Do not eat your pet puffer. In consequence of their peculiar body plan, puffers do not swim as do most fish by curving and flexing the body. Most slow swimming is performed by the pectoral fins, with steering and stability provided by the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins.
Aphids in home gardens. Aphids are one of the most common insects found on plants. There are over 300 species of aphids found in Minnesota; they can be common in home gardens on vegetables, annuals and perennials.
The most serious damage to soybean plants can occur during the reproductive growth stages, and aphid populations should be monitored most intensively during this time. Aphid sampling consists of whole-plant counts of affected plants with a threshold of 250 aphids/plant. Count 20-30 plants/field and be sure to sample the entire field. Focus your counts upon the undersides of leaves initially, though aphids will spread throughout the canopy when populations grow.