Insects - Jonswan Productions

The Leaf Cutter Bee: An Ecological Marvel and Pollination Powerhouse

jgustav71 July 23, 2024July 23, 2024

The Leaf Cutter Bee, belonging to the genus *Megachile*, is an important yet often overlooked pollinator in various ecosystems. Known for its remarkable nesting behavior and unique leaf-cutting abilities, this solitary bee species plays a critical role in pollination, particularly for flowering plants in temperate and tropical regions. This essay explores the biology, behavior, ecological significance, and conservation challenges of the Leaf Cutter Bee, highlighting its contributions to biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Biology and Behavior Leaf Cutter Bees exhibit fascinating biological traits that distinguish them

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Insects, Jonswan Nature Blog

The Fascinating Cabbage White Butterfly: A Visitor to Your Garden

jgustav71 July 5, 2024July 5, 2024

Are you seeing delicate white butterflies fluttering around your garden lately? Chances are, they might be the charming cabbage white butterflies (Pieris rapae) paying you a visit. I had a graceful cabbage white visit my garden and was able to capture some close up images. These beautiful insects are a common sight in many gardens and fields, and their presence can bring a touch of grace and beauty to your outdoor space. Cabbage white butterflies are known for their distinctive white wings with black markings

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Insects, JonSwan Blog, Jonswan Nature Blog

Praying Mantis

jgustav71 June 10, 2024June 10, 2024

Praying mantises are considered beneficial insects for gardens because they eat many types of insect pests that can damage crops and plants. These pests include flies, beetles, moths, grasshoppers, crickets, and true bugs. By eating these pests, praying mantises help control their populations, which can prevent damage to plants and increase biodiversity. The 1/2-inch-long immature praying mantis nymphs resemble the adult, but they do not have wings. Colorless praying mantis nymphs emerge from the ootheca all at one time. During their first hour, they darken in color to

Important Pollinators

jgustav71 September 26, 2023September 26, 2023

A pollinator is anything that helps carry pollen from the male part of the flower (stamen) to the female part of the same or another flower (stigma). The movement of pollen must occur for the plant to become fertilized and produce fruits, seeds, and young plants. This video shows a metallic sweat bee and a hover fly doing the work of collecting pollen and doing the important work of pollination. Sometimes the pollen can be a little too much and require some maintenance as seen by

The Yellow Bumble Bee

jgustav71 July 24, 2023July 24, 2023

A yellow bumblee in Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge July 2023 Bombus fervidus, commonly known as the golden northern bumblebee, is a species of bumblebee found in North America. This fascinating insect occupies an important ecological role as a pollinator, playing a significant role in maintaining the health and diversity of ecosystems. This essay will explore the characteristics, habitat, behavior, and conservation status of Bombus fervidus, shedding light on its significance in the natural world. Bombus fervidus is a medium-sized bumblebee species characterized by its vibrant

Zebra Back Jumping Spider

jgustav71 July 22, 2023July 22, 2023

The zebra-backed jumping spider, scientifically known as Salticus scenicus, is a species of spider that belongs to the family Salticidae. As the name suggests, this spider has a distinctive appearance with black and white stripes on its back, resembling the pattern of a zebra. Here is some video footage of a zebra-backed jumping spider on a sunflower stem in Portland Oregon. Zebra-backed jumping spiders are relatively small, with females measuring around 5-7 mm in length and males being slightly smaller. They have excellent vision, thanks

The Bees Are Back

jgustav71 March 22, 2023July 25, 2023

Honeybees are an essential part of our ecosystem, and their importance cannot be overstated. These tiny creatures play a crucial role in pollinating plants, which is essential for the growth and survival of many crops and wildflowers. Without honeybees, our food supply would be severely impacted, and the natural beauty of our environment would be diminished. One of the primary reasons honeybees are so important is their role in pollination. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar and pollen, they inadvertently transfer pollen

Critters In My Back Yard

jgustav71 October 17, 2022July 25, 2023

My backyard is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. I have planted native trees, ferns, grasses, clover, and flowers to attract birds, squirrels, cotton tail rabbits, chipmunks, butterflies, bees and other insects. I also have a bird fountain that is supplied with fresh water from a drip systems. Here are some images and a short video clip from my backyard....

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Insects, Jonswan Nature Blog

Katydids

jgustav71 August 31, 2022July 25, 2023

Today I had a cool visitor in my garden. This interesting bug is a bush cricket or Katydid. They have excellent camouflage. Katydid is an insect that belongs to the family Tettigoniidae, commonly known as the long-horned grasshoppers. It is a small, green insect with long antennae and large hind legs that allow it to jump long distances. Katydids are found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. Katydids are an important part of the ecosystem, as they are a

The Green Sweat Bee

jgustav71 August 29, 2022July 25, 2023

This is my favorite bee to photograph. I took these photos inOaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge....

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