Winter is not really a “thing” in most of Florida. It’s merely a cool fall. Somehow, though, the insects know it’s a time for dormancy. This winter was rough on some of our more precious plants. Even some hardier ones were hit badly by a multi-hour frost. All of my Spanish needle, aka beggar tick, died during one of these cold nights in January. I don’t find beggar tick particularly beautiful, but the bees and wasps absolutely adore it.
I tore out the dead remnants of Spanish needle, a little disappointed since I’ve taken many of my insect photos near that plant.
Only 10 days later, and I already see some beggar tick seedlings popping up. I hope they grow quickly and soon since I have almost no nectar plants available.
Yesterday, February 6, I did see one European honey bee on some hollyhock I bought specifically for them. What a relief! The butterfly weed is returning as well, and the little aphids are already building their little armies. And to fight those armies, I have seen the Four-speckled Hover Fly buzzing around, laying eggs. I even have one hover fly larvae chomping away at hapless little aphid.
It’s quite a soap opera happening right on the milk weed. War, famine, death, destruction, love. Insects are amazing.
Buzzing Blossoms 