Insects and Arachnids are important to our planet’s ecological balance. Many insects are superb pollinators. Some insects and all arachnids are predators that keep other insect populations in check, and some still remain scientific mysteries. We have lost great numbers of pollinators including native bees and honeybees. Over generations of human development we have removed diverse habitats. Due to the widespread use of pesticides we have endangered the balance of insects including important pollinators.
Planting native plants in place of exotic species and avoiding pesticides will help. Science has proven that growing more native plants is a winning strategy. Over thousands of years, native pollinators have developed a complex relationship with specific host plants that are native to their region. Even small yards can have beautiful native host and nectar plants that benefit pollinators. These food source havens are beautiful, inspiring places for people too.

Spicebush Swallowtail

Spicebush Swallowtail on Crimson Clover

Monarch – Danaus plexippus

Monarch – Note Card in “Jewels on Wings” Box Set

Clouded Sulphur Butterfly

Cloudless Sulphur Butterfly

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail – Note Card in Jewels on Wings Box Set

Great Spangled Fritillary

Giant Swallowtail

Male Monarch

Painted Lady on Buckwheat

Monarch in September

Monarch Loves Echinacea

Red-Spotted Purple – Note Card in Jewels on Wings Box Set

Monarch in October

American Lady – Note Card in Jewels on Wings Box Set

Dancing over Crimson Clover

Viceroy Butterfly

Viceroy Butterfly – Dorsal View

Zebra Swallowtail on Asclepias Tuberosa

Swallowtail on Wild Plum

Regal Fritillary – Regal Tallgrass Prairie

Great Spangled Fritillary

Giant Swallowtail – Dorsal View

Orange Sulphur Courtship

Pipevine Swallowtail Lays Eggs

Celebrate Butterflies!

Widow Skimmer Dragonfly

Young Brown Praying Mantis

Praying Mantis

Syrphid Fly Bathing in Dewdrops

Katydid – Early Instar Phase

Green Lacewing on Little Bluestem

Long Legged Fly

Immature Wheel Bug

Crane Fly with Dewdrops

Green Soldier Bug

Assassin Bug Early Instar on Swamp Milkweed

Dewdrop Covered Moth

The Hebrew Moth

White-lined Sphinx

Snowberry Clearwing on Water Willow

White-lined Sphinx

Widow Skimmer

Unidentified Large Dragonfly

Ebony Jewelwing Damselfly

Damselflies Lay Eggs at Creek

Native Pollinator Loves Coneflowers

Gray Headed Coneflower with Native Bee

Luna Moth in March

Luna Moth Caterpillar

Young Praying Mantis

Grasshopper

Tiny Crab Spider

Crab Spider on Wingstem