Mating Shenanigans of Jagged Ambush Bugs

I was in White lake a week ago, chasing some grasshoppers. With the smokey skies in the Interior B.C. that week, we left early in the morning and had a wonderful time searching for a particular species. We did not find what we were looking for but saw some crickets and a lot of European … Continue reading Mating Shenanigans of Jagged Ambush Bugs

In the Laces: Wasps, Beetles, and a Snake Tale

Queen Anne's lace is a weed that pops up in the summer in the Okanagan from June onwards. It's delicate white flowers are quite striking and resemble little umbrellas. The flat-topped shallow flower clusters called umbels (word of the day) makes it easy for pollinators with short tongues, especially wasps, to drink nectar. I have … Continue reading In the Laces: Wasps, Beetles, and a Snake Tale

Insects Do Sleep Too – Nighty Night

Buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, marching ants - I am always amazed at the active lives insects lead, and sometimes I wish I could borrow some of their energy. They fly or walk in search of food and mates, and some even hunt for their meals. In addition, they must stay alert to escape predators lurking … Continue reading Insects Do Sleep Too – Nighty Night

The Ruthless Robber Flies

I have been finding robber flies in a blooming patch of Sulphur cinquefoil, an invasive weed, during my walks. Aptly named, some robber flies are thieves and steal meals from other predators while others are aggressive hunters and rob their victims of life. Most robber fly species are hard working predators and are known to … Continue reading The Ruthless Robber Flies

Bug Buffet

I watched a flock of robins and other birds having a feast under some infested elm trees this week and was pleasantly surprised at how fast and efficient they were at picking up the bugs and how many they could stuff into their beaks. Some of them looked downright comical 😊. A few adult birds … Continue reading Bug Buffet