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