Katie Says: When it comes to wildlife, let it be!

In most cases, we are told that it is our duty as a part of society to act when we see something wrong. If we see a robbery in progress, we call the police to come and intervene. If we see someone in danger, those that step in are heralded as heroes. But when it comes to wildlife, our first instinct to intervene may not always be the best. Such was the case yesterday when I witnessed a bald-faced hornet kill and devour a red-spotted purple butterfly.

I noticed the butterfly flopping on the ground, and instinctively picked it up to see what was wrong and to put the butterfly on a nearby leaf. It was then that I noticed the bald-faced hornet latched on to its victim, using its jaws and stinger to try to subdue the red-spotted purple. Not wanting to be stung by a rather worked up hornet, I dropped the pair onto the ground. Part of me wanted to intervene; pry the hornet off of the butterfly to save the beautiful insect, but then I realized that the hornet needed to eat too and that I should instead appreciate the incredible opportunity to watch a hornet eat what literally lay before me.

In a gruesome act that seemed to come right out of a mobster movie, the hornet first removed the butterfly’s proboscis (tongue). Next came the head, which ended the butterfly’s suffering. I had predicted that the butterfly’s wings would naturally come next, but instead, the hornet removed the four hind legs of the butterfly, noisily chewing all the while. Finally, the hornet removed the thorax (the middle of the body) from the abdomen and the wings and flew off noisily with its bounty clutched between its legs.

Yes, it may have been a bit unnerving to watch a butterfly being eaten alive by a fierce predator, but what an opportunity, too! To witness the strength and deliberate actions of the hornet was something I will never forget. I may have felt badly for the butterfly who lost its life, but at the same time, I am glad that I did not intervene so that I could share in the hornet’s victory. Have a question or a story of your own to share? Post a comment below; it’s free and you don’t have to create an account!

Katie Says: Did you know…?

…that some species of flowers only open at night? These flowers were designed to attract moths, bats and other nocturnal animals as their pollinators, which are not active during the day.

…that not all fireflies are nocturnal? There are diurnal (active during the day) species that look just like any other firefly, except they lack the yellow, glowing abdomen. They also have longer, fuzzier antennae, a sign that these daytime fireflies rely on chemical signals from their mates, and not blinking, glowing ones.

…that snakes cannot blink? If you ever see a legless reptile blink at you, you’ll know you’re looking not at a snake, but at a species of legless lizard, found in the southeastern United States.

…that daddy long legs are not spiders? Although they are a kind of arachnid (along with mites, scorpions and ticks), they are not spiders. Daddy long legs cannot produce silk, have only two eyes instead of eight and have only one body segment instead of two. And in case you’re wondering, yes, daddy long legs can bite, but contrary to the myth, their venom is quite weak.

…that the barn owl can eat more mice in one year than ten cats combined? In parts of the country where the barn owl is common, farmers put up owl nest boxes around their crops to attract these magnificent mouse munchers!

…that Briar Bush is starting a brand new series of nighttime programs called “Hot S’more Nights”? It’s true! Each Thursday night in July, Briar Bush educators will lead fun and exciting programs to teach about the nighttime side of the Briar Bush woods. Want to learn more? Call Briar Bush at 215-887-6603 or be on the lookout for the next Briar Flyer!