lights in the hot and humid periods of summer. The adult beetles feed on foliage and lay eggs in the early May and June periods. The eggs hatch and feed on grass for a period of time, until they grow to become adult beetles with wings.
All creatures, whether human, animal or insect need a mate to reproduce and keep their population going. Moths are no exception to that rule. Despite the fact that there are different types of moths, all of the female moths use the pheromone method to attract males.
Hawthorn plants grow as small trees or large bushes and are members of the Rosaceae family of plants. Both English and Indian hawthorns bloom in shades of pink. Hawthorns are hardy plants that grow well in a variety of climates and soil types, but several factors can lead to browning of the deciduous foliage, wilting and leaf drop. Proper care can help eliminate this problem and promote healthy growth.
Known by many names in Arizona, including wind scorpion, camel spider and solpugid, the sun spider inhabits deserts throughout the state. Sun spiders belong to the order Solifugae. Commonly mistaken for spiders because of their appearance, sun spiders are more closely related to scorpions. Despite their fearsome countenance, sun spiders don't cause serious harm to humans.
There are many species of lilies and lilylike flowers. The plants are characterized by showy, exotic blooms in brilliant colors and sweet perfumes. Lilies come from bulbs and flower in spring to summer when temperatures are warm and full sun is available. All flowers have complex reproductive systems whose purpose is to produce an ovary and pollen. The ovary must be pollinated for the plant to produce seed. Lilies have obvious reproductive parts and bright yellow pollen that is borne on the stamens. The pistil is an ornamental thickened part that attaches to the ovary and provides a conduit for…
Although they share many of the physical features you notice at first glance -- bushy black and brown striped tails, broad heads, pointy snouts, and masked black eyes -- male and female raccoons do exhibit some social and physical characteristics that set them apart from one another. Their sizes, mating practices, social tendencies and temperaments provide the bases for distinctions between the sexes.
Shasta daisies are just one of thousands of species belonging to the Asteraceae family. Like other members in the family, the Shasta daisy's flower is actually composed of numerous tiny flowers called florets surrounded by bracts. Within each of the florets are the Shasta daisy's reproductive organs: the pistil and the stamens.
Black and yellow spiders that construct large webs are highly beneficial residents in a home garden. Spiders that construct intricate webs are called orb weavers. The black and yellow species widespread throughout North America is commonly called a golden orb weaver or writing spider. Like all spiders, they are carnivorous predators that feed on a wide variety of insect pests in home gardens. They are not, however, dangerous to pets or people.
Despite its common name, seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera) does not produce grapes, neither does it grow in the ocean. It is a tree reaching 30 feet tall and wide and is commonly found along sidewalks and in privacy hedges on private property. The plant thrives in hot, humid weather and can grow indoors as a bonsai plant. The tree has few pest problems, but those that it does have cause serious problems for growers.
With its warm and damp tropical ecosystem, Florida has a spider-friendly environment. A number of Florida's spiders sport yellow and black legs. To see these spiders, try looking outside, on and around plants in your garden. Check under rocks and flowerpots as well. Indoors, you may spot these creatures in corners and at windows. Most spiders are active overnight. None of the spiders listed below are poisonous, though they can deliver painful bites when threatened.
Apple trees are known for their lovely blooms and delicious fruit. However, apple trees can experience sudden wilting and dieback. Insect infestations and disease are the two most common causes of wilting apple leaves, and both can cause reduced fruit yield and reduced plant vigor.
Zucchini flowers appear on zucchini plants right before the vegetable begins to grow. The flowers are bright orange in color and resemble lilies -- and they are also quite delicious. Italian, Mexican and French cuisines feature the edible flower, and American cooks are experimenting with the delicacy as well. Zucchini flowers are often stuffed and deep-fried or chopped and added to dishes that need a gentle zucchini taste. Harvesting the flower is simple and requires nothing more than a pair of gloves and scissors.
Pumpkins, like cucumber, gourd, squash, muskmelon, and watermelon have two kinds of flowers on each plant. Unlike plants with blossoms that include both male and female parts,, pumpkin flowers specialize and are either male or female. The two kinds of flower each have unique structures and function.
Nematodes and platyhelminthes are more commonly referred to generically as roundworms and flatworms (or tapeworms). There are over 16,000 parasitic species of nematodes, while over half of the 12,000-plus platyhelminthes species are also parasitic. The major differences between the nematodes and platyhelminthes are their shapes (round versus flat) and how they process what they ingest. Roundworms have an actual digestive system, while flatworms only have a generalized digestive gut.
Yellow spiders on plants are common plant pests called spider mites. Spider mites create problems for both household plants and outdoor plants. It is important to identify early signs of damage so you can provide proper treatment. In addition, there are methods you can employ to prevent spider mites from infesting your plants.
The primrose is a plant that you have probably spotted many times in old canals, near railroads and in abandoned lots. They thrive with very little care and can sprout on dry, gravelly soils as well as in moist environments. The leaves and flowers are used in foods and medicinally, and if you plan to grow one on your own, understanding the characteristics is key.
Often forced into bloom for the holiday season, Christmas cacti make bright additions to your holiday home. Insects that infest Christmas cactus are serious problems in greenhouses and often hitch a ride into homes on new plants. These insects are difficult to control once an infestation is established, so inspect new plants for healthy and vigor and check for signs of insects before bringing a Christmas cactus into your home.
Eggplant is a member of the nightshade family. The plant bears a thick-skinned, sweet-fleshed fruit in summer. The eggplant has star-shaped blooms in purple and pink hues. Eggplant flowers are deemed "perfect," which means they have both male and female reproductive parts contained in each flower. Most fruits and vegetables are pollinated by insects or wind, and the eggplant is no exception. The flowers carry no nectar to attract pollinators and rely on wind to perform the task. Once pollinated, the flower will become a fruit. Occasionally flowers will not pollinate due to overcrowding, sheltered conditions, humidity or other reasons,…
The word mosquito means "little fly" in Spanish. There are nearly 3,000 species of mosquitoes all over the world. The insects are specifically adapted for sucking blood from other animals. However, only the females do this because they need the protein to reproduce; males nourish from plant nectars. Mosquitos are notorious spreaders of diseases like malaria, among others.
Pumpkins, a fruit, got their name from the Greek "pepon," which means large melon. Pumpkins are 90 percent water and sources of potassium and vitamin A. They are ingredients in soups, pies and breads and their roasted seeds are used for snacks. Even pumpkin flowers are edible in salads. Pumpkin plants have few requirements. They mostly need a lot of space for their vines to spread and a long enough growing season.
The natural beauty of a flagstone patio or pathway is enhanced by planting ground cover in the empty space between stones. Not only do the plants help tie the flagstone in to the surrounding landscape, they also make a garden trail or patio feel more inviting. Plants typically used around flagstones are low-growing, hardy and don't require pruning or mowing. They also keep weeds down, which often means less maintenance than required by gravel, sand or mulch used between stones.
Compared to most houseplants, cacti are relatively free from insect pests. One reason is that cacti possess a waxy cuticle that many bugs have trouble penetrating. In addition, lack of leaves holds leaf-eating pests, such as snails, at bay. However, a number of insect and other pests can damage cactus houseplants.
Cactus is easy to grow if you buy the right species and plant it in the right spot. Just because it is a cactus does not mean that it can take all day sun, nor does it mean that it rarely needs watering. Watering requirements depend on whether the cactus is in the ground outside, in a pot outside, or in a window inside your house. Additional problems occur as some people confuse cactus and succulents, which have different watering requirements. Succulents need more water than cactus. Watering requirements also depend on whether the cactus is in the ground outside,…
Yellow bell peppers, like other colors of bell peppers, grow well in home gardens. While these plants commonly grow well in the home vegetable garden, there are several diseases, pests and conditions which contribute to reduced crop yield or crop damage. Knowing what to expect before planting yellow peppers helps gardens prepare for any potential problems which may arise during the growing season.
Quick-disconnect valves are commonly found on air and paint hoses. These valves use a sleeve to slide open or closed. While at rest the sleeve is locked in place, but once slid, the valve will release its hold on the input valve it was attached to and be removed. This makes switching between air compressors and paint sprayers a quick and simple process.
Lapageria rosea, commonly called the Chilean bellflower or copihue, is a large flowering vine native to the rainforest of South America. Lapageria rosea is the national flower of Chile. The plants can grow more than 30 feet in their natural habitat and have large white, pink or red flowers that hang from the plant, suspended from the vine high above the forest floor. While Lapageria rosea is quite rare in the plant trade, it is slowly becoming more common as it grows well in home gardens when provided with proper care, according to the University of California at Berkeley.
The female mosquito requires blood protein to assist in the development of her eggs. Saliva from the female is released into the region of the bite, potentially causing an allergic reaction in some people. West Nile virus is carried by certain species of mosquitoes. Mosquito repellents are needed as a precaution against harmful mosquito bites.
Citrus trees are often under attack from citrus mealybugs, a common pest of citrus trees. These insects attack many other plants and trees in the landscape, as well as citrus trees. Heavy infestations of mealybugs can affect the health and appearance of the citrus tree, as well as the fruit it bears.
The Oxford University Press -- author of the Oxford dictionaries -- estimates there are more than 250,000 words in the English language. Of these, there are many which are synonyms, or different words that describe the same thing. While "shrub" and "bush" are often used distinctly, especially when using the name of specific plants, the difference between them is actually not as clear as it seems.
Using low-growing greenery in the gaps between flagstones for a path or patio helps unify the area and suppress weeds. It's important to choose the right ground cover plant, depending on how much sun or shade the area gets and how much foot and furniture traffic it will have. Tight, flat ground covers are the best choice between stones or pavers.
Flagstone is a very attractive flooring option for outdoor spaces. Its natural shape, color and texture provide a beautiful setting for ground covering plants to grow among. In a patio or walkway, flagstone is not only aesthetically pleasing but durable. Choosing low-growing annual or perennial plants to soften the edges and create color and texture not only enhances the beauty of flagstone walks and patios but may provide erosion control and keep your stones in place.
Bark beetles are a group of insects that attack the bark of trees. These beetles attack numerous types of evergreens, especially spruce and pine. Efforts to control bark beetles should concentrate on limiting stress for the tree, but in some cases a chemical control is needed.
Cherry trees may be small or large, depending on cultivar, but average around 20 to 30 feet in height. They grow in fruiting and decorative varieties, but always bear soft pink or white blooms, with deep green foliage. Like any fruit tree, cherry trees have specific growing seasons and requirements and will experience leaf death at dormancy or with lack of care.
Pumpkins fall into the category of plants with imperfect flowers, according to the University of Illinois Extension Service. This means some flowers have a male part, the stamen, and other flowers have the pistil or female part. This trait is common to the melons, pumpkins and cucumbers. Other plants, where sex organs of both genders are present in each flower, are referred to by botanists as "perfect" flowers. Identifying the flowers is not difficult.
Mealy bugs affect most species of ornamental plants, including hydrangea. Hydrangeas are members of the Hydrangeaceae family and are often planted for the large, colorful blooms they produce. Mealy bugs feed on hydrangea leaves and flowers causing damage with their piercing mouthparts. Heavy infestations of mealy bugs may also result in the development of sooty mold on host plants.
A majority of flowering plants including annuals, perennials, vegetables, trees and shrubs carry both the male and female components of the plant on the same flower. There are some plants, however, that either grow into individual male or female plants or produce individual male or female flowers on one plant. To tell the difference between male and female flowers you'll need to compare how each one looks to spot their differences.
Though many plants have both male and female characteristics, some species of plants produce separate male and female varieties. These plants, known as dioecious plants, grow from seed with either male or female properties. The differences between male and female versions of dioecious plants often allow the gender of specific plant specimens to be easily determined, though these differences may be difficult to recognize with some species.
Primroses (Primula spp.) are perennials that also grow as annuals in regions with mild winters. The plant blooms with flower clusters in shades of white, yellow, red, orange, blue and purple. Primroses grow best in cooler climates and in fertile, well-drained soil. A fungal disease causes flowers to start wilting.
While large tree specimens, such as cottonwoods and oaks, provide shade and protection from the wind, others species enhance a landscape with their ornamental characteristics. Known for their spring blossoms, dogwood trees thrive in temperate climates with well-drained soils. Some varieties naturally display green and yellow leaves, while others may form bi-colored leaves due to poor health.
Pollen, a fine or coarse powder containing seed particles, can cause an allergic response such as sneezing and coughing. Pollen levels are counted in grass, mold, trees and weeds to alert "hay fever" sufferers. According to the National Institutes of Health, pollen levels are lower in the late afternoon or after a soaking rain.
Nematodes, commonly referred to as round worms, live in water, soil and even inhabit humans and animals. There are approximately 15,000 various species of nematodes known and the females are capable of laying over 200,000 eggs, which can be a problem if a female nematode resides inside your body. Distinguishable differences in the physical appearance of the nematodes can help you tell male and female nematodes apart.
The Western bumble bee, once common, has all but disappeared from the wild in California, but because they are excellent pollinators, Western bumble bees are still raised commercially for use in greenhouses. The Western bumble bee or yellow-banded bumble bee can be identified by different color variations. Bumble bees come in three common color variations.
Sea grapes (Coccoloba uvifera) grow wild along the coast from southern Florida southward across the Caribbean into South America. They tolerate salt spray, wind, hurricanes, drought, and provide shade and shelter across many coastal habitats and landscapes. Their fruit clusters resemble grapes.
The weed that causes orange pollen to cover lawns and buildings in late summer is ragweed. Ragweed pollen can disperse for hundreds of miles, so you may not see the weed growing nearby, but the pollen still appears.
Schefflera is a genus of plants comprised of approximately 650 species, most of which are native to Australia, Taiwan and other parts of Asia and the South Pacific. In the United States, Schefflera arboricola (elf schefflera), Schefflera actinophylla (umbrellatree), and Schefflera elegantissima (false aralia) are common houseplants grown for their glossy, palmate leaves. Those grown indoors rarely have enough light to produce the showy red, pink or pale green flowers that determine the sex of the plant. Depending on the species, plants can be hermaphroditic, meaning that there are male and female reproductive parts on the same flower; andromonoecious, meaning…
All garden plants including flowers are prone to a number of disorders including serious fungal infections. Even the flowers growing under optimal growing conditions are susceptible to diseases. A common fungal disease causes flowers to brown and die.
Located just a few miles northwest of Tucson, Arizona, Avra Valley is a town in the Sonoran Desert. With a population of just over 5,000 people, there is a lot of open space for other inhabitants. Such as spiders. Quite a few different spiders live in this area of Arizona, some potentially dangerous and some that are not. While this is not a list of every spider that may be found in Avra Valley, it does list the more common spiders.
Begonias (Begonia spp.) are grown both for their flowers and their colorful foliage. The annual or perennial plants thrive well in pots and in beds and bloom in a range of flower colors including pink, orange, red or yellow. A fungal infection causes begonia foliage to brown.
Dogwood (Cornus spp.) trees grow in a range of sizes and are valued for their spring blooms and bright fall colors. The deciduous trees grow best in acidic, fertile soil and thrive in full to partial sun. Declining dogwood trees are likely to be suffering from a fungal infection.
The oarfish is the longest bony fish in the world. It gets its name from the oar-like pelvic fins on its body. Oarfish are common in deeper waters, although they have been spotted on the surface of the water from time to time and even wash ashore in storms. Scientists and biologists believe the oarfish is the creature behind the sea monster legends.
The over 260,000 species of plants are all made up of cells. Plant cells have a regular shape, which makes them easy to tell apart from animal cells. These cells link to form the structure of the plant.
Many types of spiders are native to North Carolina. Most spiders have marks or features that will help you identify what kind they are. Knowing where the spider lives or nests in the wild can also help determine what it is. Some spiders native to North Carolina are endangered and should be left alone if found in the wild.
Redwood trees (Sequoia sempervirens) are evergreen conifers that grow 70 to 90 feet tall. Redwoods have a rapid growth rate and are often planted in groves. The trees adapt well to a variety of climates and thrive in full sun. A fungal disease causes brown redwood foliage.
Begonias (Begonia spp.) grow as perennials and annuals. The are known for their waxy clusters of flowers in shades of orange, pink, red and yellow. Begonias are planted both in the ground and in pots and thrive in indirect, bright light. A fungal disease causes begonia leaves to start wilting.
Virginia is home to many different types of spiders, some of them venomous. Knowing what types there are and what they look like will help identify them, so you can determine whether a spider you have found is a threat. Most spiders are not aggressive and will not actively seek out people to bite.
If your skin is itchy and inflamed and you spend a good deal of time near evergreen trees, the source of your rash may be moths living in the very trees all around you. A few common moths that typically live among evergreen trees will irritate the skin upon contact during their larval caterpillar stages.
Recognized by their round, fuzzy bodies and yellow and black coloration, bumblebees are beneficial pollinator insects that are attracted to a variety of flowering plants. If you notice bees persistently hovering around a deck, you may be observing a bumblebee look-alike -- the carpenter bee.
You can grow cherry trees in the landscape as an ornamental feature with their masses of pink or white spring blossoms or for their sweet or tart fruit. The tree grows 20 to 30 feet tall and prefers areas of full sun. A bacterial disease causes brown foliage and dying branches on the trees.
Oleanders flourish along the Georgia coastline and into Florida but are prone to disease. The warmth-loving plant does not do well in Georgia's cooler interior, but some gardeners have successfully overwintered the plant indoors and placed it outside in warmer weather. Careful inspection of plant leaves help prevent and control disease causing bacteria and insects.
Despite the oleander's (Nerium oleander) reputation as a hardy shrub, a variety of insects feed on the shrub. The oleander scale (Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli), Oleander caterpillar (Syntomeida epilais), and the oleander aphid (Aphis nerii) all cause damage to the plant.
Maples (Acer spp.) are deciduous trees that thrive in cooler regions and are grown for their eye-catching fall colors. The trees come in nearly 125 varieties. A maple tree is likely to be suffering from a bacterial disease, among many other disorders.
Maples (Acer spp.) are a large group of shrubs and trees best suited for regions with cool weather. The plants come in evergreen or deciduous varieties and a range of sizes and forms. A bacterial disease leads to wilting foliage on maple plants.
A hardy evergreen shrub, the oleander (Nerium oleander) produces flowers year round in various shades. The plant can reach up to 20 feet tall, but dwarf cultivars are also available. Oleander leaf loss usually occurs because of a bacterial disease or pest infestation.
Cherry trees are used in landscapes as ornamental trees for their spring blossoms and their fruit. The trees grow well in areas of full sun and prefer an alkaline soil. Cherry leaves often start to wilt due to a bacterial infection.
Oleanders (Nerium oleander) are 8- to 12-foot-tall evergreen shrubs grown for their wide variety of flower colors. Oleander foliage is susceptible to numerous problems.
Oaks are members of the genus Quercus. These broadleaf hardwood trees are highly valued for the quality of their lumber and their decorative value. Like all other flowering plants, they are sexually reproducing species.
Oleander, also called Nerium oleander, is an evergreen shrub originally native to Morocco. A member of the dogbane family, this common garden shrub is poisonous to mammals. Unfortunately, oleanders' poisonous nature has no effect on a variety of pests, including spider mites.
When you are operating heavy equipment, such as excavators and loaders, the ability to move tools located on the machines without loss of any fluid or air pressure is essential. Attachments called quick couplers provide the machine mechanics necessary to accomplish these movements.
Oleanders are evergreen shrubs that produce lovely blooms in a variety of colors and are fairly easy to maintain. Oleanders are drought-tolerant and do not require fertilization. They are susceptible to pests, which can affect the appearance and health of the shrub.
The most ornamental feature of the winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) centers on the plump and numerous berries that cling onto the leafless branches in fall and winter. All hollies are either male or female, based on the flower structure; only female shrubs produce fruits, and only if their late springtime flowers get pollinated. Grow winterberry holly across U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4b through 8.
Like most flowers, roses don't fit into categories of male or female. Rather, they combine both male and female reproductive parts within the flower.
Delicious fried and covered with cheese and tomato in eggplant parmigiana -- or stewed in ratatouille -- eggplant has been delighting diners for ages. Many cooks and diners prefer male eggplant in their dishes.
A study reported in the 2007 edition of "NeuroImage" by Rhoshel K. Lenroot et al. demonstrated that there are significant differences in the way the brains of boys and girls develop. Gender differences include the age when certain developments occur, differences in the sequence of development and where certain activities take place in the brain. These differences affect motor skill abilities of boys and girls.
Oleanders are evergreen shrubs that are native to northern Africa. They grow in warm areas of the United States. Oleanders are hardy and versatile, but they are also susceptible to attacks from several insect species.
Shasta daisies look like average flowers with petals surrounding a center, but that center is actually composed of many tiny flowers. Because those smaller flowers occupy the space that normally houses a flower's reproductive organs, it might look like the Shasta daisy is lacking those organs. In reality, those small flowers each have their own reproductive parts.
Quick-disconnect fittings have a female portion on the material supply line with a check ball inside. When there are no tools or additional lines connected to it, the check ball fills the line opening to contain its materials of air, water or gases inside the line without spillage. The check ball is held in place by air, gas or fluid pressure. Inserting the male end of a tool or additional hose into the female end locks it in place and allows flow of material to the tool or hose. The various types of couplers disconnect differently depending on their type.
Bagworms, or Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, are insect pests that mainly attack evergreen trees, but they also attack deciduous trees and shrubs on occasion. Approximately 128 different plant species are at risk of injury from bagworm infestations.
A summer squash, the zucchini grows well in most summer vegetable gardens. You only need one zucchini plant to produce fruit, as the plants grow separate male and female flowers on the same plant, which are usually pollinated by bees and other insects. You can also pollinate the flowers by hand if you are growing them in a greenhouse or other area where insect pollination isn't possible. Telling the difference between the male and female blooms ensures you pollinate the zucchini correctly for the maximum amount of fruit at harvest time.
In a hypogynous flower, the arrangement of various reproductive organs takes a certain form. The flower's perianth, which refers collectively to its petals and any sepals, together with its stamen, the male reproductive organ, all attach below the pistil, the female reproductive organ. In the word hypgynous, you can see the Greek root "hypo-," meaning below or under, and "gynous," meaning female.
For a tree to bear fruit, its flowers must be pollinated. Some fruit trees have flowers that can pollinate themselves. Others have separate male and female flowers, while some have only male or only female flowers.
Pussy willows --- also known by their technical name Salix discolor --- are willow trees commonly found in wet growth environments. They are native to the Canadian wetlands and the eastern United States, although they have the ability to thrive in most environments if given plenty of water.
The box elder, Acer negundo, is a species of maple native to North America. It is also known as box elder maple and maple ash. However, unlike other maples, box elders are dioecious, which means each tree is either male or female. Both a male and female tree are needed for the trees to reproduce. Female box elder trees bear the seeds but both sexes have flowers.
Pollen grains are tiny structures used by plants as part of reproduction. Plants that use pollen typically release huge numbers of pollen grains, but only a few will reach plants of the same species. Pollen grains can vary greatly in size and structure from one species to another, but all share certain characteristics.
In statistics, nominal scales are the lowest level for measuring variables. Nominal scales refer to naming or categorizing where one response is not more favorable over another -- responses are not ranked. An example of a nominal scale used by the United States census is gender. In 2000, the Census determined 50.9 percent of the country's population was female and 49.1 percent male. Examples of other nominal scales are social security numbers, ethnicity, religion, blood type and marital status. Nominal scales do not apply to human surveys only; different types of houses or car models are examples of nominal scales.
Termites are very private, secretive and social insects that live in colonies of thousands to millions. Their colonies normally consist of workers, soldiers, kings and queens that work together. The long-lived king and queen are heads of the colonies.
Some fruit plants have flowers that have both male and female reproductive organs. These flowers change between being male and female. When the flowers are in the male stage, they release pollen that flowers in the female stage receive.
It is not uncommon for a dog owner with a fenced-in yard and a crafty canine to come home from work to a hole in the ground and an empty yard. A loose domestic animal that is unused to running free is in danger of being hit by a car, and aggressive dogs should not be allowed to roam unleashed in neighborhoods with small children. Take steps to deter your dog from digging up the area under your fence and you will rest easier when you are away from the house.
Squash have both a male and female bud or flower on the same plant. The female flower produces the fruit when pollinated; the male flower provides the pollen for this purpose. Normally, pollination is carried out by insects, particularly bees, whose populations are declining. Especially in urban areas, to ensure your squash plant produces vegetables, pollinate them by hand. To do this, you first need to identify which are the female flowers and which are the male flowers.
There are pests that afflict ficus plants and disrupt growth. Ficus plants are typically indoor trees. Different varieties are available, including midnight, indigo, amstel king, wiandi and Monique. Most ficus plants lose leaves throughout the year, but with proper care, these plants last a long time.
Molex produces a variety of electronic connectors for consumers, engineering firms and manufacturers. Molex connectors are used in automotive and marine 12-volt systems, computers and accessories, and audio-visual components. The company makes connectors for most common electronic uses as well as the individual parts for each product. The company also manufactures the tools needed to assemble its connectors, such as the Molex crimp tool. Everything you need for making your own Molex connectors is available at any electronics retail store.
Plants and animals have eukaryotic cells, whereas bacteria and blue-green algae have prokaryotic cells. Unlike eukaryotic cells, prokaryotic cells do not have nuclei; they have simpler structures and lack organelles. Although there are clear differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes, plant cells and prokaryotic cells do share some basic similarities. Many of the plant cell's properties have evolved from prokaryotic cells.
Cloudless sulphur butterflies are common garden butterflies in eastern North America from Canada to Florida. They overwinter in the Deep South and begin migrating northward in spring. Several species of wild and garden plants serve as larval hosts and nectar plants.
The yellow and black garden spider, also known as the Black and Yellow Argiope spider, is a common and harmless spider throughout the southern United States. With characteristic markings, it is a colorful addition to any garden.
Rhodiola rosea or roseroot is an arctic species native to northern Europe and Asia. It grows on cliffs, rocks and on the tops of mountains. The herb has both culinary and medical uses.
Like many plants and foliage, marijuana plants have distinct sexes. In order for them to produce seeds, the female plant requires pollination by a male plant. Growers of medicinal marijuana must be able to identify the different sexes to propagate plants.
Contrary to popular belief, the Easter or spring cactus and the Christmas cactus are actually two different plants. Native to Brazil, the Easter cactus features flat green stems called segments that resemble leaves. Beautiful flowers in a variety of colors including pink, purple and red bud between the segments. Unlike the rounded leaf margins of the Christmas cactus, the Easter cactus features sharp-bristled margins.
Pines are members of the Conifer family, and as such they produce cones as part of the reproductive cycle. Pines have both male and female cones. Female cones are larger than male cones and contain the ovules in the form of seeds. The small male cone lives only a few weeks, after which the pollen sack inside is released. The wind carries the pollen, with some of it hopefully landing in the scales of the female cones. You can walk in almost any evergreen forest and find cones littering the ground. One way to identify the cones is to harvest…
According to the University of Florida, the pecan tree is native to the Mississippi floodplain in North America. Pecan trees are monoecious, which means the tree produces both male and female flowers for reproduction.
In order to identify whether a plant is male or female, you need to know some basic information about the plant's flowers. Complete flowers contain both male and female parts. The male part produces pollen and the female part produces seeds. Incomplete flowers have either male or female parts but not both. If the plant produces incomplete flowers, it could be monoecious and have male and female flowers on the same plant, or dioecious and have male and female flowers on different plants. Examining the plants with a magnifying glass will help you tell the difference between male and female…
Like animals, plants use sexual reproduction to exchange genetic material between two parents. Therefore, plants also have male and female forms, although there is a degree of variation as to how these forms present themselves on actual plants. Most flowering plants have perfect flowers, according to retired biology professor John W. Kimball, meaning that both male and female structures are present in a single flower. In some species, self-fertilization can also occur. Other species, called monoecious species, produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The pecan tree is a monoecious tree. A few tree species are dioecious,…
Rather than having a patio that is one solid block of cement or decking, homeowners are choosing a more cottage-like feel by creating patios from flagstone or other paving stones. Small ground-covering plants can be used to fill the spaces between the pavers.
A plant's reproductive system helps categorize it in the scientific classification system known as taxonomy. These reproductive organs are often found in the flowers. Male flowers produce pollen, which fertilize female flowers' eggs.
Taylor body fat scales allow users to track their weight and body fat percentage. Bumping, dropping and any other type of rough treatment could cause your scale to malfunction. However, depending on the problem, you can try a few techniques to return your scale to the proper operating conditions. If your Taylor scale's body fat percentage output malfunctions, you can reprogram the scale's body fat function to resolve the problem, or perform a hard reset if reprogramming doesn't work.
Kiwifruit belong to the genus Actinidia. Earlier known as the Chinese gooseberry, these woody, perennial vines or creepers originated in China. According to the Ohio State University Extension Office, pollination requires one male plant for every eight female plants.
Palms, trees that grow in tropical and sub-tropical climates, come in many types, some with a single trunk and some with multiple trunks. These plants are used in residential and commercial landscapes as specimen plants and are very ornamental. Although generally healthy, a number of pests commonly infest palm trees.
Plants are known to have varying combinations of gender systems based on its biological heritage. It may be difficult for you to determine whether your seed is female or male, since these characteristics generally only show when they begin to flower. However, there have been methods created to accurately make this determination. These methods are often employed by growers because, in certain plants, one sex may be considered more valuable than the other.
Winged ants, found in most species, are the male and female members of an ant colony's reproductive caste. The winged, fertile females are queens. Mating occurs during a "nuptial flight," when virgin queens and winged males disperse from their home colonies in great numbers. This is done to avoid predators and inbreeding. A nuptial flight can sometimes be made of hundreds of thousands of ants.
Pipe couplings are used to connect pipes or other pipe components to one another. Both male and female couplings are required to form a tight seal on a pipe. The male coupling is threaded into the female coupling, then the pipe connection is tightened by turning an outer ring. In order for these couplings to work effectively, they must fit together precisely so that the treading matches up.
As with social insects like wasps and bees, ant colonies have at their center an egg-laying queen. For many years, scientists believed that the development of a queen ant was very similar to that of a queen bee; in bee society, queens develop precisely because a regular larva is fed royal jelly. This special diet transforms a would-be worker bee into a fertile queen. However, scientists are learning that ant queens develop through a more complicated (and poorly understood) process that varies across the thousands of ant species in the world.
The sea buckthorn is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced to Canada by immigrants settling Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia in the early 20th century. The sea buckthorn is a deciduous shrub 6 to 13 feet in height and is dioecious meaning there are both male and female plants in the species. Only female plants produce fruit although bark and leaves from both plant genders are used in addition to the fruit to make pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health drinks, jams and jellies, dyes, beer and beyond. The sea buckthorn is very high in vitamin C and antioxidant properties. It's…
You may have noticed that where there are plants, there are animals. They relationship between the two has been evolving for millions of years, and is so ingrained in both plants and animals that their survival is no longer mutually exclusive.
Individual plant cells have developed a way to "talk" with other cells so the entire structure functions toward a common goal. Just as in animal cells, plant cells need to share information for the plant to grow and develop. Communications between two plant cells also provides for the common defense of the plant against problems.
You may have eaten eggplant in ratatouille, eggplant parmesan or even baba ganouj. But you probably didn’t stop to think, “I wonder whether that delicious eggplant was a male or female.” But such terms, while not technically accurate, are taken seriously by foodies, who suggest that the "gender" of an eggplant has an effect on its taste and quality.
When you see a Monarch butterfly, it's plausible you have no idea whether it is male or female. You realize, too, that a cursory look at a butterfly won't give you enough information to figure it out. If you are discerning, though, you can determine a Monarch's sex by looking at its wings, abdomen, color or size.
Thread taps are the tools used to cut the female portion of a mating pair of metal fasteners, while another device called a die is used to cut the male portions. So taps are used to cut nuts and dies are used to cut bolts. Taps can also be used to cut threads into a hole, so that they will receive a bolt more effectively. Many types of thread taps exist with a variety of different uses.
Holly plants are frequently associated with the holiday season, but these plants make an easy addition to any landscape. Hollies tolerate most conditions and require very little routine care. If you need a colorful addition around your home, consider using a holly plant. Evaluate the main facts about these plants to determine if a holly is the right choice for you.
The lunar moth, more commonly known as the luna moth, with its green color and long sweeping tail of the hind wing, is one of the largest moths in North America. It is a wild silk moth and considered an endangered species due to its dwindling numbers. There are subtle differences between the males and females.
Growing in rain forests and tropical zones, coconut trees are major economic factors in some parts of the world. They provide many products besides the fruit for which they are known.
The name "nettle" applies to a wide variety of plants, but current botanical thinking restricts the true nettles to the genus Urtica. This includes the stinging nettle, which has male and female plants that differ from one another in their floral and vegetative properties.
More than 300 different species of spiders inhabit the state of Missouri. These species include tarantulas, orb weavers, wolf spiders, flower spiders and a few venomous species. Species range in size, shape, color and habitat. Spiders are an integral part of Missouri's ecosystem and are vitally important to maintenance of agriculture and woodlands.
Avocado plants are different from trees and plants that have a distinct male and female identities, with the males' flowers sending out pollen to fertilize the females' flowers. Rather, they are hermaphroditic, but have a complex system of blooming and fertilization that includes two distinct types of avocado plants.
Regular use can damage the ends of a garden hose. You can fix both the male and the female end of the hose to be good as new with a hose repair kit. You can find the male and female repair kits at all major home improvement stores. The process required to repair a hose end is fairly straight forward.
Most people have learned to be careful when they hear the buzz of a mosquito. At best, a bite means an itchy bump that can last for days, and in the worst case, it can be the precursor of a serious illness. Knowing the differences between male and female mosquitoes can help you determine if the one on your arm is a threat.
Nematodes are also known as round worms. They live in soil and water as well as a host such as humans, plants, and animals. There are about 15,000 different kinds of nematodes known. The female can lay up to 200,000 eggs daily, though not all are fertilized. These roundworms eat algae, plant roots, and bacteria. They can kill its host if they are not removed. Females tend to cause a larger problem since they are larger and can lay many eggs. Being able to tell a female apart from a male nematode is difficult and may require placing them under…
Pollen is a microscopic structure that facilitates reproduction in seed plants by transporting the male DNA to the plant’s female reproductive structure. Most pollen grains are round or oval in shape and measure between 15 to 100 micrometers. However, markings on the grain’s outer wall, its chemical composition and method of transport vary depending on the type of pollen.
The American robin (Turdus migratorius) is a bird found in many areas across North America. These birds typically breed in Canada and the northern United States, spending cold winter months in the U.S. and down into Mexico. The robins fit into nearly any environment, from heavily populated urban areas to sparse forests. Determining the sex of a robin is an easy task, as there are a few distinct markings that distinguish a male from a female.
The winterberry shrub, also known as Ilex verticillata, is known for its bright red berries in the fall and winter. The winterberry is a species with male and female plants. To have berry-producing shrubs, you need both male and female. It is difficult, however, to identify the differences between male and female plants until about three years after planting.
Carpenter bees (the genus Xylocopa in the subfamily Xylocopinae) live throughout the world wherever woody plants abound, especially in forested regions. Many species live in the tropics. These bees resemble bumble bees, but they do not have the yellow markings. They are large, hairy bees. Being able to determine the gender of a carpenter bee is very easy. The characteristics between the two sexes are very distinct.
Hyla regilla, otherwise known as the Pacific tree frog, is found along the Pacific coast from Canada to Mexico. While little is known regarding its life span, much more information is available concerning the creature's life cycle.
For many centuries, carnations have charmed people around the world with their alluring appeal, charm and long-lasting freshness. According to Garden Guides, carnations originated in Europe and Asia. They are the easiest flowers to grow from seedlings.
The mulberry tree, or Morus, is a subtropical tree native to America, Asia, Africa and Europe. The tree was widely sought after in Asia because it fed the silkworms. The mulberry is a dioecious species, which means there is a male tree and a female tree. The fruit is sweet and fleshy and sought after by animals, humans and birds but it stains and is messy. If you want a landscape tree, choose the male specimen for it is cleaner and does not fruit. There are three main species of mulberry tree that produce edible fruit: red, white and black,…
With a few exceptions, the male and female reproductive parts of most plants can be readily identified. Plant reproductive systems can fall into several categories. Perfect flowers are hermaphroditic---in other words, they contain both male and female reproductive parts within the same flower. A second category, known as monoecious, contains only one type of reproductive part but both male and female flowers are present on the same plant. In dioecious plants, male and female flowers are completely separate plants. Some information about your plant and some basic information about plant biology is all you need.
The aspen is found in most of the northern hemisphere. The aspen tree is what is known as dioecious, meaning each tree is either female or male.
Pumpkins produce both male and female blossoms on the same plant. Male blossoms appear first to attract bees and flying insects to the plant. A male blossom appears on a slender stem. The female blossom appears with a tiny swollen fruit on the stem directly behind the bloom. Pollen from the male blossom attaches to the bee and is deposited in the female blossom to promote fertilization. When fertilized, the fruit begins to swell and the young pumpkin grows rapidly.
In order for your holly plants to bear fruit, you must have a male holly nearby in order to pollinate the plants. While it is not required that the male holly be the same species in order to pollinate the female plants, the resulting fruit may be sterile and unsuitable for planting. Even with one male holly plant in close proximity to a series of female hollies, that one male plant has the ability to pollinate all of the females.
The angiosperms, or flowering plants, produce flowers as part of their reproductive process. These flowers develop into some type of fruit, which encases the plant’s seeds. Trees are no different in this regard. Some trees produce what a botanist would call a perfect flower, with male and female parts. Other trees have unisexual flowers, either male or female. The presence of these flowers, and then their fruit, will allow you in many cases to determine the “sex” of the tree.
Bittersweet is a deciduous vine that has fragrant greenish white flowers in late spring. Bittersweet is classified as dioecious, which means that the male and the female flowers are produced on different plants. They are classified as the male and the female bittersweet plants and only the female produces the fruit. The plant must be planted carefully for it to produce the fruits.
Ladybugs, or ladybirds as they are known in some places, are among the most well-known and well-liked insects. These red or orange beetles with black spots prey on aphids, helping gardeners and farmers protect their crops against these pests. In residential settings, though, some ladybugs can be considered pests themselves, invading homes in the fall, looking for a warm place to spend the winter. In order to get more ladybugs, you have to have both male and female ladybugs (both referred to as ladybugs). Definitively telling the difference between male and female ladybugs can be challenging.
Wild blackberries grow on a thick bush. Examining the leaves, flowers and branches can help identify this fast-growing, invasive plant that yields wonderfully sweet, compound berries.
Quick-style couplers can be referred to as the band-aids of pipes and heavy machinery. They are used to connect lines on hydraulic or pneumatic systems to prevent fluid loss and the accompanying loss in fluid pressure. Couplers can be utilized in a wide range of temperature and pressure scenarios and are made up of two halves that fit together--a male, or plug, half; and a female, or coupler, half. There are many different types and sizes of couplers that can be routinely used in tools utilizing a central pressure supply system, such as air hoses.
Determining the sex of a plant may not seem critical to the casual gardener, but when it comes to holly bushes, it's important to know which ones are male and which are female. You need to plant at least one male holly bush close enough to a female for successful pollination, according to Gardening Know How. If you want your holly to prosper, close examination is the key.
Pollen does more than make you sneeze. In fact, the job of each individual pollen grain is to protect and transport male plant DNA, or genetic material, to the female part of a flower, called the stigma. Pollen evolved to allow fertilization to take place between plants that were not close to each other. By taking advantage of wind, animals brushing past and, of course, bees, pollen can travel quite a distance before it fertilizes a flower. How pollen is made can vary a little from plant to plant, but all pollen is generally produced the same way.
Irish moss is easy to grow, and once it's started, it will gradually develop a thick, green carpet that will require virtually no maintenance. It can soften the edges of paving stones and give your patio or walkway an atmosphere of relaxation and peace. Irish moss can tolerate sub-zero winter temperatures, but it needs plenty of moisture, and it won't survive in hot, dry climates.
Plants and animals have a very dependent relationship. Animals cannot survive without plants, and many species of plants would die out without the carbon dioxide and fertilizer that come from animals.
"Ladybug" is a name that commonly refers to the little ladybird beetle, of which there are over 5,000 known species worldwide. Although they vary widely in size and color, all ladybirds share the same basic body structure.
The common brown spider or the brown recluse spider is a member of the family Sicariidae. This particular family of spiders only has six eyes instead of the normal eight. The brown spider's scientific name is Loxosceles recluse and it measures between 6 to 20 mm. Its coloring can range from tan to deep brown.
The reason for hybrid sterility is still in the analysis stage, but some facts have been noted on the subject. It appears that sterility is caused from the X chromosome. This sterility affects the male in most species who have the inability to form functional gametes. This is caused due to a disturbance when the sex cell is developing. Hybrid sterility is found in both animal and plant life. Research is being conducted on both levels to determine if the two may be linked.
Probably known more for being a household pest, silverfish have been in existence since the Carboniferous period over 300 million years ago. Part of the Lepismatidae insect family, these wingless insects can be found worldwide in just about any place it's dark and damp. Notoriously known for their starch-driven diets, these nocturnal migrators often cause damage wherever they go.
How to Kill Cutworms. Unsuspecting you go to bed and the next morning find your garden demolished. Plants shorn off at the stem laying on the ground casualties of war. You my friend have cutworms, and this is how to get rid of the problem.
Hobo spiders are venomous, although they are not considered deadly in most instances. These spiders do have some unique characteristics that allow them to be identified and thus avoided.
Termite swarms occur when winged adults look for new colonies. Subterranean termites swarm when it is warm and during the mornings. Drywood termites swarm at night or after dusk. After swarming, termites will loose their wings and mate. Once mating has taken place, they seek out sites to build colonies.
Bumblebees are recognizable by their distinctive yellow and black body markings. These large bees are quite beneficial although they are not honey producers like their counterparts, the honey bee. These highly sociable bees form colonies of up to 200 bees, lead by a queen. Bumblebees are part of the Bombus genus, family Apidae, and order Hymenoptera. There are over 250 different types of bumblebees throughout the world.
Reproduction is the process by which new living things are created. People, animals, plants, and even bacteria, reproduce. There are two methods by which living things reproduce--asexual or sexual. Asexual reproduction allows for a living thing to reproduce without another member of its species, while sexual reproduction requires genetic material from two different members of the species, usually but not always, a male and a female. There are a few rare species that have the ability to reproduce both sexually and asexually.
When the conditions are right, preferably dark and damp, the cockroach can be found staking his claim on the food storage sites of homes and restaurants. This six-legged, winged creature can not only run and disappear in a flash but can be difficult to control in environments that provide the right resources to maintain its survival. Averaging 150 egg births per female, the cockroach can pose a great threat of infestation if offered the ability to thrive and multiply.
Mealy bugs are insects often found attacking greenhouse and citrus crops. Usually covered with a white cottony substance, the mealy bugs are often clumped together robbing plants of nutrients. Mealy bugs can be found on any part of a plant and can create unsightly damage. Mealy bugs and related insects are most often controlled with insecticides.
The clothing moth, also known as the Tineola bisselliella, is an insect that is most known for being a pest. It has wings and can fly. In particular, this type of moth likes to fly into closets where clothes are stored and consume the clothing for nourishment. It has a tendency to eat many different fabrics and fibers from a variety of garments including coats, scarves, skirts, pants and sweaters.
If your summer squash plants look really healthy, but the baby fruit have a tendency to shrivel up and die, you've got a pollination problem on your hands. Summer squash plants, including zucchini, crook neck and patty pan squash, are dioecious, which means that the plant produces both male and female flowers. In order for the fruit to develop, the female flowers need to be pollinated with pollen from a male flower. Bumblebees, honeybees and other insect pollinators usually do the job of moving pollen from the male flower to female flowers-but if your plants aren't producing much fruit-you can…
Pollination problems are the major culprit of shriveled zucchini fruit that never quite matures. If you've been having this problem, chances are that your zucchini needs your help to pollinate, especially if your garden lacks honeybees and other insects. Hand pollinating your zucchini is surprisingly easy with these steps.
Knowing what a black widow spider looks like is an important part of identifying it--especially if it is in your home. Familiarize yourself with the black widow spider's appearance to help you keep your home and body safe from them.
