The first time I see these guys in the pond...there must be more then a hundred! Didn't know that they have gills like this, apparently larvae stage. Seen various sizes, small and large...this one is about 2 or 3years old according to one site and loose gill in about age 4 when they go on land, [only go to the water when breeding], some say only several month in the larvae stage. I must agree on the latter because of seeing small and large. They get to be about 15 years old.

Cindee, I don't think this will help now, but maybe in the future if you get stung again. I keep oregano oil on hand for bites. As soon as I get bit (usually fire ants) I put the oil directly on the bite. It helps pull the poisons out and really lessons the reaction. But I have found you need to do it right away for best results. I got what I think was a wasp sting and boy did it hurt. I went right in the got my oregano and a couple hours later I was telling my hsuband and I couldn't remember which arm got stung. I could't find it! I also have APIS, a homeopathic remedy, on hand as my husband really reacts badly to bites like you do.

Are these the holes everyone is talking about? This is my all green Janet sport, and she's not alone. Nearly all of my hostas have these holes, old and new leaves. Only a few in the front yard do not have them, the ones that are new to me this year. All the rest are riddled with them. I thought it might be slugs, though some of the holes must be. But I don't think all these little holes can all be slugs. I had this problem last year too. Certainly makes the hostas less attractive, though I try to look past the ugly holes. First my hostas got pounded with hail (the big torn holes), then these little holes showed up, and then the slugs. But the holes won't keep me from growing them. Karen

Hey Jen, Those Texas Star can be planted outside and they will do fine in your zone. All of mine are planted on the side of my house that has the most sun exposure. They love the heat, sun and love to be watered. Every year, they die back and i will cut them to two to three inches from the bottom stalk in Feb. They quickly start growing again in the spring.. They keep on growing little ones everywhere. Try and plant some in your back fence line that gets lots of sunshine. They will do well and you dont have to bring them in. Plant them and let them go wild.. You should get blooms in one season outside.. Let me know if you need more seeds.. I promise, you dont have to baby these guys.. They are very hardy!!! You can see the shape of these leaves... My son (college age) has his friends over and they always say " hey Mike? Do you know what your mom is growing here?" LOLOLOL!!! He just rolls his eyes and says.. "They are not what you think..." : ) Even people that come to work on things... A/c etc.. look at them and think " Im in the business.." LOL!!! Nicole.. if you want some seeds.. (yes, im enabeling!!) let me know and when the pods form, you can have all you want. If anyone else wants seeds, let me know and you can have them. Take care, Laura