An Encounter with a Newly Emerged Citrus Swallowtail Butterfly at Home in Los Banos, Laguna

A newly emerged Citrus Swallowtail Butterfly 

Hanging by silken threads - the pupal case or chrysalis

The stout, green and horned chrysalis of the Citrus Swallowtail

The newly emerged butterfly holding on to its former metamorphosis chamber

Underwings with yellow scales, black lining and the distinct spots 

Preparing its wings for its maiden flight

Details of its club-tip antennae

Flapping its wings and displaying the vibrant colors and patterns 

Prominently black pattern with the red tornal spots of the upper wings

It was a lovely cloudy morning, in our home garden in Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines, my lovely wife, Elmira, encountered a stout, pale green pupal case on the wall adjacent her Calamnsi (Philippine Lime) shrub. I told her that it is the chrysalis of the Citrus Swallowtail Butterfly and encourage her to wait for the butterfly to emerge. After 4 days, early morning, we were overjoyed to see a newly emerged beauty, as if it was still waiting for us to showcase its radiance and capture amazing snapshots. After a brief moment of flapping and folding its wings, the butterfly briskly flew around and out our garden. It was a beautiful morning at home.     

CITRUS SWALLOWTAILS Papilio demoleus (LEPIDOPTERA: Papilionidae)

Citrus swallowtail or the lime swallowtail are large papilionid butterflies. The adults have a wingspan of 80-100mm. The upper forewing is mostly black with its outer margins bearing a series of yellow spots. The upper hindwings has a red tornal spot  and a discal black band with yellow scales. The underside of its wings is pale yellow with black areas. Unlike most swallowtail species, wings lack the prominent tail. 

The pupa or chrysalis is stout, pale green and 30 mm long. 

Females lay eggs singly on the edges of the host plant leaves. The egg hatch in six day and the larva undergo 5 instars. Depending on temperature conditions a whole generation can take 29-59 days.  

DISTRIBUTION of CITRUS SWALLOWTAILS

The Citrus Swallowtail are widespread butterflies present in citrus shrubs and other host plants in tropical and subtropical regions of Southern Asia, from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, to Southern China, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia. Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, Australia, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Florida in the USA, Jamaica.  

BIODYNAMICS NOTES

Citrus Swallowtail larvae are voracious defoliators of citrus shrubs. They consume large portions of the young leaf flushes. In citrus nurseries they are considered a major pests. 

In our home garden these defoliators are able to take a grand share of the leaves of our Calamansi shrub. Thankfully our shrubs are able to recover and grow more leaves. More available foliage for these awesomely beautiful butterflies. May they frequently visit our home garden and fill the space with their innate beauty.

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 Fine Summer Morning Encounter with Carpenter Bees at the Zabeel Park, Dubai

A Canary Carpenter Bee getting busy on a summer morning

As the summer breeze is blowing you can here this Black Carpenter Bee buzzing 

A female going for a a soft, floral landing

A male perfectly blending with its beautiful yellow floral surrounding

Black Carpenter Bee Dynamic Duo

The blue compound eyes truly got my attention

Fully engorged, fully engaged

Hide and Seek: Can you spot the Carpenter Bee?

CB you are clear for landing

Hovering in a sea of bright yellow blossoms

Jogging-Walking Pathway of Zabeel Park, Dubai: Summer morning, the sun is up, it was truly windy all across the Park. As I was doing my walking rounds, I found patches of bright yellow blossoms along the pathway. Close examination of these blossoms revealed numerous Carpenter Bees truly engaged in their pollination endeavors. Flying, hovering, landing, moving, gathering in a floral sea of yellow, these Carpenter Bees, were a sight to behold!

          

The Black Carpenter Bees, Xylocopa spp, and Canary Carpenter Bees, Xylocopa pubescens (APIDAE)

The Black Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa spp.) are large and robust bees, with a shiny black, metallic sheen. Its thorax is covered with black hair and the dorsal side of its abdomen is glossy and bare. Females have a black head while the males have a white marking on its head and a dense bunch of hair on its hind legs. Their wings are shiny black. Females can grow up to 40mm. 

The Canary Carpenter Bees, Xylocopa pubescens are also large and robust bees. The females can grow up to 25mm and the males up to 18mm. The females have mainly black abdomen and the thorax is covered with a yellow hair. The males are more covered in yellow hair. Females have black compound eyes while the males have greehish-yellow eyes. Wings of females are shiny black and the male wings are speckled and lighter in color.  

Biodynamics Notes

The Carpenter Bees got its name due to its nesting behavior, where all species burrow into wood,  bamboo or any hard plant materials. The fertilized females bore into the wood, excavates a tunnel to lay eggs. They do not eat wood. During nest construction, they discard the pieces of wood or re-use these pieces to make partitions for their cells. 

For a more detailed discussion on the Carpenter Bee Biodynamics and Distribution, please check out my feature last July 06, 2021 (A Carpenter Bee Encounter at the Warzan Desert in Dubai).  

The Carpenter Bees may be large, distracting, and the loud buzzing sound is quite disturbing but take note that the males are harmless and they do not have a stinger. The females are capable of stinging but are very docile and will not sting unless directly handled or provoked. 

These robust bees have short mouth parts and are major pollinators of numerous flowering plants.

Dear PMPs if they are not a direct threat to you and to your customers, please DO NOT KILL THESE BEES! Kindly allow them to pollinate the beautiful flowers and gather the needed nectar.

Observing these robust bees as they forage on the patches of yellow blossoms around the Zabeel Park, in the warmth of the early morning sun, was quite an awesome treat!

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

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