Ants are an interesting group but some species can be very destructive and nobody wants ants in their pants, the ant dance is no fun. Growing up in a tropical country, we always had to make sure our sugar was placed in a well-sealed container to prevent ants getting in - they have sweet tooths … Continue reading The Ants, The Aphids And The Peonies
The Hitchhikers
Most insects have wings and can travel long distances within a short time. Some critters travel by hitching rides on winged insects. Imagine a flight on an insect; it must be fun, turbulence may be a problem though :). One of my summer students saw a very odd-looking fly, it was flying awkwardly and landed … Continue reading The Hitchhikers
The Spring Field Crickets are Chirping
I have been on the lookout for the singing male spring field crickets for a while. Crickets are a noisy bunch but difficult to find. I was lucky to spot one sitting high up on a rocky crevice this week. I actually did a double take because I thought I was seeing things :). To … Continue reading The Spring Field Crickets are Chirping
A Cold Spring
It has been a bit cold this spring and it is taking a while for the bugs to warm up. I have been on a few hikes but there has not been much bug activity. Lots of wildflowers though - Okanagan sunflowers, shooting star, woodland star, larkspur etc. The bees have been active on sunny … Continue reading A Cold Spring
Fall Is Here
The Okanagan valley has its charms in the Fall. We get some beautiful sunny days with moderate temperatures that are perfect for walking and hiking. Apples and grapes are ready for harvest and you can smell the fresh apples in the air - very nice. Please buy local to support our hardworking farmers. The bears … Continue reading Fall Is Here
If it looks like a bee, flies like a bee, buzzes like a bee, then it must be a bee?
No one wants to be stung by a bee or wasp. Bee and wasp stings are painful and there is the added concern of allergic reactions. Bees and wasps usually have a combination of yellow, black and red colours. In the insect world, yellow, black and red colours spell danger for would be predators. We … Continue reading If it looks like a bee, flies like a bee, buzzes like a bee, then it must be a bee?
The Conchuela Stink Bugs are in Town
Conchuela stink bugs show up occasionally in large numbers in the Okanagan valley and can cause damage to vegetables, fruits, berries, grapes, and ornamentals. I have seen lots in a vineyard and vegetable gardens in the past. They like Oregon grape and firethorn berries. We are seeing a few nuisance bugs in the heat this … Continue reading The Conchuela Stink Bugs are in Town
Mommas, Papas, and Little Ones
The birds have been very busy; building nests, nesting and taking care of their babies. Bugs serve as a good food source for birds. I had a lot of fun watching Brewer’s black birds hunting for bugs for their babies at Munson pond park in Kelowna. These birds do not swim, and they kept walking … Continue reading Mommas, Papas, and Little Ones
Bloom Time
Spring is my favourite season in the Okanagan. The orchards are in bloom - cherries, apricots, peaches apples, it is just gorgeous. Other plants and trees are flowering as well; forsythias, lilacs, maples, willows, Oregon grapes, Saskatoons, chokecherries, and the hillsides are covered with arrowleaf balsamroot (Okanagan sunflowers). Being a bug person, I am always … Continue reading Bloom Time
Enjoying the Sunshine
It has been a very sunny week and a lot of people are out enjoying the sun. We are, however, not the only ones enjoying the pleasant weather. Our feathered friends and other small creatures are also having their fill. I went for a walk along Munson Pond Park and was surprised at the diversity … Continue reading Enjoying the Sunshine
Bugs N Stuff 