Started my day with a cup of coffee. I always begin my day like this to pump up my energy. And today's labor, I work on my plants. I need to reorganize them, trim and repot them if needed. It's been a while since I haven't attended to them due to hectic schedules. And when I get a day's off, I became lazy, watched by favorite show and relaxed the whole day instead.
Since it's christmas break, I finally find the time to do the labor of love for my plants. Plants need consistent attention from watering, tilling the soil, pruning and relocating depending on the kind of plant. Some plants love the sun and some would burn in it.
But while working on my plants, something distracts me. As I pull the plants from its place one by one, something catches my attention. These are the insects, bugs, larva,and ants moving around the plants and shifting from one plant to another.
Take a look what I found today. It's fascinating to see these living creatures. Some looks beautiful with their colors. Some blend well with their environment, I could hardly notice them. Some doesn't look like an organism. As I encounter them, I couldn't just ignore, I take macro photos of them. Here they are! Are you familiar with them?
The names I call these organisms, be it common name or as to what Genus they belong is based on google lens. So if I named them wrong, I will stand corrected.
The Leatherleaf Slug
At first I thought this guy here is a dried decomposing leaf that stick to another leaf. As I watch closer, it looks fleshy. I realize it's not dried leaf but a slug. It did not move an inch but it's clear that its alive. I really don't like how it looks. It reminds me of something else 馃槅馃挬.
Torpeda Bug
In between the roots of my orchids, I see a fascinating small leaf-like moth. It is as small as my fingernail. It has beautiful details on its wings in white or yellow colors. It's been decades since the last time I saw this organism. I even thought this doesn't exist anymore in our my area. I am surprised and happy so see it again.
Sibianor or Jumping Spider
Spiders are common since I can find them in the house and anywhere. But this one looks different. It is small and plump with crab-like feet. I love the disticnt marks and pattern on its body. It's hard to take a macro shot of this one with its agile movement. It jumps off and on and moves to the back of the leaf fast. It's frustrating at times but finally got a better shot.
Scymninae Larva
The most amazing find I have is this white thing. At first I thought it is just a white feather that stick on the leaf until it runs around. I try to take a photo of its feet just to make sure that it really is moving with its feet. You can see it in the last photo.
Aphthona or Flea Beetle
What catches my attention is the color of this beetle. It has a golden yellow wing, shiny and a little transparent wings. It is small in size with long antenna and black googly eyes. Isn't it cute? But they may look cute but they are responsible in eating the leaves of my plants. But how can you hate this cute little fellow. 馃槃
Black Ants
This migrating black ants are annoying me. Their bites really sting. It may not be as painful as red ants bites but what bewilders me is when in just less than a minute, they get into you underarms, your neck, your belly or thigh. I wondered how did they get there. Seriously how? 馃槅
Nature is really amazing. Creatures may it be small or big are beautiful and unique in their owns ways. They may be cute, annoying, dangerous, or sluggish they are important in keeping the balance in nature.
And with this finds I did not expect, my gardening experience became a discovery and learning experience as I find these creatures hiding in between leaves and branches. It sparked curiosity in me and I felt like a kid as I wonder on each one of them.
