NEWS

My favorite time of year is when the temperature begins to drop and “sweater weather” approaches. The coloration throughout the autumnal season has always brought me happiness and is best represented by the Red Maple (Acer rubrum). Originally classified in the Aceraceae family, it is now included in the wider family of Sapindaceae. Taxonomists and… Read More >

Ghost Pipes and the Sourwood Tree behind them are both in the Heath Family (Ericaceae). On a September walk through the woods on a dark cloudy day, I made a ghostly discovery! In the distance I could barely make out mysterious white forms appearing from the forest floor. Summoning up my courage, I approached the… Read More >

Natural history collections are essential in helping researchers learn about past populations, ecosystems, climates, and how these have changed over time. Through written observations and logs, and collected and preserved specimens, individuals have collectively amassed a vast body of written knowledge that chronicles the recent history of our planet and informs much of our understanding… Read More >

  Dr. Adrian Smith, Head of the Museum’s Evolutionary Biology & Behavior Research Lab, has posted a new video of jumping plant lice. Jumping plant lice, or psyllids, are the fastest front-flipping insects, but not many people know about how amazing they are! Dr. Smith set out to film the high-flying flips of these plant-feeding,… Read More >

NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ Director and CEO Eric Dorfman is really fond of manatees. So much so that he often spends part of his lunch break watching a manatee livecam. His latest blog post, “Teleworking with Manatees,” goes into the natural history of the creatures and the threats they face, including the huge tropical… Read More >