Bug Squad

Everybody eats in the pollinator garden. That includes crab spiders that sprawl atop a flower, flatten themselves, and wait, oh, so patiently, for dinner. We've seen them nab green bottle flies, sweat bees and honey bees. They pounce, inject a killer venom, and dinner is served.

Let's celebrate the Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae).

It's one of the most recognizable of all insects--if you can find it. Ever had someone poke you and point toward a plant: "Look, there's a praying mantis?" "Where?" "Right there. See it?" "No. Where is it? "Right there. It's right there. Can't you see it?" "No.

If you've been driving near alfalfa fields in Yolo County and other Central California counties lately, you've probably noticed them. Splat! Splat! Splat! What was that? A squadron of flying insects? No, more like multiple squadrons of flying insects.

You gotta love those 'cats. Gulf Fritillary caterpillars (Agraulis vanillae) are always hungry. They're as hungry as teenagers returning home from a marathon swimming meet or from a double-overtime basketball game. As soon as they step in the front door, it's off to the refrigerator.