Showing posts with label insects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label insects. Show all posts

If a bee is fuzzy - let it be

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Asian giant hornets are two inches long and so far have only been found in Whatcom county.
These are the Bad Guys and should be captured live and reported. Photo courtesy WSDA

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is still hunting Asian giant hornets in Washington state, primarily in Whatcom county. They ask citizens to capture the hornet alive. WSDA tags them and tracks them back to their hives, which are then destroyed.

WSDA found and destroyed four related nests in the fall near Blaine on the Canadian border.

The 'murder hornets' are invasive predators that prey on other bees and can destroy an entire honeybee hive or native hornet nest in just a few hours. The hornets enter a "slaughter phase" where they kill bees by decapitating them. They then defend the hive as their own, taking the brood to feed their own young.

Good Guys: Black tailed bumblebees
Photo by Jacqueline Freeman

WSDA received the first bumble submission for 2022 as a possible Asian giant hornet and it was a bumblebee. "Luckily the bumblebee was found dead and was not killed by the submitter." 

As the weather starts to warm bumblebee queens will be emerging – don’t kill them! 

Good Guys: Yellow faced bumblebee
Photo by Anna Brown 

Bumblebees are hairy, hornets are not. If you see a fuzzy bee, let it be! 

During February, residents of Washington might see or hear Black-tailed bumble bees, and yellow-faced bumble bees. Both bumbles visit a variety of plants and pollinate as they go. 

You can report a suspected Asian giant hornet sighting online or by sending an email to hornets@agr.wa.gov or calling 1-800-443-6684.

--Diane Hettrick


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Lake Forest Park: A Tale of Two Creeks

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Volunteers sampling benthic invertebrates living in McAleer Creek.
Photo by Dan Benson

By Brian Saunders, LFP Stewardship Foundation Board Member

The biological health of Lyon and McAleer Creeks has been sampled in Lake Forest Park (“LFP Streamkeepers team-up with LFP Stewardship Foundation to sample local streams” 10/25/21 SAN) for many years. A tale of how different these two creeks might be has emerged, even though they flow within 200 feet of each other as they make their way through Lake Forest Park to north Lake Washington.

As an instructor at Shoreline and North Seattle College, I am fortunate to have access to good equipment, such as a dissecting microscope, ideal for observing insects and their delicate anatomical structures. I am looking at a member of the Ephemeroptera (E·PHEM·er·op·ter·a), an insect order of mayflies, highly coveted by fly fishing aficionados. Having trained as a marine biologist, studying creatures like soft-bodied anemones, my recent interest in identifying freshwater invertebrates has brought me a sense of nostalgia. Counting the number of thoracic (body) segments, the positioning of abdominal gills, and looking up unfamiliar terms such as “cerci”, recalls long afternoons in a cold laboratory at Shannon Point Marine Station in Anacortes where I received my Masters at Western Washington University in the mid 1990’s.

Why do we care what (and how many) invertebrates live in a stream?

Identifying aquatic insects of streams provides a good deal of information regarding stream health. In the October article, I described how some aquatic “bugs” are very tolerant to pollution and human disturbance while others are not. By collecting, identifying and counting these organisms, scientists have developed quantitative formulas that score each waterway, to determine which are in excellent condition and which are fair to very poor (https://pugetsoundstreambenthos.org/). Examining 20 years’ worth of data on the biological health of Lyon and McAleer Creek, has revealed two creeks on two different health paths. Further examination of the chemical health of the creeks over the past 50 years, suggests that their future ability to support the present-day biota looks dour, unless strong actions to protect and mitigate human disturbances are taken.

Drainage areas for McAleer (green shaded) and Lyon Creeks (blue shaded) in Lake Forest Park.

A Look at the Overall Health Scores

The first thing to know is that both Lyon and McAleer Creeks are in Fair to Poor condition regarding their biological health, with McAleer slightly, but significantly, healthier than Lyon. A closer look at the specific organisms found in each creek showed that McAleer had significantly greater diversity of Stoneflies (a taxonomic group under the Order Plecoptera, known to diversify in healthy streams), and Clinger species (organisms that cling to surfaces between rocks and cobble along the bottom of the stream and are susceptible to being smothered by pollution and sediment). McAleer also had significantly less Tolerant species (species that are better adapted to polluted or disturbed creeks).
 

A Look at the Health Over Time

An environmentally conscious citizen isn’t just content to know the overall health of a neighborhood creek. They would also be interested in determining how it has fared over time and what might it look like in the future. With 20 years’ worth of data, we are fortunate enough to be able to do so, even though the data used to analyze the health of McAleer, and Lyon Creek was not collected by a single group, nor has it been conducted at the same site along the creek, or on the same dates from year to year. All of which can produce variability in analyzing the data and thus, can affect the interpretation of results and skew conclusions. We should all recognize that this preliminary account and should enthusiastically spur more data collection to fine-tune a clearer picture.

McAleer and Lyon Creek appear to be heading in opposite directions with their overall health trends. Over the past 20 years, McAleer Creek has been slowly decreasing its overall score. Specifically, the diversity of Predators in the creek has decreased and there has been an increase in Dominant species (less healthy creeks tend to be dominated by fewer, larger groups).

Overall Scores for Lyon and McAleer Creek over time.

In contrast, Lyon Creek has been increasing significantly in its overall health score over the last 20 years. Specifically, the number of Stoneflies, Caddisflies, and Long-lived species have been slowly increasing. Does this mean the Lyon Creek will soon be in good to excellent health while McAleer is doomed to an unhealthy future? Doubtful on both accounts. We can’t possibly predict future health of these two creeks without determining the factors that are affecting each creek and how or if they can be mitigated.

Of Roads and Recent History

It would take me several more articles to fully cover all the variables that affect McAleer and Lyon Creek and their biological health. For example, the area of developed versus undeveloped land the creek flows through, the total drainage area that each creek covers, proximity to non-point and point source pollutants, and the creek volume and flow rate. After researching a few of these variables, a few things popped out in the data: Roads and Creek History.

Typical storm drain in LFP that often
transports water directly into streams.
Stream ecologists have long known about the negative effects roads have on waterways. Roads are impervious surfaces that collect dirt, oil, and chemicals that would normally be filtered out before entering a stream if they were allowed to drain through a pervious ground. Storm drains that collect this toxic runoff, often drain directly into creeks. One of these chemicals, newly discovered from tire wears, is known to be the leading cause of pre-spawn mortality in Coho salmon (see article here:
 
Sure enough, when I looked at the biological data in respect to testing sites distance from the nearest road, that there was a significant “road” effect in the overall health score. Specifically, the overall score and species richness increased the further away from the road. Data like this should help us understand the significance of buffer zones for development projects near or along water systems.

Roads can affect creek health in other ways, even if the nearness to a creek is not directly obvious. When I analyzed the data from the different sites located in the upper regions of Lyon in comparison to the lower regions, I found the upper regions were significantly less healthy. Starting close to the headwaters of Lyon Creek in Mountlake Terrace just north of Terrace Creek Park, the overall health score of Lyon creek increased traveling downstream. A quick look at a city map showing the location of outfalls, pipes, control structures and ditches, all of which can severely disrupt the biological ecosystem of a creek, might help us understand why the upper regions of Lyon creek is relatively poor health compared to its lower region.

City map of Lake Forest Park identifying structures that may impede or
adversely affect Lyon and McAleer Creek

Climate Change and the Future of Lyon and McAleer Creek

Climate change awareness is growing. Humans have increased the average temperature of the planet by almost 1.5 ⁰C since the dawn of the Industrial Age, some 200 years ago. Surface currents are changing, and deeper waters are becoming more acidic. Extreme weather conditions are intensifying. Animals and plants are migrating into new latitudes and others are being displaced as their habitats change. By examining the chemical parameters of Lyon and McAleer Creek, I have found evidence that they are not immune to these forces of change.

The Department of Ecology began collecting data on Lyon and McAleer Creek in 1976 and although testing hasn’t always been consistent, trends over time are starting to emerge 

Regression analysis of temperature change for Lyon and McAleer Creek over time.

Both Lyon and McAleer Creek are significantly increasing temperature by +0.05 ⁰C per year. The average annual temperature of Lyon and McAleer creek has increased by +1.2 ⁰C since 1979. This could be due to the warming climate but also from increased development that reduce tree /riparian cover, preventing valuable shade to cool the water. This paints a gloomy picture for the present-day biota living in the creeks. The Washington Department of Ecology has assessed that 13 ⁰C is the Upper Threshold (non-summer) of tolerance for the more sensitive species at which point, will no longer survive. Extrapolating from the data trend, Lyon Creek will have an annual average of 13 ⁰C by 2038. Does this mean our creeks are doomed to be lifeless? No, they just won’t be able to support the life we see today or have seen in the past. They certainly, won’t support the iconic salmon species we know.

We Must Still Have Hope, and Take Action

Thinking back to the gray, overcast day in October when neighbors gathered to organize and strategize a day of biological sampling, I remember how invigorated and spirited people were. It was a day of hope. We are still hopeful. We understand that much harm has been done to both Lyon and McAleer Creek, some may be irreversible, but we still have hope. The hope that we cling to is embodied by a single species we collected on that day that, which has not been seen in either creek over the past 20 years. Cinygmula!

A picture of a species in the genus Cinygmula
which are sensitive to aquatic pollution.
A flat-headed species of Mayfly; the same group I introduced to you at the beginning of this article. This genus of Ephemeroptera appears more alien-like than emblematic, but a species of great importance and hope. Cinygmula is not any ordinary stream aquatic macroinvertebrate but is very intolerant to pollutants and human disturbance. The delicate feathery abdominal gills and lengthy three-tails speak to me of resilience and possibility. By enforcing buffer zone restrictions around creeks, mitigating road-runoff directly into creeks, and restoring areas that have been adversely impacted, it may be possible to entice more cinygmula-like species to return. And with their return, so does hope.

Streamkeepers and the LFP Stewardship Foundation is a cooperative volunteer group of local citizens who have a deep passion for the health and protection of McAleer and Lyon Creek.

If you are interested in learning more about this group, go to https://lfpsf.org/ or contact Brian Saunders at bandesaunders@comcast.net




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Gloria's Insects: Can't wait 'till the bees start hangin' around the garden again...

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

 (Took in past season in community garden. I miss da bees!)

--Gloria Z Nagler


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Jobs: Join King county's Stream Team this summer

Stream Team at work. Photo courtesy King county.

King County is tracking the health of local watersheds by deploying a small, elite team of young environmental scientists who capture and study bugs in local streams.

By collecting and categorizing aquatic insects, and studying the environment in and around the streams, the “Stream Team” provides valuable long-term data to inform King County about the impacts of development on local water quality and whether restoration efforts are working.

Recruiting for the 2022 Stream Team roster begins soon. Each summer, the paid Environmental Aides put on boots and waders to bushwhack their way to 200 streams throughout the county. They collect samples as part of an ongoing research project to track trends on water and habitat health.

More information here


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Gloria's Insects: "But grandma! What big eyes you have," said the little honey bee

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Beewolf wasp photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

 "The better to see my prey", replied the beewolf. Honey bee absconded.

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Gloria's Insects: It was Albert the beetle's habit to pause now and then:

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Shield bug photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

"He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed."
---Albert Einstein, who knew a thing or two:)

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Gloria's Birds: Didja ever feel like you've got a bug stuck in your throat?

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

Ptui! This warbler (I think it's a warbler...feel free to second guess:) did, and spit out a tiny fly. 

Happy ending all 'round; bird stopped choking and fly actually soared away, living to be swallowed another day!

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Gloria's Insects: I seek to capture a Cabbage White Butterfly image every Spring,

Saturday, October 23, 2021

Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

in part to hone my tracking skills; these little guys don't wait around for photogs to gain a good angle and decent focus.

Turns out these butterflies also flit about in New Zealand, Australia, North Africa, Canada, and most of the U.S. I love 'em.

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Gloria's Insects: Oh, we ain't got a barrel of money,

Thursday, October 21, 2021

Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

But we pollinate AND make honey,
So we'll travel along
Singing a song,
Side by Side!
(Bipartisan bees indeed. Would that humans were as wise!)

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Gloria's Insects: My chartreuse carapace is complemented by this panther pink petal, doncha think, photog?

Monday, October 11, 2021


(I agree with Sid the Shield Bug, aka Stink Bug...well chosen, Sid!)

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Gloria's Insects: Yes, indeed, Beatrice was enjoying a pollen-perfect kind of day...

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

Yes, indeed, Beatrice was enjoying a pollen-perfect kind of day...

--Gloria Z Nagler


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The spiders are back weaving necklaces

Monday, October 4, 2021

Photo by Jo Simmons

I'm envious that Jo Simmons has active orb weavers spinning beautiful webs for her. I've hardly seen a spider this year and not a single orb weaver.

Photo by Jo Simmons

The drops of rain on the webs show them up beautifully. Several years ago we had orb weaver spider webs everywhere, all with the centers missing.

Readers commented that they were tributes to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, known for similar lace collars on her supreme court justice robes.

One of the readers was motivated to research the reason for the unusual webs. I will publish it as soon as I find it in my 7,196 emails.

--DKH

  

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Gloria's Insects: Hazel and her sister often share a blossom...

Monday, September 27, 2021

Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

Cooperation's the name of the game for eusocial bees and honeybees are the most eusocial of all! 

Female honeybees, sharing around 75% of their DNA (we share on average only 50% with our siblings), and are “super sisters”. They cooperate enviably, which is why the hugely populated hive (tens of thousands of bees) works so well.

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Tree of the Month: This Little Shore Pine

Shore Pine tree photo by Boni Biery
By Boni Biery 

I have a tree in my yard that I used to just call a Shore Pine, but it turns out this tree (the small one, with the curving trunk and loaded with "flowers” in the middle) is just one of several subspecies of Lodgepole pines (Pinus contorta) that share the name Shore Pine. 

So, I have learned that to be sure I name it correctly I need to use its botanical name to separate it from the others. 

It is actually a Pinus contorta ssp. contorta. This NW native grows from southern Alaska along the coast into northern California. 

These are tough, adaptable trees and will survive in wetter sites than other pine trees so long as they have enough sunlight. 

They also have a very high tolerance for salt spray and are often seen growing near our salty beaches with each tree maturing to its own twisting (contorta), picturesque shape.

These beautiful, native trees seldom exceed 35-50 feet in height. They have dark brown, scaly bark and can be further identified by their relatively short, often twisted needles in bunches of two needles each.

Just imagine, this one, small to medium-sized evergreen is a veritable grocery store for a whole community of creatures.

Some of the birds in my yard known to enjoy the cones are: crossbills, chickadees, nuthatches, finches, bushtits, siskins and kinglets. They forage through the cones in search of seed and insect treasures depending on their needs. And of course, the squirrels forage the cones for seeds too.

Each spring the male “flowers” are initially cheerful, pale yellow packets of pollen in clusters near the tips of the old growth branches. The female flowers are little, dark purple cone-shaped formations that will mature into 1-2” cones borne in either pairs or clusters which point backward toward the trunk.

Pinus Contorta. Photo by Robert L. Carr

The Pinus contorta var. contorta is also a larval host plant for our native Western Pine Elfin butterfly. Eggs are laid at the base of young needles; caterpillars feed on young needles and catkins. Chrysalis overwinters and adults emerge in spring as butterflies. These then move on to a number of flowers that serve as “host plants” for nectar.

While I have not seen this butterfly nor its eggs, I like knowing that it would have place to live should it fly into my yard.

Western Pine Elfin (Callophrys eryphon).
Photo by David 
Droppers, WA Butterfly Association

In addition to all of this, this tree has long hosted red-breasted sapsucker(s) as confirmed by the tell-tale rows of sap-wells made by them that go ‘round and ‘round the trunk. While I never see more than one sapsucker at a time, the sap “wells” help to feed many. The sticky sap wells themselves offer food plus they entrap insects that small birds, including our hummers, eat.

Red-Breasted Sapsucker. Photo by Daniel Fitzgerald

How fortunate I am to have this tree and all of its wildlife visitors to observe, and I know that my human neighbors like it too. If you have the space, I encourage you to plant one. They are well positioned to be successful as our climate grows warmer. The birds will surely thank you.

Boni Biery is a Habitat Steward, Native Tree Advocate, and Hillwood Resident

Save Shoreline Trees is a community non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of our tall native trees. www.saveshorelinetrees.com



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Gloria's Insects: C'mon, Hazel, I can't hover forever

Sunday, September 26, 2021

Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

And save a little nectar for the rest of us!

(Two honeybees who in actuality were much in accord, which will be revealed in a later photo this week. Just love when I see da bees!)

--Gloria Z Nagler



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Sunset Park reopened after wasp nest removed

Saturday, September 18, 2021


Shoreline Parks Grounds Maintenance staff have successfully cleared the large wasp nest that was located in the northeast corner of Sunset School Park, 17800 10th Ave NW. The park is now fully reopened.

The nest was high in a tree, very large, and very active.

Photos courtesy City of Shoreline.









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Wasp nest at Sunset School Park treated but caution still advised

Friday, September 17, 2021

Wasp nest at Sunset School Park

UPDATE: The wasp nest has been treated and wasp activity has decreased. The hive will be reevaluated Friday morning by City of Shoreline Grounds Maintenance staff.

Caution is still advised
While wasp activity has lessened, the area should continue to be approached with caution.

See previous story HERE



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Avoid Sunset School Park Thursday - wasp nest

Thursday, September 16, 2021

Area to Avoid graphic courtesy City of Shoreline

No - not murder hornets.

There's a large nest full of active and cranky wasps at Sunset School Park. The nest is high in a tree located in the northeast corner of the park at 17800 10th Ave NW

The city will work to remove this nest on Thursday, however, due to its location it will take some time to bring in appropriate equipment.

For your safety, please avoid the northeast portion of Sunset School Park, including the playground, until we can remove the nest.



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Gloria's Insects: Right-side up, upside-down, it don't make no nevermind to Beulah Bumblebee...

Tuesday, September 7, 2021

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

In the community garden last week…so, so happy to see bees doing their thing!

--Gloria Z Nagler





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Gloria's Insects: No paltry Paper Wasp is gonna stop me!

Monday, August 30, 2021

 
Photo copyright Gloria Z Nagler

Mildred the Mason Bee was not a bee to fool with.
(Mason Bee flying reconnaissance over European Paper Wasp in the garden last week)

--Gloria Z Nagler


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