A couple of quick end-of-year announcements:
The online “Bugs in Winter” course I mentioned a few weeks ago is now full, because a limited number of people can participate in the live discussion sessions. However, the course content is now also available as an “on-demand” purchase; the only difference for people doing it this way is that they won’t be able to tune in to the live sessions (but they will still be able to watch recordings of them afterwards). As always, I will be available to answer any questions by email. For more information about the course, see this page.
The other, and more time-sensitive, announcement is that I’ve got some 2021 Leafminers of North America wall calendars available. These are normally reserved for my most generous patrons, but I will send one to anyone in the US or Canada who makes a contribution of $30 or more by midnight today (eastern time). $30 is the price I pay WordPress each year to keep this blog free of ads, so not a bad deal if you ask me! To make a contribution of any amount—which will go to support my continuing research into leafminers, sawfly larvae, and other obscure but fascinating herbivorous insects—you can use this link.

This year’s calendar includes some photos of leaf mines and some photos of adult insects I’ve reared from them. The cover photo (above) shows a white oak leaf with mines of three different moth genera: Stigmella (Nepticulidae), Cameraria, and Phyllonorycter (Gracillariidae).
Thanks everyone for your interest in my natural history ramblings, and I’ll see you next year!
I had no idea you had calendars! Hope you don’t run out.
I have a finite number already made, but until midnight tonight I can order more if needed.
Thanks for your contribution!
Oh, don’t thank me. Thank Mitch. 😉 But seriously, I’d do about anything for your calendar.
Hi – can you tell me the approximate size of your calendar?
Yes, 8.5 x 11 inches.
That is “open?”
No, the pages are that size. So 17ish inches high by 11 wide when open.
Thanks for the reminder. I had been meaning to send you a donation. Looking forward to the calendar.
We just ordered Bugs in Winter! This sounds quite wonderful and we’re really looking forward to learning more
Hi Charlie, I made a donation of $30USD. I hope I’m in time for a calendar.