September 1

The morning sky is mostly sunny with temperatures in the mid 50’s and a westerly breeze as I begin my hike on private property in northern Gratiot County where I first confront a Whitetail deer before it veers into a cornfield. Moving along the edge of a small pond, I spot seed pods of Swamp Milkweed covered with tiny, yellow, sap-sucking Oleander Aphids. Also called Milkweed Aphids, these non-native insects are sometimes left alone by predators due to their sequestering the cardenolide toxins from the milkweed, Like Monarch caterpillars, this prevents predators from effectively feeding on them. Sometimes ants will tend to these aphids and collect their honeydew as a food source. Circling around the pond, I come upon a large patch of Common Milkweed displaying a variety of insects, including this 1/8 inch spotless Lady Beetle. An adult female consumes about 300 aphids during her several week life span. On another Milkweed plant, I notice a large Milkweed Bug resting on a seed pod. Like all true bugs, they have sucking mouthparts to inject digestive enzymes into the plant tissue and then suck the liquefied plant material through their straw-like beak. Like Monarchs too, they sequester cardiac glycosides in their bodies so are poisonous to most predators.  On another plant, I spot a cluster of immature Milkweed bugs. These nymphs go through 5 instars before molting into adults. Continuing to explore Milkweeds, I watch a bristly Tussocks Moth Caterpillar crawling on a leaf. Like other milkweed specialists, it too sequesters glycosides from the plant, making it less palatable to most predators. While searching in vain for a Monarch caterpillar or chrysalis, I did find an adult perched on a stem. Making my way back toward the car, I come upon a Hawthorn tree displaying its berry-like fruit, called Haws. Although their flesh is notably dense and dry., they are suitable for making jellies and can serve as an excellent substitute for ketchup, In addition, the leaves, flowers, and fruit of the Hawthorn can be used to make an herbal tea. Near the car, I spot a 1-inch, fuzzy, yellow American Dagger Moth Caterpillar resting on a tree trunk. If handled, the long black hairs on its body can break off and sting, causing hives, burning sensations, and general skin irritation. The adult form, the American Dagger Moth (stock photo) is a grayish moth with sharp, black lines at the bottom of its wings. Late summer displays both the fullness of the present and a hint of what comes next, a reminder that nature’s cycles move forward with both urgency and elegance.

September awakes

Summer holds on

Meadow’s edge

A frisky fawn

Herons remain

Redwings fled

Frog sits still

Berries turn red

Nature’s realm

Forest is lush

Away from town

A welcomed hush

 

D. DeGraaf