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Anticarsia
Anticarsia is a genus of moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains approximately 12 described species distributed primarily in the New World. The most economically significant species is Anticarsia gemmatalis, commonly known as the velvetbean moth or velvetbean caterpillar, which is a major pest of soybean and other leguminous crops throughout the Americas. Several species have been subjects of scientific research, including studies on the effects of microgravity on flight behavior in space.
Araneus diadematus
European garden spider, cross orbweaver, diadem spider, cross spider, crowned orb weaver, pumpkin spider
Araneus diadematus is a medium-sized orb-weaving spider native to Europe, now naturalized across North America. Adult females reach 6.5–20 mm in body length, males 5.5–13 mm. The species is named for the distinctive white cross-shaped pattern on its dorsal abdomen, formed by guanine deposits. It constructs classic spiral orb webs with 25–30 radial threads at approximately 15° angles, often positioned in gardens, porches, and other human-modified habitats. The spider is diurnal, typically hanging head-down at the web hub, and exhibits a defensive vibrating behavior when disturbed.