Ready for the Day

Apr 24, 2009

Insects are cold-blooded so their temperature coincides with their environment.

Before the sun rises, they lie ever so still. As the sun warms them, they stir ever so slowly.

At 6 a.m. yesterday, we checked the roses for aphids (yes, they were there) and so were the predators: the soldier beetles and ladybugs. 

A soldier beetle crawled to the edge of a leaf. A ladybug cartwheeled over a leaf and then clung to the tip. 

Breakfast is ready!


By Kathy Keatley Garvey
Author - Communications specialist

Attached Images:

EARLY MORNING SUN warms an aphid. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Aphid in early morning sun

WHERE'S BREAKFAST? A soldier beetle searches for aphids on a rose bush. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Soldier Beetle

QUICK TURN--A ladybug executes a quick turn on a rose leaf. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Quick Turn

UPSIDE DOWN--A ladybug scoots under a rose leaf. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Upside Down