Beth’s Bug Blog — pollinator

The cuckoo bee is a clever con artist buzzing through life on someone else’s hard work.

Hoverflies are the unsung heroes of the insect world; pollinators, pest controllers, and master mimics all rolled into one. So next time you see a tiny “wasp” hovering nearby, don’t swat it away…thank it instead!

The orchid mantis is the perfect blend of beauty and brawn. With its dazzling floral disguise and sharp hunting skills, it’s a bug that’s equal parts mesmerizing and deadly.

Ever heard of a bug that looks like it time-traveled from the Jurassic era? Meet Platerodrilus, aka the trilobite beetle, a bizarre insect found in Southeast Asia’s rainforests. While the males look like typical beetles, the females steal the show with their flat, segmented bodies that resemble ancient trilobites.

Bringing a fresh Christmas tree home can sometimes mean inviting tiny, harmless bugs like aphids, spider mites, or even spiders along for the ride. To keep your tree festive and pest-free, give it a good shake, inspect for critters, and vacuum up any strays. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your tree and its natural charm—minus the unexpected guests!