Friendly invertebrates: It’s OK to hug a bug
Discovering a bug should be an “aha” moment, not an “ugh”.
That is what we think. All too often, however, Canadians are alarmed to find that bugs share our space. Perhaps we are afraid they will bite us, which they might, but usually not without a good reason.
Or maybe we fear they are dirty and carrying germs, which they might and is usually a good reason not to eat them (raw, in any case).
But the thing is, without bugs we are doomed. The human race might just as well stop racing, fold up our tents and go away. Except, of course, there is no away. We share this universe with bugs. And if we do not embrace them as our friends, we might just regret it.
Invertebrates are animals without a backbone. All insects fall into this category, but invertebrates include snails and squid, so not all invertebrates are insects.
Here are some friendly invertebrates that you should keep an eye out for and try to nourish:
PRAYING MANTIS
Most kids over the age of four know that a praying mantis – yes, they are found in parts of Canada – is one of the most amazing insects in the world. Their triangular head and muscular forelegs make for an intimidating image, especially for the many insects that they feed on. Praying mantis are known as ambush predators. They move fast and are amazingly strong for their size. If a praying mantis were the size of a human, they would beat any one of us at an armwrestling match. They love to eat other, smaller bugs. Sometimes bugs that are harmful to our gardens.
LADYBUGS
Another bug eating bug. The colourful shell of ladybugs gives them an aggressive appearance to other bugs, and they have a huge appetite for aphids, mealy bugs and many other common garden pest insects.
SPIDERS
We should love and embrace spiders wherever we find them. Yes, some can bite humans but generally only when we provoke them. Sometimes we do this without knowing and blame the spider, like when we roll over on top of one while in bed. We would bite too under those circumstances. The webs spiders spin are not only fascinating for their intricate architecture but also as a method for trapping prey. Next time you see one, rather than sweeping it away with a broom, take your time to observe it while it works, and you will discover that few creatures in this universe work as hard or are as clever.
SOW BUGS, SPRINGTAILS AND MILLIPEDES
We group these together as they are collectively called detritivores. They feed on decomposing organic matter of animal or plant origin and are the ultimate recyclers. Without these little charmers, we would be up to our armpits in waste. Indeed, if these insects could speak, they would refer to so called organic waste as a resource or dinner, simply put. As they break down dead material, including many fungi and algae, they release nutrients that are taken up by plants. Think of that next time you step on one.
BEETLES
It was in the early ’60s when we first experienced Beatlemania. It’s time for another go at that one. Bring on the love for these ground huggers, the hard-shelled invertebrates that feed on vine weevils, weed seeds and plant material.
On that note, we would add most all other bugs to our list. Truth be told, there is an elaborate network of bugs that feed on each other and are food for other, larger animals: songbirds, moles, voles, toads, frogs and salamanders. This interconnection has been known to us for over 200 years when conservationist Alexander von Humboldt first described the natural world as a “web”: A web of interdependent living beings that need each other to survive and thrive.
Protect an aphid and save a gold finch. Save a gold finch and make the world a better place from any point of view.
From “ugh” to “aha” is as simple as hugging a bug.