2016-07-16 Butterflies and Hoverflies
Butterflies on hyssop
We have so much biodiversity in our garden, and I am learning so much about life by watching the many creatures who pop up here and thrive. I went out this morning to collect the hyssop and couldn’t bring myself to do it. I have plenty of other herbs for cough: elecampane, sage, and tulsi to name a few. I have some tincture of hyssop from years past and just don’t need to have more new dry hyssop on hand, not at the expense of taking habitat and food from at least 6 different species of insects this morning.
Hoverfly on hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Hoverflies are an example of effective natural pest control. The larvae of many species eat aphids, thrips, and other herbivorous insects. Sweden is rich in hoverflies; here you can read about a Swedish naturalist who has identifed over 200 species on just one island in the Baltic Sea. I don’t know how many species live in our garden, but we are happy to have them.
You must be logged in to post a comment.