4-27-14 Geometridae moth - Naknek, Alaska, USA

In Anchorage, the city logged 68 bed bug complaints in 2013, a decrease from the 84 in 2012. There was just one complaint in 2007 and 2008 combined, according to city data.

Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen, the sole veterinarian with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, has investigated 48 tick infestations in the past three years. She’s found evidence that two exotic species are established and reproducing in Alaska.

Three of the 15 bumble bee species found in Vermont are thought to be extinct and at least one other species is in decline.

8-20-13 Arctiid moth caterpillars, Kake, Alaska, USA

Unknown caterpillar observed

8-11-13 Long horned beetle - Pitkas Point, Alaska, USA

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis) butterfly caterpillar

Predaceous diving beetle

7-23-13 Horntail wood wasp - Selawik, Alaska,

7-21-13 Tiger moth - St. Mary's, Alaska, USA

Mosquito populations are way up in Southcentral Alaska this year. Extremely high numbers are also reported from interior Alaska.

Crane fly adult

Each spring, it seems, the air of Alaska is filled with the buzz of mosquitoes and the whines of people declaring that this is undoubtedly the worst bug season they've ever experienced. This year they may have a case.

6-10-13 Strange bug - Anchorage, Alaska, USA

5-15-13 Spruce aphid infestation Kake, Alaska, USA

Birch shieldbug found in Wasilla home in November.

We are worried about the effects of large infestation and about wildlife.

Potential problem for local trees, berry bushes and other plants.

The number of rufous hummingbirds visiting southern Vancouver Island over the summer is dropping and the cause may be climate change, says a local bird expert.