Over the recent years, I have become a lot more appreciative of our planets pollinator species. Unfortunately, many are becoming extinct due to loss of habitat and extensive use of agro-chemicals. Mainly here in the United States of America. With our population exponentially increasing, sustainability has become a major concern for the country. Yes, population sustainability is important but environmental sustainability is very important as well. If we forget that, sustaining this population will be pretty much worthless. As I work more towards becoming a conservation ecologist, I have been introduced to many different issues and have found myself at a loss of words or ideas. It sometimes seems as if there is no real solution. One proposition may seem great, well thought out, but there are many different factors at play in the system. Many that we know little to nothing about. Until another problem arises and even then, sometimes we don’t see a correlation. But as an aspiring scientist, I cannot forget that “correlation does not imply causation.” And vice versa.
My rant is on over. Have a wonderful day!
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexipus
The monarch butterfly
One of the most distasteful insects yet. They feed on milkweed in their larval (caterpillar) stage. When they are adults many not all, predators refrain from eating them. There is actually another butterfly called the Viceroy, that looks damn near identical to the Monarch. Using mimicry, it avoids similar predators. Those brave predators are in for a treat.
Fun fact: Butterflies taste receptors are on their feet!
Honey Bee
I’m not entirely sure of the exact species, so I’ll leave it at that.
I’m normally terrified of these dudes. But then I remember, they are just trying to do their job. It’s me who’s usually in the way. Hahaha!
