The fediverse has so many nature pics but why do so few of them have Alt text? #Nature #AltText

@NefariousAryq I think they might go by "suncatcher prisms" but pretty cheap I think. Utility might depend on whether sun will hit them and produce those mini rainbows in the direction you want (into neighbor's house/yard). You might also consider rainbow projectors like this Uncle Milton's. https://www.unclemilton.com/ever-wonder/rainbow_in_my_room/

@NefariousAryq Do you have one of those rainbow-producing crystals that hangs on a thread? Would be good fun to get a couple of those if not.

If I ever get into prepping I'm going to order several pallets of sweetened condensed milk.

cc @jenlowe

I wrote up a quick #blog about making a #FOIA request to the #FBI through their web portal, the basics of how to make a request, how to write the request itself and tips on making sure that your request gets processed. While this blog is specific to the FBI the tips could be used for other agencies.
https://realhackhistory.org/2025/04/07/how-to-foia-with-an-example-from-hacking-history/

NB: I included in the above FOIA the names of 37 EPA employees who were involved in the registration of the Spartan Mosquito Pro Tech. Some of them might be unaware that the device's registration was pushed through against the recommendation of the agency's scientists, or that enforcement actions against the company were quashed. So even if I don't get documents out of the request I'm hoping that everyone I've named will get briefed on what went down just by seeing my FOIA. Some of the people I named are likely to be livid that company got away with it. Futile, probably, but it's a fun way to needle the government about something it wants to cover up. #epa #mosquitoes #foia #pesticides

@xris The guide also says that Meromacrus acutus "has been recorded from wet forest edges, meadows, and prairies." You close to any of that action?

Curiosity and the consequences 😅 My friend’s cat #caturday #cat #cats #photography #photo #foto #fotografie

@wendinoakland I think those trees need several years before they produce figs. But it's strawberry season here.

I gave some local friends a few baby fig trees and this got delivered along with a jar of basil-infused whipped cream. Unexpected desserts are the best. #strawberries #tart #pastry #dessert #food #cooking #baking

Fluffernutter's little patch of grass is getting floppy enough that I can hide mice in it, which she really enjoys. I've also added a catnip plant but she doesn't seem to have the allele for nepetalactone response. #fluffernutter #cat #cats #caturday #catnip #mouse #toys

This looks uncomfortable!

Philip Summerhays on #iNaturalistNZ took these images this evening of an apple looper moth in Auckland with its head covered in mites.

Philip writes that the moth flew away after being photographed, unharmed. I suspect the moth is incapable of moving its legs to a position where it could dislodge all these mites from its head. I don't know yet whether they're hitching a ride between flowers or feeding on the moth.

https://inaturalist.nz/observations/285564842

#mites #entomology #Auckland #nz #iNaturalist

@xris Skevington et al.'s Field Guide to the Flower Flies of Northeastern North America says this about the genus: "Larvae are filter feeders in rot holes in trees and, as with many rot hole species, are indicators of rich habitats." #meromacrus #syrphidae

I discovered this spectacular thing in my garden on Tuesday. I didn't post it until now because I wanted to upload a high-quality photo that did it justice.

https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/284584753

#iNaturalist #MasterNaturalist #Insects #Bugs #Diptera #Syrphidae #HabitatGardening #Brooklyn #NYC

Spartan Mosquito Pro is a garbage company selling a garbage product and suing people who complain about it.

https://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/2025/05/30/spartan-mosquito-pro-save-your-money/

The mine and larvae of the Lilac Leafminer Moth (Gracillaria syringella). Native to Europe, but widely established in North America. The tiny transparent larvae are so cute!
#insect #moth #leafminer #lepidoptera #Manitoba #Gracilliariidae

@NefariousAryq Do you have a new electronic gadget inside? Ants love, electricity for some reason.

Huge thanks to the people sending me pics of Spartan Mosquito Pro Techs being illegally sold in California. Here's one from a Home Depot in Rohnert Park. The CA Dept of Pesticide Regulation has assigned an inspector to the situation, so keep them coming. EACH instance = $10,000 fine for the Mississippi company that makes them. #SpartanMosquito #pesticides #mosquitoes #california #mississippi