Kids Ask Dr. Bug

about the curious things found in the garden

What is the smartest insect?

Ants, honey bees, and termites are often described as the smartest insects. This is because of their ability to work in a colony involving communication with others in their nest and their ability to problem-solve. Honey bees stand out, even in this small crowd. They can learn from observations of other bees, such as how to “rob” nectar from certain tricky flowers. Forager honey bees can use symbolic communication, for instance, their waggle dance to tell other foragers where to find the best sources of food. Honey bees have been found to recognize human faces. They can also count – up to four! – as well as they understand zero, which isn’t common in the animal kingdom. They also can do some very basic arithmetic, have an understanding of rules, and can use high-level problem-solving. Honey bees are pretty amazing! It is important to note, though, honey bees are one of the most studied insects so another insect may rise to the top as we learn more about them and how to measure intelligence.

Do bugs spread rabies?

No, rabies can only be spread from mammals, such as bats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and coyotes, to other mammals. Some insects, however, can spread other diseases, such as mosquitoes that spread malaria, West Nile, chikungunya, and many others. Happily, mosquitoes aren’t active right now as long as the temperatures stay cold.

How old is the oldest beehive?

Evidence of honeycomb, beeswax, and beekeeping was recently found in Israel when 3000-yearold hives were discovered, and 4500-year-old Egyptian art shows beekeeping practices, and bees were kept in pottery containers about 9000 years ago in North Africa. Of course, honey bees have existed for much longer than domesticated hives. According to fossil records, the ancestors of the honey bees we know and love came into existence around 14 million years. People have been enjoying honey from wild bees for

at least 10,000 years according to depictions found in cave art. Wild bees build their colonies in trees or in rock cavities. Sometimes, they might build a honeycomb in the open in difficult-to-reach places, like under an overhang on a high cliff. People had to go to great lengths to obtain honey and beeswax before they were able to figure out how to keep bees in hives. There weren’t many things that could make food sweet and so honey was a great treat. Modern beehives with movable frames are only about 200 years old.

Fortunately, most spiders are not hostile to humans at any time, although they feast well on other small creepy crawlies. Like in Minecraft, most spiders are diurnal, meaning they are active at night.

Some spiders spin webs and wait for their prey to come to them. Other spiders actively hunt their prey at night, like those in the game. IRL, make your bed, keep your room clean, and sleep well knowing you’re safe from the spiders.

Are spiders only hostile at night, like in Minecraft?

Honey bee queen, largest in photo above

Why do ladybugs come into the house?

As the weather turns cold in the fall, some insects seek a protected place to make it through the winter. Most of our native ladybugs stay outdoors. The Asian multicolored ladybug, an introduced species that is different than our native ladybugs, are more likely to gather on and in our homes to find a safe place for the winter. These beetles might not smell very good, but otherwise, they are fairly harmless. A vacuum is the easiest way to collect them, although they will release a

foul-smelling defensive odor. You can also shoo them back outside and make sure that all cracks and holes are sealed to keep them outside for next time.

Do you have questions about bugs found in your garden for Dr. Bug? Send them to ReallT@ Missouri.edu or bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug. Include your name and age. To help me learn what you learn from this monthly column, would you please consider filling out this survey: bit.ly/KidsAskDrBugSurvey. Thank you!

TAMRA REALL Horticulture Specialist

Dr. Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugN Garden) is the horticulture specialist for MU Extension in Jackson County. For free, research-based gardening tips, call 816-833-TREE (8733), email mggkc.hotline@gmail.com, or visit www.extension2.missouri.edu.