let's start a thread of mundane occurrences!

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here, have a list of my publications (the latest one isn't on here yet, but it will be):

Zachary A. Lee, Alex K. Baranowski, Evan L. Preisser. 2021. Auditory predator cues affect monarch (Danaus plexippus; Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) development time and pupal weight. Acta Oecologica, Volume 111,103740

Baranowski, A.K., Alm, S.R., and E.L. Preisser. 2020. Datana drexelii (Lepidoptera: Notododontidae) oviposition and larval survival on highbush blueberry cultivars. Journal of Economic Entomology 113(3): 1568- 1571

Kinahan, I.G., Baranowski, A.K., Whitney, E.R., Savage, S.K., Rigsby, C.M., Shoemaker, E.E., Orians, C.M., and E.L. Preisser. 2020. Facilitation between invasive herbivores: hemlock woolly adelgid increases gypsy moth preference for and performance on eastern hemlock. Ecological Entomology 45(3): 416-422

Baranowski, A.K., Conroy, C., Boettner, G., Elkinton, J.S., and E.L. Preisser. 2019. Reduced Compsilura concinnata parasitism of New England saturniid larvae. Agricultural and Forest Entomology 21(3): 346-349.

Baranowski, A.K., and E.L. Preisser. 2018. Predator cues increase silkmoth mortality. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 6: 220.

Baranowski, A.K., and E.L. Preisser. 2018. Can Darapsa myron (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) successfully use the invasive plant Ampelopsis brevipedunculata as a food resource? Journal of the Lepidopterist's Society 72(2): 152- 154.
 
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I spent the morning removing the electronics from an old upright freezer. I also cut some ventilation holes in the door. I plan on installing heat tape inside the freezer, and making it my new invertebrate microclimate. My space heater approach leaves a bit to be desired. For one thing, I don't like to be a hot as my feeders/pets. I'm also a little worried about coming home to fire engines someday.
 
I've been buying pet shop crickets for my tarantulas, since my roach colonies are not mature yet. I bought 30 adult crickets at Petco, and they seem to die off at the rate of about 3-5 per day. That's a problem for my mature tarantula, but I just had an idea for my spiderling. The little guy scavenges died prey, so I decided to freeze a few crickets for later. Enough to hold him for at least a week or two.
 
I've been buying pet shop crickets for my tarantulas, since my roach colonies are not mature yet. I bought 30 adult crickets at Petco, and they seem to die off at the rate of about 3-5 per day. That's a problem for my mature tarantula, but I just had an idea for my spiderling. The little guy scavenges died prey, so I decided to freeze a few crickets for later. Enough to hold him for at least a week or two.
do you want some Compsodes schwarzi?
 
I've been buying pet shop crickets for my tarantulas, since my roach colonies are not mature yet. I bought 30 adult crickets at Petco, and they seem to die off at the rate of about 3-5 per day. That's a problem for my mature tarantula, but I just had an idea for my spiderling. The little guy scavenges died prey, so I decided to freeze a few crickets for later. Enough to hold him for at least a week or two.
 

Thanks. That was informative. You get your starting batches from Ghann's right? I think part of my problem is starting with Petco/PetSmart stock. My container is about the same size. About 60 quarts? I'm only using one though, with just one size of crickets.
 
Thanks. That was informative. You get your starting batches from Ghann's right? I think part of my problem is starting with Petco/PetSmart stock. My container is about the same size. About 60 quarts? I'm only using one though, with just one size of crickets.
yes
petco and petsmart crickets aren't healthy
 
ok I'm seeing a disturbing trend on tik tok and a few other social media platforms
people going live WHILE DRIVING!
for the older folks here, going live means you are basically on video chat with a massive online following. only it's not like a normal phone call or video call, you have to be watching your screen to read what followers are saying to you and react to them. This is NOT a safe thing to do whilst operating 2 tons of metal!
 
You know what aggravates me? If you need to connect Flexwatt heat tape to wires, you need a $100 crimping tool. Unless you intend to go into business, how many times in your life will you need that tool?

On an unrelated note, some folks swear by organic produce for their roaches. Is that really necessary? My dupias seem to like the cheap stuff just fine. I do wash and scrub my apples and oranges at least. I peel the outer layer off the carrots. There's always the possibility that pesticides soak into the fruits/vegetables, but.............
 
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You know what aggravates me? If you need to connect Flexwatt heat tape to wires, you need a $100 crimping tool. Unless you intend to go into business, how many times in your life will you need that tool?

On an unrelated note, some folks swear by organic produce for their roaches. Is that really necessary? My dupias seem to like the cheap stuff just fine. I do wash and scrub my apples and oranges at least. I peel the outer layer off the carrots. There's always the possibility that pesticides soak into the fruits/vegetables, but.............
I have a pair of crimps that was like $40 from reptile supply co
I also crimp the stuff for cost of materials for anyone
 
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