An Encounter with a Nest of Arabian Paper Wasps at the Wadi Showkha, RAK

Busy, busy busy! Arabian Paper Wasps working on their nest

You can feel the excitement as I was getting closer to observe these wasps

There is a frenzy of movement in the nest

The open cells contained wasp larvae that are being fed

The closed cells are wasp pupation chambers

This wasp is gathering pollen on an Acacia flower

Paper Wasps are both pollinators and insect larvae predators

The nest is secured, concealed and suspended upon this tree branch

The Acacia trees are in full bloom across the Wadi. Numerous species of insect pollinators are engaged in frenetic activity as they optimized the availability of these floral resources. Exploring along the length of the Wadi we found an unusual patch of greenery. Suspended on a high branch in the innermost portion of intertwined trees, shrubs and vines was a paper-like nest comprised of hexagonal cells being occupied by a contingent of Arabian Paper Wasps. Highly aware of the innate ability of these large yellow wasps to sting, I slowly approach the nest, heart beating fast, constantly watching if I will be attack, inching my way, determine to get my photos. Thankfully, the paper wasps were more focus on nest building than the nosy explorer and his camera. They did not mind the photoshoot, I was able to surpass my paper wasp nest encounter unscathed! 

THE ARABIAN PAPER WASP, Polistes watii (HYMENOPTERA: VESPIDAE)

The Arabian Paper Wasps (Polistes watii) also called the Yellow Paper Wasps are large (16-20mm) yellow colored wasps, with long glossy, dark brown wings, large compound eyes, yellow antennae and 3 distinct triangular spots on its head between the eyes. 

They are called paper wasps because they construct paper-like nest. The nest is consist of a single layer of paper like comb with individual cells opening downwards. The comb is suspended from a branch or a solid horizontal surface by a single pedicel. The wasps collect fibers from plants, old wood and mix it with their saliva to create these hexagonal paper like but water resistant combs.    

DISTRIBUTION of THE ARABIAN PAPER WASPS

Faunal records of Polistes watii revealed that it is present in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Mauritius, Pakistan, India and China. 

The paper wasps (nests) are found both in vegetation and in man-made structures.

BIODYNAMICS NOTES

The Arabian Paper Wasps are semi-social insects. They exist in small colonies but without a distinct worker caste. A colony is composed of the founding queen, other inseminated females and males (mainly for mating). The founding queen is assisted by these other inseminated females in nest building. The nest can be small to moderate in size which can contained 150-250 cells.

The nest is held on a tree branch or a horizontal surface by a single pedicel wherein the wasps apply a protective chemical on the base of the nest to deter raids from ants against their brood.  

In each cell a single egg is laid. The larvae grow and develop individually on their designated uncovered cells. These larvae are fed primarily protein from insect prey like caterpillars, flies and beetle larvae (acting as biological control agents). The cells are covered once the larvae are ready to pupate. 

These wasps also feed upon pollen from plants and are considered important pollinators.

Hordes of Arabian Paper Wasps can also congregate around water sources during hot weather to quench their thirst and then carry water back to the comb for their larvae.   

Unlike Yellow Jackets and Hornets (which are quite aggressive), the Arabian Paper Wasps are NOT AGGRESSIVE, they will attack ONLY if directly threatened or when their nest is disturbed. Stings can be quite painful and can cause anaphylactic shock to sensitive individuals. 

If encountered in the field, approach with caution. Do not harass, disturb or attack the comb and the wasps.

I truly had an awesome up close and personal encounter with these super busy Arabian Paper Wasps as they were fully engaged in nest building!

Awesome creatures! AWESOME CREATOR!

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com  

A Tribute to the Beauty of the Acacia Trees in Full Bloom

Acacia flowers in full bloom capturing the morning sun (Maleha, Sharjah)

A glorious burst of white and yellow (Maleha, Sharjah)

Branches arrayed in beauty and life (Wadi Al Munay, RAK)

Truly scenic! Blossoms and mountains (Wadi Al Munay, RAK)

Its early morning,  I am enamored by its beauty (Wadi Al Munay, RAK)

Busy as a bee, grasping every opportunity (Wadi Al Munay, RAK)

Landing to kiss and to pollinate (Al Munay, RAK)

A Sulphurous Jewel Beetle holding on, surrounded by blossoms (Wadi Al Munay, RAK) 

Never let go when you are amidst beauty (Wadi Al Munay, RAK)

No manifold rows of spines can hinder a determine paper wasp (Wadi Shawkha, RAK)

Peaceful. Simple. Beautiful (Wadi Shawkha, RAK)

Silhouette (Wadi Shawkha, RAK)

The curtailing of spring and the burgeoning of summer in the UAE has brought a tremendous explosion of beauty amongst the desert and wadi landscapes. At this particular season, the Acacia Trees are in full bloom. There are more yellow to white flowers than tiny leaves on these spiny trees. Lingering under the shade of the trees, I cannot help myself into thinking and wandering that here in the desert we have been blessed by Almighty God to have our own version of the Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Festival. Truly amazing! The warm desert breeze is inundated by the sweet fragrance of Acacia flowers in full bloom. The abundance of flowers on every tree has set the various species of pollinators into a frenzy! My mind is thinking about Acacia honey - yummy!  

The changing of the season has brought about this awesome display of floral beauty and life!

The one who admires beauty will always have the opportunity to see beauty. 

My outdoor adventures and encounters are constant reminders for me to pause, to gaze and to smell the flowers, to reflect, to appreciate and to be thankful! 

Awesome creation! Awesome CREATOR!

P.S. Which among the Acacia Tree tribute photos is your favorite? Please feel free to write and share in the comments section.

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com  

An Encounter with Sowbugs on a tree trunk at the outskirts of the Creek Park in Dubai

There is something oval, gray and fast moving on the tree trunk 

Sowbugs are armored and segmented land-based crustaceans

I usually encounter sowbugs along with leaf litter on the ground

It was a big surprise to see them freely moving on the trunk

The challenge was to capture that shot as they crawl along the world of bark 

It was a humid morning at the outskirts of the Creek Park in Dubai, The morning fog has just cleared, the insects were beginning to fly and buzz around the grasses and the trees. I was engaged in a photo pursuit of a troop of yellow paper wasps landing and lifting-off from a tree trunk, when suddenly my attention was captured by something oval, gray colored and fast moving on the tree trunk. I encountered sowbugs, not on the base of the tree nor on the leaf litter around it, these isopods were crawling on the intricate caverns emanating from the bark covering the tree trunk. 

SOWBUGS (CRUSTACEA: ISOPODA)

Sowbugs (also called as Woodlouse) have segmented bodies, oval-shaped, convex in form on top and concave (flat) on the bottom. They are dark to dark gray in color with a shell-like exoskeleton. They have 7 pairs of legs (yes you read it right, 7 pairs of legs!) and 2 pairs of antennae with 1 pair only visible. They are 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm) long, They have two main appendages which project from the rear end of the body. 

Sowbugs are closely related to shrimps and crayfish than insects. These ISOPODS are the only CRUSTACEANS adopted entirely to living on land (TERRESTRIAL).     

DISTRIBUTION OF SOWBUGS

Sowbugs are cosmopolitan, terrestrial crustaceans observed thriving in various locations and conditions. Reports indicate that there are about 3700 species worldwide. 

BIODYNAMICS NOTES

Sowbugs are scavengers, feeding mainly on decaying organic matter (detritus). They thrive in areas of high moisture. they tend to conceal themselves in dark, moist areas throughout the day and actively move at night. They are commonly observed in areas where there is compost, underneath mulch and stones, under flower pots and outdoor rugs, leaf litter and damp soil. They can also be observed in large numbers on grass edges along sidewalks and foundations.  

Sowbugs are moisture dependent. They cannot survive indoors for more than a few days unless there is a high moisture source inside. 

Interestingly, sowbugs molt differently as compared with other arthropods. They shed their old exoskeleton progressively as they grow and this happens in two stages. First the back half, from the abdomen (pleon) to the thorax (pereon) molts, followed 2 to 3 days after by the half of pereon to the head (cephalothorax). 

It is important to highlight that sowbugs DO NOT bite, sting or carry diseases. They DO NOT infest food, attack clothing or inflict damage on wood. As stated above, they prefer outdoor moist environments but they can occasionally enter or be introduced into premises. 

Because of their weird and primitive appearance, people find their presence disturbing or a nuisance especially when seen in large numbers indoors. It should be noted that their presence indoors can indicate moisture issues (dampness, water leaks), ventilation problems and a steady source of decaying organic matter. Gaps on doors, crack and crevices on walls and floors also grant them access. These issues must be address to curtail their numbers indoors in support to residual or spot spray treatments. (Spray pesticides judiciously, apply only when needed, on areas where it is needed and at the right amount).

It was truly a fascinating encounter to see these terrestrial crustaceans moving about on the bark of a tree trunk. It was amazing to see how they are adapting and utilizing the resources available to them high upon the trunk of a tree!  

Sowbugs are truly awesome detrivores! Encountering tree trunk dwelling sowbugs super awesome!

Awesome creature! AWESOME CREATOR!

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com  

An Argiope Spider Encounter at the Foothills of Maleha, Sharjah

 

A large female Argiope spider on the prowl

The characteristic curved triangular points on the abdomen 

On its ventral side the triangular points are more distinct

Look at the super cool spinneret and the Teddy Bear silhouette on its abdomen ! 

Holding on to its thick and super strong supporting silky thread as it moves about

Gotcha! Wrapping its prey in silk after it got caught in its web

Reeling another captured butterfly into its pantry

Feel the tension, pull that silky thread!

Crawling on all eights upside down! Awesome!

The Argiope spider egg sac

Ascending the foothills of the Maleha Trail, as numerous butterflies are fluttering past me, I observed a long (2-3 meters) thick silky thread traversing the span from the branch of a spiny Acacia to a rock outcrop below. The long thick silky thread was supporting an ornate web that houses a large and very attractive spider.  Strategically setting up its web on the foothills was this awesome lady Argiope cf. sector spider.  

ORB WEAVING SPIDER, Argiope cf. sector (ARANEAE: ARANEIDAE)

Argiope cf. sector spider belongs to the large group of Orb weaving spiders (ornate web builders). The Argiope female has a large abdomen (almost thumb size) but small head, which bears eight eyes situated in front of the head arranged in two horizontal rows,  it has 8 long legs, but its 3rd pair of legs are noticeably shorter than the rest. The dorsal potion of the body are white  to yellow in color with dark markings, the ventral portion showcases dark pattern with a Teddy bear silhouette below its spinnerets. The abdomen is oval in shape with curved triangular points. 

The male Argiope spiders are much smaller than the females.

BIODYNAMIC NOTES

Argiope female spiders build a large orb web which can reach 30-60 cm in diameter. The thick support thread for the web can span up to 2 meters. The webs are often constructed in between Acacia trees, rocks and other shrubs. 

Upon completion of the web, the female positions itself at the center and then faces herself downwards. Ready to detect any movement along the silky orb. 

In cases where the female senses danger of attack on her web, she rapidly vibrates the web perpendicular to its plane to create a "blurring image effect" to distract potential attackers. 

During mating the smaller male creates a companion web alongside the females web (Mr. Spider Lover's access point).

The eggs sacs of Argiope looks like cotton balls surrounded by threads of silk. These egg sacs are placed away from the web by the female mostly in vegetation. An egg sac can contain up to 400 eggs. 

These orb weavers are GENERALIST PREDATORS and feed on different types of insects that are captured of their webs.

Take note that these large spiders are  NOT HARMFUL to HUMANS. Their venom has no effect on us. So don't be scared of these beautiful web spinners. As much as possible just let them be on their natural environment and fulfill their role in INSECT BIOLOGICAL CONTROL.

It was an awesome encounter to see how this awesome lady spider captured its prey, build and rebuild its web and vibrates the orb as this curious explorer looks on. Admittedly, I was captured by her awesome orb abilities!

Spiders are Truly Awesome! 

Awesome Creature! AWESOME CREATOR! 

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com  

An Encounter with The Delicate Green Lacewing in Al Munay, RAK

A delicate looking lacewing feeding and resting on a stalk of desert flowers

A lacewing adult is slender, with pale green body, large eyes and soft lacy wings

Blending completely with its beautiful blossoms environment

Can you spot the lacewing on the flower stalk?

It was early morning in Wadi Al Munay. The early birds are chirping,  we were chasing after a few tiny toads hiding under the shade of a tree and grasses along the dry river bed. There were a number of  insects flying and hovering around us. Among these actively flying insects, the delicately looking, softly fluttering, green-colored lacy wing insects caught my attention. It was gently flying, landing, crawling and hiding on the tree branches and on the flower stalks of grasses underneath the tree. Wow! I was able to encounter the Green Lacewing!

GREEN LACEWING, Chrysoperla carnea (NEUROPTERA: CHRYSOPIDAE)

Adult green lacewings, Chrysoperla carnea are green colored, slender, delicately looking insects with long hair-like antennae, large golden to tarnished brown eyes, and soft wings (wingspan - 24mm) bearing many cross veins revealing the distinguished lacy appearance.

The larvae are brownish, elongate, flattened, with distinct legs and large sickle shaped, hollow mandibles. They can reach up to 8mm in length. They are also described as "alligators with pincers." Green Lacewing larvae are also called "Aphid Lions"  

Biodynamic Notes

The female green lacewing lays its eggs singly and placed it on the tip of stalk like extensions situated on the undersurface of leaves. This is done to avoid predation from other insects moving along the leaf surface and also as a deterrent to cannibalism by sibling larvae. These egg stalks are laid in close proximity to populations of potential prey. A female can lay hundred of eggs in her lifespan. These eggs hatch into larvae within 3-5 days. Adults feed on nectar, pollen and honey dew.

The lacewing larvae are called "Aphid Lions" due to their intense and voracious feeding habit. They ferociously attack, pierce with their large sickle-like mandibles and suck their soft-bodies insects victims dry. These predators prefer aphids but can also feed on red spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, caterpillars and beetles larvae. Upon capturing its prey, the larvae injects enzyme unto the aphids body to digest its internal organs and so that it can easily feed on it. Studies reveal that a lacewing larva can attacked and feed upon 200 aphids a week up to 600-1000 aphids throughout its 4 week larval development before it pupates on the leaf surface.  These aphid lions can truly wipeout a colony of aphids. When food is scarce, the larvae resort to cannibalism and attack each other. (A truly intense insect predator).  

These delicately looking insects are NON HARMFUL to humans and are actually BENEFICIAL ORGANISMS.

  

Due to their voracious insect feeding habits, Green Lacewings are considered as important insect natural enemies and are utilized as BIOLOGICAL CONTROL agents in various agricultural crops. 

We should encourage the increase of their numbers in the wild, in farms and gardens. DO NOT SPRAY and DO NOT KILL these beautiful and beneficial insects!  

The pale green color, the lacy wings and its soft, delicate flight from tree branch to grasses makes the green lacewing an awesome insect to watch in the wadi environment. 

Awesome Creature! AWESOME CREATOR!

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com  

An Oman Saw-Scaled Viper Encounter on the foothills of Maleha, Sharjah

The slit pattern on its wide ovoid eye is declaring you have encountered a venomous snake

The color pattern, head and body markings reveal this is the Oman Saw Scaled Viper

Safely resting and strategizing its next move inside its burrow 

WARNING: The holes and openings on the desert foothills might harbor a viper

It was early morning, the sun is already up but the cold desert breeze is still blowing strong on the Maleha desert mountain foothills. I was engaged in my photo hunt for spiders, egg sacs and ornate webs. It was this time, as I was trying to move around a crevice and a patch of grass that instinctively before I anchored my boot on a rocky crevice, I carefully checked it out first to see if there is "something inside." Indeed there was "something inside" it! I was mesmerized to encounter a coiled, dark gray reptile showing off its slit-like eye. It was cautious and calculating, I could observe that it was waiting for my next move. For a few seconds it felt that I was under a trance, I wanted to see more of the snake and check out how it will react to my presence. Thanks be to God, reason and safety triumph over my curiosity. I decided to back away from the snake, I have to keep my social distance - I am in the lair of a highly venomous Oman Saw-Scaled Viper.

The OMAN SAW-SCALED VIPER (Echis omanenis) (SQUAMATA: VIPERIDAE)

The Oman Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis omanensis) is 40 to 70 cm long, possess a dark grayish upper body and a whitish belly, with black or brown speckles. It has large eyes, a prominent pear shape head, short and rounded snout, a slender and cylindrical body with distinct narrow neck and a long tail. The scales on its dorsal portion are mostly keeled (collapsed) while the scales on the flank are sticking up and serrated.

Similar to other Viperidae, it possessed long hinged fangs that allow deep penetration and injection of snake venom when it strikes! On top of that, it is also characterized by its strong and potent venom and lightning fast reflexes.   

Distribution of the Oman Saw-Scaled Viper

This snake is endemic in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. They are common and widespread in wadis, hills and foothills. 

Biodynamics Notes

The Oman Saw Scaled Viper feeds on rodents, lizards, the chicks of birds and other snakes. In wadis they also hunt for toads. 

Unlike most snake species which produced eggs, the female vipers bear live "baby snakes."

When threaten and as a defensive posture, it coils itself, moves fast and rubs the surfaces of the serrated flank scales producing a distinct "sawing sound" as it sets up to striking position and slither away.  

This snake species is VENOMOUS, DANGEROUS and DEADLY! 

When encountered in its natural habitat better to leave it alone and keep your distance. Do not engaged if you have no PPE, snake handling tools and if you lack the skills and guts to handle snakes. Be  mindful and watchful when outdoors. Do not harass and provoke these snakes! 

My close encounter with the Oman Saw Scaled Viper was truly intense. It is the only time that I needed to watch such an awesome creature from a safe distance. It was also a stark reminder for the explorer to be extra careful and mindful during my expeditions in the wild outdoors. More adventures and more awesome encounters!

Oman Saw-Scaled Vipers are truly awesome! Awesome creature! AWESOME CREATOR! 

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com  

An Encounter with Red Grasshopper Mites Parasitizing an Egyptian Tree Locust in Al Munay-Shawkha, RAK

The Red Grasshopper Mites appears like shiny red dots on the dorsum and appendages of its Egyptian Tree Locust host 

Jump, land, fly, jump. These red grasshopper mites are really holding on tight 

Attached from head to legs these red grasshopper mites are feeding and travelling in style 

A closer look on these shiny red parasitic free loaders 

It was during our expedition at the wadi areas in between the mountains and hills of Al Munay-Shawkha, RAK that my good friend, hiking buddy and fellow nature enthusiast, Engr. Rey Corpuz, spotted, shouted and pointed my attention to a "grasshopper with shiny red spots on its back." Via quick mental recall of the grasshopper and locust fauna of the UAE, I told him that I cannot remember any locust species with a shiny red spot on its dorsum. We decided to follow this hopper and take a closer examination. The shiny red spots were present on its back but also on its appendages. These red spots we found were not color markings but parasitic red grasshopper mites.  

RED GRASSHOPPER MITES (ACARI-Acariformes)

Mites are tiny arachnids (eight-legged arthropods), less than a 1mm in length that possess a simple, unsegmented body plan. Because of the tiny size of most species they are often overlooked and under appreciated. Mites are actually widespread, they can be found on the soil acting as decomposers, other species live on plants as gall formers, there are also aquatic mites, others as ferocious predators and parasites.   

The red grasshopper mites are parasitic mites wherein their growth, development and movement are associated with their grasshopper hosts. These mites upon emergence from the eggs, appear as 6-legged larvae which actively search for host grasshoppers. The larvae attached to the base of the wings and other appendages and from that position suck the body fluids of its host to feed. They later metamorphose into 8-legged nymphs and later on to reproductive adults. Compared with the hitch-hiking larvae, the nymphs and adults are more of free-living species and are actively searching for grasshopper eggs to forage and lay eggs.  

Entomological research have revealed that the presence of these parasitic mites gravely effect the growth and development of grasshoppers and locusts. Some have look into there potential as biological control agents.   

I was not able to fully identify the red grasshopper mites we observed parasitizing the Egyptian Tree Locust, (Anacridium aegyptium). A detailed microscopic analysis by an expert Acarologist is needed for that. 

After taking our snap shots we have to stop bothering the tree locust and let it jump away and bear the weight and appetite of its mites passengers. Hold on juvenile mites and enjoy the jumpy ride!

Mites are truly fascinating! They are truly awesome creatures! These eight-legged beauties, reminds me always of my dear Entomology-Acarology Professor, Mentor, Adviser and Friend, Dr. Leonila Corpuz-Raros who is the epitome of fascination, dedication and professionalism. Thank you always Ma'am Leoning for your life and the inspiration to go, go, go and explore further!  

Mites are awesome! Awesome creatures! Awesome CREATOR!

Thanks for your support and careful attention. 

If you need Pest Management Training, Technical Field Support, On-Line and On-Site Consultancy, please feel free to send me an email: odelon.reyes@gmail.com