insect

[Real-life experience] How to find bed bugs and the complete procedure for eradicating them! A thorough explanation of bite marks, eggs, and their life cycle.

Recently, bed bugs appeared in my apartment. Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are indoor pests belonging to the genus Cimex in the family Cordycepsidae, order Hemiptera. In Japan, after World War II, effective insecticides were used to combat them...

2026.05.18

animal

What are the origins of rhythm and time signatures (2/4, 4/4, 3/4)? An explanation of their evolutionary and historical origins!

When you take up listening to music, singing, or dancing as hobbies, you naturally develop an interest in rhythm and time signatures. However, if you try to pinpoint the origins of these things, you might find it difficult to answer. Because we often find ourselves naturally moving to rhythms, we might not even question it...

2025.11.12

animalhistory

What's the difference between Lythrum salicaria and Lythrum anceps? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species!

Both Lythrum salicaria and Lythrum sibiricum belong to the genus Lythrum in the family Lythraceae, and are perennial herbs commonly found in waterside areas and wetlands. They are often planted in biotopes, and their flower shapes are almost identical, making it difficult for some to distinguish between the two species. However, in addition to the hair-like projections on the entire plant, the shape of the leaves...

2025.05.14

plant

What are the differences between plantain, broadleaf plantain, budded plantain, and psyllium? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! How do they become stronger when stepped on?

Plantago major, Plantago lanceolata, and Plantago asiatica all belong to the Plantaginaceae family and Plantago genus, and are perennial herbs that grow very commonly along roadsides. They prefer compacted ground and are known as a type of "footprint plant." While these are often confused, they can be relatively distinguished by paying attention to the shape of their leaves and inflorescences...

2025.03.17

plant

What are the differences between Menamomi, Komenamomi, and Onamomi? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The mucus-secreting bracts are for sticking to animals!?

Both *Menamomi* and *Komenamomi* belong to the genus *Menamomi* in the Asteraceae family. Their most distinctive features are their small, yellow ray florets and the presence of stalked glandular hairs on their involucral bracts. While not particularly common, both species grow in open areas, and *Menamomi* in particular was historically used by the Japanese as a fermented food. However...

2025.02.25

plant

The hooked ant is an ant that only eats "insect eggs"!? Unraveling the mystery of its "hook" shaped abdomen!

When you hear the word "ant," you might picture a black insect crawling on the ground. However, there are actually many unknown species of ants living underground, and among them, the Hooked Ants and Pterodactylus ants have a very unique shape with a hook-shaped abdomen. Their appearance is...

2024.08.25

animal

What's the difference between Fatsia japonica and Fatsia japonica? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! The glossy leaves are actually a sunbathing spot for insects!?

Both Fatsia japonica and Fatsia japonica belong to the Araliaceae family and are evergreen trees most characterized by their large, palmately lobed leaves. Both can be observed both outdoors and in gardens. They share many other similarities, which can sometimes lead to confusion. However, distinguishing between them is relatively easy, based on leaf size, hairiness, etc.

2023.10.24

plant

What are the differences between Polygonum capitatum and Polygonum capitatum? An explanation of how to distinguish between similar species.

Both Polygonum capitatum and Polygonum persicaria belong to the genus Polygonum in the family Polygonaceae. They are among the most common perennial herbs in the genus Polygonum, and Polygonum persicaria in particular can be found very commonly on the stone walls of houses in urban areas. While the genus Polygonum contains a vast number of species, these two species share morphological similarities...

2023.10.04

plant

What are the differences between ragweed and giant ragweed? What are the differences between goldenrod, goldenrod, and hawkweed? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species.

Ragweed and giant ragweed are both annual weeds belonging to the genus Ragweed in the Asteraceae family, and are best known for causing "ragweed pollen allergy" in humans. This is because ragweed flowers are wind-pollinated, and to achieve this, the male and female flower heads are elongated...

2023.09.22

plant

There are differences between Abutilon and Abutilon humilis! What are the differences between Abutilon humilis and Abutilon variegata? We explain how to distinguish between similar species.

In horticulture, the term "Abutilon" is frequently used, usually referring to a specific species rather than just one. However, it's become somewhat confusing: in horticulture, it refers to three species—Abutilon humilis, Abutilon leucocephala, and Abutilon variegata—while in academic contexts, it refers to all members of the genus Abutilon, including Abutilon humilis and Abutilon leucocephala...

2023.08.24

plant