Not Just Another Fly:

When one thinks about flies we usually picture those annoying house flies that seem to want to buzz in and land on your food when you have an outdoor picnic. But not all flies are the same. Can you think of a fly that is known as an Assassin?  One such creature is the Robber Fly.

AKA

Not only are they known as “Robber Flies” but they also are called “Bearded Flies“, “Assassin Flies“, “Hanging Thieves“, and “Bee Killers“. That’s quite a rap sheet!

They Live Up to Their Reputation:

These aggressive flies are known for their sneaky tactics. They are airborne attack artists. They usually sit in wait hanging from a perch near areas where flying insects travel. When one is sighted they zoom out at grab the unsuspecting insect with their long hairy legs. They then puncture the body of their prey with their long pointed mouth part. When this enters the body of their prey it quickly immobilizes and paralyzes it with special enzymes included in the fluid injected into the bite. The saliva injected contains a powerful neurotoxin that attacks the muscles of the insect prey. This fluid not only subdues the prey, it also begins to digestion. The flies then travel to a nearby perch and suck out the fluid from the dissolved protein within the bodies of the insects consumed. When done with their meal, they drop the outer remains of the body and move back to their perch to wait for another victim.

Classification:

Interestingly there are over 85 species of these flies in North America and thousands world-wide. They range in size and coloration. Some even mimic bees for protection and stealth when chasing their prey. Some are as small as 3/8 ” but range all the way up to 1 1/8 ” in size. They are members of the Animal Kingdom, the Phylum Arthropoda, the Class Insecta, and the Family Asilidae, and Order Diptera (the flies). One characteristic of all flies is that they possess two wings instead of two pair as in other flying insects.

Why Not Pick On Someone Your Own Size?

Believe it or not, Robber Flies are not shy when taking on other insects. They can easily capture insects their own size and even larger. They specialize in capturing members of the order Hymenoptera (the bees, wasps, hornets and bumblebees). Even though these opponents have powerful weapons to fight back, the Robber Flies usually win the competition. They also buzz out and grab dragonflies and butterflies. One amazing thing experienced by some observers was when a large Robber Fly actually capture a small hummingbird. **

This Looks Like a Good Hangout!:

One interesting behavior of Robber Flies is where they like to hang out. They often perch themselves near nectar producing flowers. Seems like a good idea because that way their food comes to them. Another by-product of this behavior is the opportunity to augment their diet with a little sugar nectar from the flowers. It seems that female Robber Flies need a little sugar when  producing their offspring.

Is That A Stinger?

If you look at the end of the abdomens of some Robber Flies you will see a long pointed structure that looks like a stinger. It is actually an ovipositor, (and egg laying device). If you have ever been bitten by a robber fly, however, you will think you’ve been stung. The bites are painful but rarely experienced unless you are handling them roughly or traveling through an area where food is scarce. I remember being bitten by one while hiking in the Sierras. Their bites are not pleasant but are of no lasting concern.

Are They Helpful or Harmful?

A good question often asked by gardeners is whether or not these creatures are helpful in the garden. The answer is a of mixed opinion. They seem to have a taste for grasshoppers  and leafhoppers which cause a lot of damage to crops. Since they feed on these and a lot of other pests that feed on your veggies they are helpful in that way. However, they are not selective in which insects they eat. They also consume a lot of the pollinators that transfer pollen from one flower to the next allowing the production of the fruit and veggies that you are growing to harvest in season. For the most part, scientists believe their overall presence is helpful in maintaining balance in the food webs and providing food for other animals. Those who raise bees for honey and wax would say, “We don’t want them around our hives”. They aren’t called “Bee Killers” for nothing!

Do They Have Any Enemies?

Robber flies are often part of the diets of birds, bats, praying mantises, centipedes, assassin bugs,  Ground Beetles and  other Robber Flies. They are also occasionally trapped in the webs of spiders.

Long Live the Young:

Robber flies, like many other insects, go through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. They begin as eggs which hatch out into larvae. The larvae are worm-like grubs which spend up to 3 years developing. In this stage they are usually living in decaying plant material or the deteriorating bark of fallen trees. In this stage they are also active predators feeding on the many other insect larvae developing along side of them. Once they get big enough they form into the pupa stage and later emerge as adults. As adults they only live for about three months before they mate and die. The females deposit their eggs in the soil to start the whole process over again.

I’m Feeling a Little Depressed:

One distinctive characteristic of these flies is the depression between their large compound eyes. This can be seen more clearly if you look down on them from above. Below you can see what they look like from the bottom side of the body. Notice that their antenna are very short. Their beak-like mouth is held in a slot under their chins and can easily be swung out when needed to pierce the prey.

Did You Hear That Buzz?

One way to know these flies are around is the loud buzzing sound they produce as they fly by.

They Have Quite a Following:

Did you know there are many people who find these insects so interesting that they have formed groups to study them?      If you want to read more about these insects you might check out the following web sites:  The Asilidae Homepage,  and Roy Beckemeyer’s Asilidae Homepage. One of the most interesting blog post I read was the one that described the hummingbird incident. It was http://www.hilton pond.org. **You can also check out the National Geo, Wikipedia, and the Audubon web sites. 

They Are Part of the Big Picture:

As I observe and research the many creatures I find in the wild I am always trying to get a view of the bigger picture of life’s purpose. When I look at the many specialized features of this insect I am reminded that there had to be an Amazing Designer. The many features these insects possess reveal an intentional design by a Master Creator. They were designed to fill an important role in the overall environment. The closer we look at Creation the more evidence is found of the bigger picture. God also has a plan for your life. Do you know what it is? You can learn more about this by reading God’s Word, the Bible. It tells us everything from the original Creation of living things to the future of mankind.

Make You Own Observations:

I hope you will take some time to explore God’s Creation yourself. There are so many interesting things to discover.

“See You Later Alligator”

You have probably heard the expression. “See you later, Alligator.” Believe it or not, it almost became true of these amazing creatures. Back in 1973, due to over harvesting and wanton killing,  these historic American reptiles were threatened by extinction and placed on the Endangered Species list. What a shame it would have been to lose these interesting creatures from their natural habitats. As a result of careful management, they have made an amazing comeback and were removed from that list in 1987. They are still carefully managed, but have come back in impressive numbers.

What’s On the Menu?:

We found this warning sign while observing birds around a lake in Alabama.

After viewing these creatures you develop a great respect for their powerful jaws. It’s interesting to note, however, that it usually isn’t people that are eaten by alligators. Rather, it is people eating alligators. Their meat is highly sought after and cooked in many interesting ways. Besides their meat, one of the reasons for their reduction in numbers was their skins. Many items used to be made from their hides. They also got a bad rap! Many movies and books portrayed these animals as a great threat to mankind. Though they are to be respected, they rarely threaten humans unless they are approaching them in their nesting areas. Most areas where viewing is provided have ample warning of their presence and suggest you watch where you go while watching them from a distance. You can also go to places where alligators are raised commercially and watch shows where they demonstrate their abilities to snap onto and devour their food. Alligator meat can be found on the menu of several restaurants that have been raised commercially for harvest.

                     The Two Signs Pictured Above Were In the Audubon Bird Sanctuary in Alabama

They Can Be Hard to Spot!:

Can you see me now?

Though alligators can hide well in vegetation, as above, they more commonly like to rest on the shoreline where they absorb the warmth of the sunshine on cold mornings. After they warm up, they may then crawl back into the water to cool down and look for food. Being reptiles, basking is a form of temperature regulation.

My, What Big Teeth You Have!

Just like in humans, the teeth of the alligators change as they mature. When very young,  they have needle-like teeth well adapted for capturing insects and other arthropods as well as young fish and crustaceans. As they grown older, their teeth also enlarge. With these big teeth they can crack open even hard-shelled turtles and break bones of other animals. Their jaw force is amazing. Interestingly, the force of their jaws is greatly minimized by placing a hand or a band of duct tape around their snouts, which is often the tactic used when subduing these animals in zoos and in the field when the trapper plans to release the animals after collecting data on their length, health, age, and other factors. Once the tape is removed, you better watch out! When they clamp down they have one of the greatest bite forces in the Animal Kingdom.

That’s Twisted!

One unique feature of alligators is their habit of capturing their prey on shore and dragging it into the water to drown it. Once it is dead, they grab on to part of the body and do an “Alligator Roll” which twists off pieces of the animal for more easy swallowing. They have even been known to work in groups to tear apart larger animals with each getting their share of the food. Since they really don’t actually chew their food they have been equipped with gizzards, just like the birds. In these organs they can grind down the meat and derive the energy in this food through further digestion. I consider all these amazing traits as a sign of their unique design by a thoughtful Creator.

Using Tools?:

Of the many members of the animal kingdom that have been observed using tools, the alligator is included. This is highly unusual in the ranks of reptiles! “What tools do they use?”, you might ask. Well, they have literally figured out a way to really “Stick It to” their prey. They have been observed holding branches of trees in their mouths while waiting for unsuspecting birds to descend and lite on the branches offered as perches.   When the birds land they are surprised when the large mouth opens and clamps down on their bodies: I guess this is the Fast Food of the alligator’s life.

Be Fruitful!

Interesting studies of alligator’s stomach contents have revealed that they are not totally carnivores. Though, to my knowledge this has never been witnessed by man, within the stomachs there have been elderberries, wild grapes, and citrus fruits taken directly from trees. This again, shows the great adaptability of these creatures to use the food available. Their diets are very diversified.

Infrasonic Communication: “B Flat”, Now That’s Music to My Ears!

Like other animals alligators have some interesting ways to communicate with others of their own kind. The males can create bellowing sounds by sucking air into their lungs and then emitting it quickly. This seems to be a way to warn off other males invading the mating territories where the females are during the mating season. Those who have observed these sounds say that they are more felt than heard. They even create vibrations in the water around the gators when they are emitting them. The sprinkling effect is even called the “Water Dance” by those who have witnessed these things. In one experiment, tubas were used to stimulate the large males into producing their own vibrations. When checked with the musical scale, the vibrations register a B Flat on the scale. Baby alligators also vocalize with a chirp-like sound to let their mothers know when they are ready to emerge from their eggs buried in the vegetation by their mothers for incubation. The mothers then dig up the babies and watch over them for some time until they are ready to fend for themselves in the wild.

Who Is The Hottest?

If you have ever wondered who is the hottest between males and females, it’s the males. At least in the Alligator world. You see, the temperature during the incubation period has a direct effect on the gender of the babies. At 93 degrees F. you will have males. At 86 degrees F, you will have females.

Helpful In Removing Unwanted Guests:

Alligators have an important role in the environment by regulating the populations of the creatures living there. If there are too many of some species there will not be enough food to go around. Besides the native species that over produce, non-native species create an even greater danger. Man has messed up this critical balance frequently by bringing in unwanted non-native species. One of these creatures, the Nutria, was brought into the U.S. from South America back in the mid- 20th century. They quickly multiplied and became a nuisance species burrowing into the banks of levees causing floods and eating up the food that the other species depended upon for survival. Give a shout out to the alligators! It seems that the alligator is one of the most important factors in regulating these animals. Another group of terrible invaders are the Burmese Pythons that have been released into Florida by some who found their newly acquired pets were getting too large to manage. Soon, pythons were taking over the environment. Alligators seem to have a taste for these creatures as well.

Every Creature Is Important!

One of the things man has learned over the many years of observation is that every kind of animal is important in the balance of the ecosystem. When God created all things He had a purpose for each one. It is important as Earth’s Caretakers, to realize how it is important that we acknowledge this balance and work to maintain it for the preservation of the species. This requires careful observation and management by taking time to consider the ramifications of our activities in the natural world.

Interesting Alligator Facts:

Like other reptiles, alligators are cold-blooded.

Alligators can weigh over 1000 lbs.

Alligators live in the South-Eastern part of the U.S.

The scientific name of the American Alligator is Alligator mississippienis.

Alligators have a third eyelid that covers their eyes underwater like built in “diving masks”.

Alligators have 80 teeth when mature, 40 on top and 40 on the bottom.

Alligator teeth are aligned so that the upper teeth fit into the bottom ones for a tight grip.

Baby alligators have an “egg tooth” located on the tip of their noses to use to get out of their eggs when fully developed.

Strangely, alligators have 5 toes on each of the front feet while only 4 on the rear ones.

Scientists believe that alligators live up to 35-50 years in the wild. In captivity they are known to live  from 60–80 years.

Alligator meat really does taste a lot like chicken.

Why Not Do Some Further Research?:

Some of these facts come from Avia Trivia, Wikipedia, Peterson’s Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians, Reptiles of North America, Animal Fact Files: Reptiles and Amphibians by Chris Mattison, Val Davies and David Alderton.  

It’s not hard to find a lot more information by simply doing a Google search on-line. Check it out!

Do You Know Me?

One of the most well known birds, recognized in photographs, is the Bald Eagle. These interesting birds have been studied for hundreds of years while uncovering many of their habits and characteristics.

Let’s take a closer look.

If you look closely you will notice that these eagles are chocolate brown in coloration. The adults have white heads and tails. You will also notice the yellow eyes, beaks and legs. Notice the powerful hooked bill which is designed for tearing meat apart and can also be used as a weapon.

Second Largest Bird of Prey in U.S.

Though these birds are very large, they are only the second largest in the U.S.  Can you name the largest? It is the rare California Condor. Have you ever heard of the Bergman’s Rule? This general rule relating to the size of Eagles predicts that the farther North you go, the larger the birds will be. It seems to stand true when comparing specimens from the North compared to those found father to the South. The larger females range from 35-27 inches long with a wingspan of 79-90 inches. That is a big bird! The smaller males are between 30-34 inches long and have a wingspan of 72-85 inches. That makes the females 25% larger than the males.

Are They Really Bald?

Strange as it may seem, the eagles are not bald as one would think. The term “Bald” actually doesn’t come from a word meaning “without hair“. It actually  comes from a word that means, “White Headed“. Interestingly, they do not acquire their white heads and tails until they reach maturity around 4-5 years of age.

Controversy Over Naming the Bald Eagle As National Symbol:

If you look at the Presidential Seal, and on many U.S. coins, you will find the Bald Eagle as a national symbol of the U.S.  This has been the case ever since 1782 when it was declared the official emblem of our great country. Not all of those present at this time thought the Eagle was a good choice. One notable exception was Benjamin Franklin, who thought the Eagle’s reputation and character was far beneath the dignity of the U.S.   He noted that they were cowardly and of low moral character since they often steal food captured by other predators and will flee from the little  King Bird when being chased by them.

It Takes a Thief: “Kleptoparasitism”

Bald Eagles are often seen swooping down and stealing the prey from Osprey, foxes and other smaller predators. Have you ever heard the term “kleptomaniac” used to describe one who compulsively steals from others? Well, scientists use a similar word to describe animals like the Eagles that steal the food from others. This term is “Kleptoparasitism“.

They Eat What?!!!

Did you know, that in addition to stealing food from others they also eat dead things found along the road or in the field or beside the streams. This is known as “Carrion”. In many places and when the opportunity arises the large portion of the eagle’s diet comes from these sources.

They do, however, take wing and work for some of their food. It seems their favorites come from the ocean or fresh water. If you have ever watched an eagle for very long you may have seen it swoop down and snag a fish from the water with its talons. They then fly to a nearby nest, rock or tree top to tear the food apart for storage. They store it up in a large crop at the bottom of their necks until they further process and digest it later. Sometimes eagles go for several days without hunting, processing the food they captured earlier. They are known to feed on many different types of animals being opportunistic hunters. Some of these include: ducks, coots, auklets and other small birds. They also eat rabbits, raccoon, muskrats, skunks, opossum, armadillos, arctic foxes, baby beavers, and even baby seals when available. They augment their diet with shellfish, turtles, crabs, and small birds.

What’s In A Name?:

The scientific name of the Bald Eagle is “Haliaeetus leucocephalas”. The Genus and Species names are written in Latin. They mean “Large Sea Eagle with a white head“. Scientists use this universal language for all their classification of living things. Apparently this name came from Linnaeus clear back in 1766.

Nesting Characteristics:

One of the most outstanding characteristics of the eagles is their ability to construct huge nests. One of these was calculated as being almost two tons in weight and was 20 feet deep in the middle.. Another nest was  measured at 9.5 feet across. These are built high above the ground often on tree tops. We saw one high in a tree when we visited Yellowstone National Park several years ago. Nests more often are about 4-5 feet in diameter. Since the nests are reused for several years they get bigger as the years go by when new building materials are added to the original. Eagles often use man-made telephone poles and radio towers as places to build their nests.

Finally Removed From the Endangered Species List:

One of the sad historical events associated with the Bald Eagles was when they were dying out and threatened with extinction. This was primarily due to the introduction of the deadly pesticide, DDT. When this pesticide was used it eventually got into the food chain. The poison caused damage in egg shell formation and when the eggs were laid they broke before the chicks could develop. This not only hurt the eagles but many other animals in the environment. The government declared its use illegal and it has taken several years for its effects to be removed from the environment. In 1940 Congress passed  the Bald Eagle Protection Act. Since the poison also threatened other birds of prey, in 1962 an amendment added the Golden Eagle to the mix. In 1963 there were only estimated to be 487 nesting pairs of Bald Eagles. Much regulation and active protection helped the bird’s numbers to recover. In 2007 the Bald Eagle was finally removed from the list of threatened and endangered species.

It’s Our Duty to Care for Them:

Though these birds have recovered, it is important to realize how careful mankind must be in how we treat the environment. God gave man the Dominion Mandate way back in the Book of Genesis. He gave man the responsibility to care for His Creation. It was created for man to use but not abuse.

Considered a Sacred Bird:

Many of the Native American tribes have considered Eagles sacred birds for thousands of years. Today true Native American tribes can still harvest the feathers of these birds which are illegal to possess by others. They use them in many of their religious ceremonies and include them in their clothing and head wear. If you have ever seen a picture of an Indian Chief you have probably noticed the large feathers in his headpiece. The feathers were also waved through smoke while brokering agreements and treaties with others.

Why Not Learn More?:

Much of this information came from reading books and blog posts including National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America and web sites, Smithsonian Institutes National Zoo, Wikipedia, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Blog.  There are many more that you can easily find by looking on line.

Note: The pictures I took of these birds were from Queens, N.Y. at the Zoo there. The eagles on display had been brought to the zoo injured and after they recovered were unable to be released to the wild since their wings were damaged. 

A Different Kind Of Owl:

On our recent trip to New York we stopped in Queens to visit the Zoo there the night before we flew back to Tennessee. While there we witnessed one of the strangest owls I have ever seen, the Burrowing Owl.

What Makes Them Different?:

They have a leg up on the competition:

There are several characteristics of this owl species that set it apart from other owls. As you can see in this picture, the owls have long legs.  By having long legs they can scan the grasslands while standing on the ground or sitting on a low perch like a rock or branch.

They have mastered the underground:

Rather than burrow in trees and barns, these owls prefer to use abandoned prairie dog burrows or even man-made structures embedded in the ground. I once saw some in a culvert in a construction site in Sacramento. They can dig burrows themselves if necessary, but seem to enjoy re-purposing the work of others before them.

They often live in groups:

As you probably know from previous experience, owls are usually solitary individuals. Burrowing owls, however, often live in colonies of many owls. This provides for better security since one owl can sound an alarm so that many can respond immediately.

They have yellow eyes:

If you have seen other owls up close or in photos you probably noticed they usually have orange eyes. Burrowing owls have yellow eyes. These allow the birds to see well in both the dark and daylight.

They store up food for the future:

One of the interesting traits of these little birds is their ability to plan for the future. When food is plentiful they often store it up in their dens for hard times to come.

They even eat the small stuff:

Most owls prefer to eat rodents like mice, rats, rabbits and other small mammals. Burrowing owls take advantage of many kinds of food overlooked by others including insect, spiders, scorpions, and centipedes. In this manner they are important to the ecosystem’s balance and help keep these creatures in check. They also eat reptiles, (lizards and small snakes),  amphibians, (toads and frogs and salamanders), and even fish when available. In addition to these arthropods they also specialize in eating small rodents in their territory. Some of these include groundhogs, squirrels, mice, voles, pocket gophers and the like.

They have some special tricks for acquiring their food and repelling enemies:

A strange greeting: May seem smelly and trashy!

One interesting thing I discovered about these little birds is their habit of laying out a carpet in front of their burrows. What do you suppose this carpet is made of? I bet you didn’t guess it was poop! Yes, they gather up the dung from deer, cows, buffalo.”Why on earth would they do this?”, you might ask. Well, mixing dung and grass attracts one of their favorite foods, dung beetles. They get their food brought right to their doorstep. Another advantage of such a carpet is that it repels many would-be enemies from entering their burrows. They smell the animal feces and flee the other way thinking a larger animal may be near by. They also often scatter small pieces of paper, tin foil, bottle caps, and the like around their entrances. Scientists are not sure exactly why they do this but it seems to be some kind of an indication that the dwelling is occupied. They say. “Seek another place to build your home!”

Don’t let them rattle you!:

Strange as it might seem, these little birds can make a sound that is very similar to the rattlesnake. They use this alarm when other animals get too close to their nesting places. It seems to be pretty effective! I think I would think twice before messing with them if I heard this sound. How about you?

They have a high tolerance for gasses that would harm other creatures:

Living underground may seem like a great place to live but one of the dangers of such a dwelling is the high concentrations of Carbon Dioxide that flows into these low places from above. Since CO-2 is much heavier than the other gasses in the atmosphere it has a tendency to flow underground into any depressions in the ground it can find. God created these birds so they have a much higher tolerance to this gas than other creatures.

Night and Day Shifts:

Though these owls prefer hunting in the evening, especially at dusk, they also can be active in the daytime when necessary. As you know, many insects are most active in daylight. The owls often sit on perches just above the ground waiting to see movement. When motion is sighted they quickly can respond by either pouncing on their prey or hovering above before dropping to capture it.

Other interesting things to know about these birds:

Burrowing owls are classified into these groupings:

Kingdom = Animalia

Phylum = Vertebrata

Class = Aves

Order = Strigiformes

Family = Strigidae

Genus =   Athene

Species = cunicularia

They are found mostly in range-land, grasslands, near airports and golf courses.

They are small in stature, up to 9 inches tall.

Males are actually slightly larger than females (This is unusual in the animal Kingdom).

Their range is mostly in the Mid-West in the US, though they also are found frequently in Florida. They can also be found in Central  and South America in the grasslands there.

The father shares the duties of caring for his mate and young. While the female incubates the eggs the males spend time hunting to bring her food so she can spend the time caring for her developing young. The males also help acquire food when the young emerge from the eggs.

Rather than take to the air when threatened, they often flatten themselves near the ground or run off quickly on their feet. They are very speedy!

Just call me Bob:  One unique behavior of these creatures is their up and down movements. They bob up and down when on the ground or standing on their perches. This seems to help them see movement around them.

They are good at digging. Some of the burrows they dig can be up to 9 feet long with many chambers along the path. These are used for storing food as well as providing many hiding places if enemies enter the burrows.

The more I study the many creatures God has created for us to enjoy, the more I see how He designed each creature for where it lives and has provided built in instincts for them to survive.

We need to be careful in our use of our God given resources including the many kinds of living things around us. One of the sad things about burrowing owls is that their numbers are decreasing due to man’s development in the places where they live. Hopefully mankind will improve our respect for needed areas for these and other creatures to live and thrive so that others can enjoy them in the future.

Like a Tiny Jewel:

When I looked out of the garage door this afternoon I spotted what looked like a shiny emerald streaking across the blacktop. On closer Inspection I discovered it was an iridescent green tiger beetle.

Notice the white spots on the hard outer wing covers (elytra). There are three spots on each side of the beetle.

This beetle has the scientific name of Cicindela sexguttata. When translated from the Latin it means the beetle has six spots on it.

Color Changing:

One of the amazing things about this beetle is its ability to shift colors according to the angle of the sunlight that hits its wings. Below you can see it in a more bluish color. It ranges from green, to purple and blue.

My! What Big Eyes You Have! “The better to see you, my dear!”

One of the interesting features of this beetle is that they have large compound eyes adapted for capturing movement. Notice that the eyes are even wider than the thorax of the beetle.  With these they can quickly identify their prey and pursue it on their long nimble legs designed for speed.

Wow! That’s Fast!

One characteristic that sets these beetles into a category all their own is their speed. This little beetle can scurry across the ground at a rate that it can cover 125 times its body length in a single second. If I could do that I would be able to win in the Olympic running events! Not only can they run quickly, they can also fly.

My, What Big Teeth You Have! “The better to eat you, my dear!”

Notice the large front white mandibles. They are like curved swords with tiny sharp daggers along their edges. 

With these long mandibles the tiger beetle can quickly subdue their prey. Not only can they pierce and grab the creatures they pursue, they can also tear it up into tiny pieces to be swallowed. Note: Some of these beetles can even get your attention by biting you when you try to pick them up, if you can catch them as they speed by.

Let’s Get The Digestion Started Early!

Not only do these beetles break apart their prey, they also spit out a digestive juice onto their food before they swallow it. This actually begins the digestion process so it won’t take so long to get the nutrients into their energy supply.

If You See Me, Let Me Be!

These beetles are not your enemy! Gardeners are fond of these creatures since they reduce the amount of harmful insects, spiders and other creatures that creep into their gardens. Some of their favorite food includes caterpillars of moths and other types of beetles that eat up the leaves and fruit of you garden. They spend the daylight hours zipping around looking for invaders to consume.

You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby…………Not!!!

One of the most interesting things about these beetles is how they begin their five year life span. After emerging from their eggs the larvae dig deep vertical pits in which to hide. These can range from 8″ to about three feet in depth. The larvae are kind of shaped like an “S”. Their heads are very large, in fact they completely cover the tops of the holes in their vertical shafts. The next part is my favorite!

Jack-In-The Box:

When I was a child I was startled when I first saw a Jack-In-The- Box. When It popped out after the music stopped I was shocked by its quick emergence. In a similar way, the beetle larvae of the tiger beetles sit inside their tubes waiting for unsuspecting prey to pass by. When they do the larvae quickly pop out and snatch their prey with enormous mandibles. They then pull it down into their deep pit homes to consume at their leisure. The larvae can spend up to a year in these pits until they get fat enough to go into their pupa stage for an amazing transformation into an adult insect that usually emerges in the Spring of the year.

Ecologically Important!:

As you think about the many creatures you see around you it is not long before you see how important they all are to other organisms. Though these beetles eat many other types of insects and spiders, they also are the food of other creatures. As adults there are few creatures fast enough to catch them. I really had to be quick to catch the one I found for closer inspection.They are occasionally captured by spiders in their webs and also by birds. In their larva stage they are often dug up by skunks, moles, grackles, and sandpipers. Beetles are very high in protein needed by the organisms that eat them.

By Design:

When we think further about the whole situation we can clearly see a pattern of an Intelligent Designer. When God created each creature He had a purpose in their introduction to the environment. Each creature is part of a bigger plan. They are all inter-related. Think of the complex food webs that exist around you. If any one part were removed it would cause chaos in the whole system.

Get Out Your Binoculars!

In one of the interesting articles I read about these beetles was one that shared some tips for observing them feed. I was surprised to learn that they recommended using binoculars and sitting near a sandy pathway. Once you spot a tiger beetle scurrying along back off about 10 to 20 feet and use your binoculars to watch it. It will soon slow down when not threatened by your presence and begin its natural feeding process. In this way you can see it capture its prey. They seem to more plentiful in areas with sandy soil such as along pathways and beaches. Some species actually prefer the sandy beaches along the shore line of the ocean and lakes, rivers and streams. Interestingly, if you try this you will probably notice that the beetles tend to take flight when you get too close. When they land they usually face back to where you are standing. After you stand still for a little while they do not feel threatened. In this manner you can more likely observe their natural behaviors.

If you want to read more about this you can check out the ASU website and read the article How to Observe Tiger Beetles. It’s a good read.

Rise Again:

On a recent trip my wife and I took to the states of Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi, we discovered and observed many wonderful jewels of creation. In this post I would like to introduce you to the one that made the largest impression on me.

Have You Met Pleopeltis polypioides?:

This amazing plant that God created reminds us of the historical event of the rising of Jesus Christ from the Dead celebrated world over at Easter time. These emerald beauties demonstrates God’s design in wonderful ways. The scientific name of this plant is Pleopeltis polypioides. The are also known as Miracle Fern and Little Gray Polypod.

Look at this plant. It looks dead and all dried up.  This is the Resurrection Fern in times of drought or the dry seasons of the year.

The above plants show what happens in a dry spell.

Watch the Transformation:

What a wonderful change comes to pass as soon as the rain appears.

Interesting Facts About the Resurrection Fern:

It can be found all over the Southeastern part of the United States as well as in some parts of South America and Africa.

It loses up about 75% of its water content during a typical dry period but scientists believe it can extend this ability to around 97% in extreme droughts.

Scientists believe it can remain in a dormant state for as long as 100 years.

It usually grows above the ground on the trunks and branches of trees. It can also grow on other surfaces where it can get a grip with its rhizomes (root system).

It shrivels and curls up when it dries out with the underside of the leaves outward. In this fashion they can instantly absorb water when it rains or gathers on the tree it grows on.

There are over 1,200 varieties of Resurrection plants found all over the world.

These ferns are “Epiphytes“….(plants that grow above the ground, supported on other plants).

Resurrection Ferns are not parasitic.  They do not acquire their food from the host plants upon which they grow. They do, however, benefit from the nutrients that flow down the trunks and off the leaves of the host plant when the rain and dew gather there.

Don’t try to find seeds for these plants. They reproduce by spores which they release into the air as the spore cases under the leaves burst open. They can also be propagated by dividing the rhizomes.

These plants are often found on live oak trees as well as cypresses. Though these are their favorites, they can also grow on rocky surfaces and many different kinds of plants. They just need a good place to anchor  their rhizomes and find water.

This large oak tree above a restaurant was covered with Resurrection Fern. 

Some Other Things I Learned About These Plants.

If you take the time to look on-line you will discover that these plants are often purchased by herpetologists (scientists that raise and study reptiles and amphibians). They use these plants when creating a moist environment in their terrariums used to house their reptiles and amphibians. If you have ever been to a zoo and gone into the reptile and amphibian displays you may have seen these plants growing along side mosses and other water loving plants which add beauty to the display as well as provide a great way to keep the terrariums moist for the creatures that live in them.

They Went Where?!!!

Did you know that these plants have traveled to outer space? They were actually taken into space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery back in 1997 to see how the plants would respond to zero gravity.

Good Friends with the Mosses:

One study found a strong relationship between the Resurrection Fern and Mosses. It seems that they share the water that the mosses hold like a sponge. It seems like they may share the same space and probably help each other grasp the surfaces of the trees they grow on by providing a lattice work of rhizomes for the mosses to anchor themselves.

They Have Medicinal Uses:

These little plants have been used medically for thousands of years. The ancient Aztecs used them as a diuretic, against renal stones, cystitis and liver infections. They also show anti-inflammatory properties. They have been used to resist the growth of bacteria, to treat headaches, gum diseases and dizziness. They even hold possibilities of being used in the treatment of cancer. Who knows what other benefits these plants may possess for those who continue to study them?

Have You Considered the Benefits of the Resurrection?

Though this plant seems to rise from the dead, it in fact doesn’t completely die out. In the case of Jesus Christ, however, He really died and then rose again to life. He is the only one to have power over life and death. He also died for a purpose. He died so that you could experience spiritual and eternal life. His death paid the price for man’s sins and provided an opportunity for us to know and experience the true God. By believing in the person and work of Jesus Christ and trusting Him for your future, you also can have a resurrection experience. You can be brought to life spiritually as well as have the assurance of eternal life when your days on earth are over. A great way to find out more about the Resurrection and its value to you would be to read chapter 15 of the Book of the Bible, Corinthians. If you have never thought much about the reality of this event, it was witnessed by over 500 people. It has been an important event celebrated for more than 2000 years. Those who believe in the Resurrection have seen amazing transformations in their own lives as well as have experienced hope for the future and energy for daily living.

Look what I found in my garden this morning.

I have noticed recently that a lot of my tomatoes and tomato vines have been disappearing. One of the gardener’s worst enemies, the Tomato Horn Worms, have been taking away a lot of my harvest. These little green “worms”, actually caterpillars of  the Tobacco Horn Worm Moth, are very destructive! Their scientific name, “Manduca quinguemaculata”, actually means “Big Eaters”. And believe me, they live up to their name!  Well…., they have met their match!

David vs. Goliath:

My eyes were quickly attracted to the white color of the insect cocoons protruding from the backs of the caterpillars. These white cocoons are the result in an attack from an unlikely little “garden helper”. The female Braconid Wasp flies in and finds the caterpillar and then sticks her ovipositor, (tubular organ through which a female insect deposits eggs), into the skin of the tomato worm. These tiny pointed structures look like stingers and often do carry chemicals that are harmful to the worms they attack. When the eggs hatch the larvae feed from the inside of the caterpillar until they reach the size needed to form a cocoon. The cocoons are the white structures on the backs of the caterpillars. When the wasps are fully formed they emerge out of the cocoons and start looking for flower nectar.  As I viewed pictures of the wasps I was amazed at how small they were in relation to the caterpillars they parasitize. They are barely half the size of the caterpillar’s eye! This reminds me of the battle between David and Goliath. One of the combatants was much larger than the other in yet the smaller was the victor. In the case of David, it was God’s intervention that led to the victory. Size is not always an advantage in the natural world.

More Than One:

It wasn’t very long after discovering the first parasitized worm that I saw another. The white color of the cocoons allows you to see them quickly. Most of the time it is very difficult to locate the worms eating up your garden. I usually find them by seeing where they have been feeding and then look for their “poop” deposited all around where they have been feeding. I look for them on the stems or under the leaves nearby. They seem to be easiest to locate in the morning or just before the sun sets when they more actively are feeding. Did you know the wasps actually also use the “poop” to locate their prey as well? Rather than looking for the feces they actually have keen smell detectors that can pick out chemicals in the waste of the worms. In fact, their ability to detect chemicals has come to the attention of scientists who have found other ways to use their super powers.

Bombs Away!

The ability to “sniff out” chemicals emitted by their prey by smelling the fumes from the feces of the worms has been used as a way to detect the presence of explosives. After being trained to recognize the chemicals used in bombs the wasps demonstrate different behavior when in the presence of these chemicals allowing those looking for these dangerous objects to locate and dismantle or destroy them before they cause any harm to those who would encounter them otherwise. Isn’t it amazing that such a tiny insect could demonstrate such profound abilities? I think that just goes to show how amazing the insect’s Creator is. Who could design such amazing animals?

Have You Had Your Flu Shot?

Something that I learned in my research of these wasps that was interesting is that they actually use chemical warfare. While inserting their eggs in the host caterpillar they often also inject viruses. These viruses compromise the worm’s immune system. As the viruses develop in the worms they retard the growth and slow the worm down allowing the emerging larvae to have an easier time consuming their host. When we get a flu shot at the doctor’s office we are actually getting weakened forms of viruses in the injection process. Because they are weakened before being placed in the serum, they allow our bodies to recognize the virus.  Our strong immune systems create antibodies to prevent any future attacks by the virus thus helping us avoid the devastating effects of the disease. In the case of the worm, however, the worm gets a strong version of a virus that has complete control in its new environment.

Would You Like to Have These Helpers in Your Garden?:

For those looking to grow vegetables without the need for pesticides, organic gardeners, it is good to know what attracts these wasps to your garden. In some cases you can actually order them on-line. Trichogramma pretiosum is the scientific name of some that are often purchased on-line. A better way to get them in your garden is by attracting them with flowers!

Flower Power:

Since the adult wasps feed on the nectar of flowers, you can add plants to your garden like: carrots, radishes, dill, mustard and turnips. These plants naturally attract the wasps. When the wasps come in for dinner they look around, (actually “smell around”), and detect the presence of the caterpillars on other plants in your garden. They alter their feeding and fly over to parasitize the caterpillars insuring another generation of wasps to do the same job next year.

Thank God for the Small Things:

As I read through the Bible in my daily devotional time I have discovered many places where God shows us how He works using the smallest things and what seems to us as “insignificant” to accomplish major tasks. As I think about these tiny wasps overpowering their huge host, I think of passages like the following:

I Corinthians 1:27

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 

Remember that God can help you face your greatest fears and lead you to victory. He delights in using those who are humble to do His work.

Thank God for His Creation:

As you go through the coming week, think of the tiny, insignificant things around you; things you may not even see but have a profound affect on your life. From the smallest virus to the largest animals, each has a place in the overall design of Creation. Don’t miss the message that God is trying to communicate to you through His Creation, His Word, and His Son, Jesus Christ. Your life can be changed by responding to the message.

Newly Emerged Wasps:

After keeping the caterpillars that had the white cocoons on their backs for a day inside a mason jar, this is what emerged. There were at least 20 tiny wasps flying and crawling around inside the jar. It will be interesting to see how many more emerge. They are so tiny! They are only about as long as the length of a letter typed size twelve on your computer.

Should I Be Afraid?

In  a couple of my earlier posts I shared with you my encounters with aggressive Hornets. Those were frightening experiences. Though some wasps and hornets can be aggressive there are exceptions to the rule. The Blue-Winged Digger Wasp is such an example. Even though they can sting, and will, if attacked, they rarely show any aggression towards humans.

The Gardener’s Friend:

Blue-Winged wasps are very helpful to have in your garden. No matter what you are growing the plants need to be pollinated. Wasps and other insects help when they come in to gather nectar from the flowers. At the same time they pick up the pollen and carry it on the tiny hairs on their bodies to the next flower they visit. In this way the important pollen is placed where it is needed to insure a future generation of the plant that provided the pollen grains.

Rose and Hibiscus Gardeners Celebrate:

If you happen to like roses and hibiscus and other flowers you should be glad to have some Blue-Winged Wasps around. They specialize in preying upon one of the gardener’s worst enemies, the Japanese Beetle. These destructive beetles eat the foliage and flowers of flowering plants often killing them or making them less attractive by tearing them apart in their feeding frenzy.

How Do They Do It?: (Why are they also known as Digger Wasps?)

When an adult female Blue-Winged Wasp is ready to have babies she drops to the ground and starts looking for a beetle grub buried under the ground. When she detects its presence she digs into the ground and stings the grub. This paralyzes the grub and immobilizes it for transfer. The wasp then digs another hole, lays and egg on the grub, and reburies it. Several months later, the baby wasp larva emerges and finds itself in contact with its first meal, a fresh beetle larva. The sting of the wasp also acts as a preservative keeping the larva in stasis until needed for food. Obviously, the baby beetle larva never grows up to eat flowers but helps in propagating a new generation of Blue-Winged Wasps. 

Distinguishing Characteristics:

   Lighting Greatly Affects Their Coloration:

All of the following pictures are of the same two wasps. See how differently they look as the lighting is shifted from different angles. As the wasps move about in the wild their colors will change as the light hits them in different positions. As you probably know, color plays an important part in announcing to other creatures danger and other information. Iridescence, ” the ability to gradually change color according to the angle of view” , is a very good way for animals to recognize each other and avoid danger from other creatures. The yellow spots and black and yellow and orange colors are also important indicators of danger, especially when in striped configurations.

Notice the orange abdomen and the yellow spots.

See how blue they appear when the light comes in from a different angle.

You Can’t See It All!:

Many of the colors of these insects are invisible to the human eye but very apparent in the ultra violet and infrared bands of the spectrum. Many animals, especially insects, have keen perception in these frequencies of light. But, of the colors we can see, we can distinguish this wasp from many others.

Bottoms Up!:

Scientific Name & Distribution:

These beautiful wasps have the scientific Name Scolia dubai. They are found as far north as New England and south all the way to Florida. Headed west they can be found as far as the Rocky Mountains. Though solitary they can be seen congregating in large numbers at food sources like wild mint and other nectar producing flowers.

Night Night, Sleep Tight:

One of the interesting things about these solitary wasps is their night behavior. They spend their nights resting on plants. The males even like to curl up around a stalk of grass or a twig. As they sleep water droplets often form on their bodies as the moisture in the air condenses on to the cooler surface of the wasp’s body. This moisture can then be slurped up and it also helps cool the body.

Every Creature Has A Purpose:

Whenever I discover a new species of plant, animal, or a creature from other Kingdom, I am reminded of the vastness of God’s Creation. There are so many things to discover that show us the magnitude of God’s creative character. Each time you take a closer look, you will discover that every single creature God created has a significant purpose in the overall creation. Each has a different job to do which benefits the whole. We, as humans, often refer to creatures like insects as “good bugs” or “bad bugs“. Though this designation may help us avoid getting stung or bitten or seeing our gardens destroyed, it doesn’t reveal the whole picture. Remember, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” Psalm 119: 1-6.  Be sure you take time to listen and observe His greatness. You can gain a lot of knowledge and come to understand more about our Wonderful Creator.

Beauty All Around You:

While on vacation traveling through Wyoming and Montana we saw a lot of beautiful butterflies. They come in all colors and sizes and feed on a wide variety of plants. I thought you would enjoy seeing some of this beauty and share with you a symbol of life in Christ.

Yellow Swallowtail

Checkerspot butterfly

Two Together: Smaller one is a Skipper.

Checkerspot on Yarrow

Copper Butterfly

Tiny Blue on Thistle Plant

Many Varieties in One Area

Above and Below: Weidemeyer’s Admiral (AKA Western Admiral)

Limenitis weidemeyerii

Western Admirals are very territorial and often chase off other butterflies as they cruise through their space. They often perch where they can see any intruders. Though more common where we were in Wyoming they are considered endangered species in parts of Canada.

Symbol of New Birth:

Did you know the butterfly is often considered a symbol, a picture of the new birth one experiences when he/she comes to know Christ as Savior/ LORD. Just like the caterpillar goes through a radical transformation from a worm-like creature into a pupa and finally to emerge as a butterfly,  when one comes to know Jesus there is also a beautiful transformation. Just like a butterfly changes its diet from eating leaves to drinking nectar, we acquire a new hunger for the things of the LORD and love to feed on His Word, the Bible. Like the butterfly is a demonstration of the beauty of creation, we become a testimony of transformation as we develop new habits and show His love to others.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.”  II Cor. 5:17

Have you ever experienced this change? Once we become reconciled to God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross for our sins, He opens up a whole new plan for our lives that brings Him glory and results in true satisfaction to everyone who follows Him.