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What Do Butterflies Eat? (And How To Attract Them)

By Riley, last updated March 29, 2023 Leave a Comment

Butterfly On FlowerButterflies, members of the superfamily of species known as “Papilonoidea,” are small, flying insects. An old group of insects, there are butterfly fossils that date back to the Paleocene period, some 56 million years ago.

The typical moth goes through a four-stage life cycle, part of which is the much-romanticized metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly. They are like moths and are known for their large variation of colors and patterns. Some butterflies even make use of camouflage and mimicry of their surroundings to conceal themselves from predators.

They sometimes fall victim to a range of small animals that consider them a food source, but what do butterflies eat? Let’s explore the interesting diet of these majestic creatures. [Read more…]

What Do Ladybugs Mean? (Amazing Beetles: A History)

By Riley, last updated November 19, 2017 Leave a Comment

What Do Ladybugs MeanThe Coccinellidae, more commonly known as the ladybug, is a family of insects, well known for their red, orange, or yellow coloring and small black spots.

There are over 6,000 different species of ladybugs across the globe, many of which are considered helpful, as they eat aphids and other smaller creatures that are considered pests to crops.

Though they are commonly referred to as “bugs,” ladybugs are not true bugs (as they are actually beetles). It is more correct to refer to them as ladybird beetles or lady beetles.

So what do ladybugs mean?

Several superstitions have emerged about these amazing insects. While some of them (like the idea that the number of spots they have is indicative of their age) are untrue, these beetles have long held a place in human culture and mythologies, coming to symbolize many things to many groups of people. [Read more…]

What Do Dragonflies Eat? (How To Attract These Beauties)

By Riley, last updated March 23, 2022 1 Comment

What Do Dragonflies EatBelieve it or not, dragonflies are an exceptional means in which to get rid of those bugs that keep bugging you.

However, experts believe that 15% of North America’s dragonflies are in danger of extinction.

So how do you help a bug that that helps you? Simple. You learn a little about them to determine what they eat and how to keep them safe.

Start with a little dragonfly trivia. The term dragon-fly was first put into use in 1626 in a published work by Francis Bacon.

Prior to that title, dragonflies had a vast array of names which included: adder bolt, snake doctor, and horse stinger.

That last label was quite misleading, as dragonflies do not bite or sting. And that’s true, unless of course they are feeding, at which point they use their strong mandibles to chew on their prey.

So just what do dragonflies eat? [Read more…]

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