Nathan Riggs - Entomology (Study of Bugs) - Insects/Spiders - Science

About > AllExperts
	Search for

Main Menu

Login (Experts Only)

About Us · FAQ · Tell Friends About Us · Link To Us · Free Encyclopedia · Disclaimer · Tech Support

You are here: AllExperts > Science > Insects/Spiders > Entomology (Study of Bugs)

Expert Profile: Nathan Riggs

Expertise: I have expertise in identifying and diagnosing insects, spiders, and other arthropod critters that infest lawns, ornamentals, structures, trees, pets and livestock. Mites are not a strong point of mine, but I can provide some help. I'm not a licensed doctor, so I cannot provide medical diagnosis of conditions possibly related to insects. If you've got an interesting photo for me to see, let me know and I'll give you my email so the picture will get to me. If you have hosted an insect photo on a website, please include the link so I can go look at it and provide a faster ID for you. Don't forget...you can now attach pictures to your questions as well!

Experience in the area
17 Years' Experience as an entomologist: 5 years as a biologist with Merck Animal Health and 7 years as a Pest Management Specialist in San Antonio, Texas with Texas Cooperative Extension.

Organizations
Publications
Veterinary Parasitology, Southwestern Entomologist, San Antonio Express News, San Antonio Gardener Newsletter

Publications
Veterinary Parasitology, Southwestern Entomologist, San Antonio Express News, San Antonio Gardener Newsletter

Education/Credentials
BS - Entomology from Texas A&M University in 1992.

Board Certified Entomologist, 1996-2000 - Medical and Veterinary Entomology Specialty (Entomological Society of America)

Awards and Honors
2000 Texas A&M University Vice Chancellor's Award in Excellence for leadership on the Texas Fire Ant Program Educational Team.

	View Past Answers	View Ratings

What do you like about this subject? Insects are one of the most diverse and interesting groups of creatures on the planet. They are found everywhere except the poles and the deepest oceans.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field? Better public understanding of insects and the benefits of having insects around. Only 2% of all insect species are actually pests and they spoil it for the rest of the insect world.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know: Texas is home to more native and migratory butterfly species that any other state in the U.S.!

Something controversial or provocative about this subject 1) During their sleep, people swallow an average of 8 spiders during their lifetime! Urban legend or truth??? 2) There are ~1 million species of insects identified on earth, but experts believe there may be as many as 30 million species of insects total.

Average Ratings
Prestige Points: 10974
Knowledge	9.90 Best of the best
Clarity of Response	9.92 Best of the best
Timeliness	9.97 Best of the best
Politeness	10.0 Best of the best
Number Of Questions Today (GMT time)		0
Max Questions to be Asked (Per Day, in GMT time)		6
Total Questions (since joining AllExperts)		1478

Recent Reviews from Users

Knowl	Clarity	Time	Politeness	Date
10	10	10	10	07/02/09
9	9	10	10	07/02/09
10	10	10	10	07/01/09
10	10	10	10	07/03/09
10	10	10	10	06/30/09

User Comments

Thanks for answering my question
(Emily on 07/02/09)

Thanks so much for your expertise. Hopefully, these will die off soon.
(Kathy on 07/01/09)

Thank you very very much for your fast responce with very good answer. I will appreciate your responce. Thanks a lot.
(surender on 07/03/09)

Thank you so much. Very timely response.
(Kathy on 06/30/09)

View All Comments

	View Past Answers	View Ratings

Recent Answers from Nathan Riggs

2009-06-10 bug: These are thrips. Thrips feed on sap from grasses and flower petals. They fly weakly, but are easily carried on the wind. Thrips are attracted to whites, yellows and oranges. They bite, but do not...

2009-06-10 Tiny caterpillar: They might be larvae of Elm Leaf Beetles. The absence of fleshy legs toward the tail tells me that this is not a caterpillar. They are feeding on the leaves and might be a younger stage that what I've...

2009-06-09 Need Identification: I think he has found a couple of Eyed Click Beetles (Alaus oculatus). They are somewhat attracted to lights and are attracted to decaying fruit. They are completely harmless to humans and animals....

2009-06-09 spider ID: It's quite possible that this is a species of wolf spider or nursery spider. Each of these is very common across the US. Do a search on either of these and see what you get. These spiders are considered...

2009-06-09 Unidentified flying bugs: These are Black Soldierflies. They are attracted to manure (especially septic tanks) and rotting organic material. They resemble wasps, but they are flies and are completely harmless. The larvae resemble...

More Answers for "Entomology (Study of Bugs)"

Advertise on This Site | User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved. AllExperts is a property of About, Inc.
The About logo, About and About.com are registered trademarks of About, Inc.