All the buzz about the birds and the bees and the bugs

• 

  Pictured here is a bumble bee on a Texas Sage which is also known as Texas Barometer Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens). Photos by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography

  Pictured here is a bumble bee on a Texas Sage which is also known as Texas Barometer Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens). Photos by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
• 

  A seven-spotted ladybug takes a stroll on an oak.

  A seven-spotted ladybug takes a stroll on an oak.

Let’s talk about bumble bees - these tiny creatures are absolute rockstars when it comes to pollination.

Unlike honeybees, bumble bees prefer smaller colonies and have a unique approach to pollination.

Their secret weapon? Buzz pollination. By vibrating their flight muscles, they create powerful vibrations that shake loose pollen from flower anthers, allowing them to access pollen that other bees can’t.

This technique makes them superheroes when it comes to pollinating.

But that’s not all bumble bees are also incredibly resilient and can thrive in colder climates, making them essential for early spring and late fall pollination. This means they support the continuous growth and reproduction of wildflowers and agricultural crops, which in turn supports entire ecosystems by maintaining the food supply for other wildlife.

So, what is buzz pollination exactly? It’s a specialized technique that involves the bumble bee’s dense, branched hairs and their ability to vibrate their flight muscles. This vibration dislodges pollen from flower anthers, which then adheres to the bee’s hairs, facilitating cross-pollination as they move from flower to flower. It’s not just their size that makes them effective at buzz pollination - it’s their unique ability to release pollen from flowers with tightly packed anthers or small pores.

In short, bumble bees are indispensable for the pollination of many plants, and their presence in gardens and farms is a game-changer.

Cardinals

Cardinals grace our backyards and gardens with their unmistakable charm. Their vivid red feathers and distinctive crest make them a captivating presence in any landscape. Beyond their appearance, cardinals exhibit remarkable intelligence and adaptability, thriving in diverse environments and enduring harsh winters, even the snow apocalypse.

Did you know that cardinals form lifelong monogamous bonds, with some pairs remaining together for up to two decades? They fiercely defend their territories through spirited singing contests against rival males. As avid seed consumers, cardinals play a crucial role in dispersing seeds from plants like sunflowers and coneflowers, contributing to the propagation of plant species.

Despite their conspicuous red hue, cardinals adeptly camouflage themselves using their crest and tail feathers.

Here are more intriguing facts about cardinals:

• derive their name from Catholic cardinals due to their bright red plumage.

• possess the ability to produce complex songs comprising up to 24 distinct elements.

• can achieve flight speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.

• With their captivating behavior, stunning plumage, and ecological significance, cardinals truly enrich the natural world.

Lady Bugs

Ladybugs are a fantastic natural remedy for aphid troubles in your garden. The convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens), native to Texas, is a star predator when it comes to munching on aphids and other pesky insects.

Another helpful ally is the seven-spotted ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata), which was brought to Texas to combat aphids and is known for its hearty appetite. The pink-spotted lady beetle (Coleomegilla maculata) also pitches in by targeting aphids, as well as mites, eggs, and larvae. And don’t forget the fourteen-spotted ladybird beetle (Propylea quatuordecimpunctata), initially imported to North America for Russian wheat aphid control, doing its part in aphid management.

When you’re ready to introduce ladybugs into your garden, setting the stage is key. Make sure there are plants infested with aphids for them to feast on and provide water and shelter. It’s best to release them in the evening near areas where aphids are present, avoiding harsh sunlight and strong winds. Ensure there’s plenty of aphid prey available and offer them water in a shallow dish or birdbath. Following these steps will help you effectively use ladybugs to tackle aphids in your Central Texas garden.