I wanted to explore what might be the insects which thrive on the leaves and flowers! I knew larvae might feed on the leaves. I found flower mantis and spider in the flowers.
The leaves and flowers are helpless when these insects feed on them. The guests destroy the host. Unlike the honey bee, which only feeds on the nectar, the larvae and insects make the plants and flowers part of their life cycle.
Is it a parasitic existence!
This is the cycle of nature. The lives are lived sharing with each other; in the process there is an apparent harm and loss!
Yesterday, when I went to buy a broiler, I noticed how the hens kept running away form the butcher! They have the experience of other hens caught and butchered! That sight was disturbing to say the least!
No wonder, there is a growing following for vegetarianism.
The garden is a place from where we understand a lot about flora and fauna. One experience I have is a new understanding about 'pests'! They destroy some plants and the use of insecticides becomes a natural option. But they come back. The organic manuring is a better option. The plants and shrubs seem to thrive and 'pests' stay away and the plants are not harmed by the insecticide spray. The chemical content of the insecticides deposit in the ground which in the long run harms the soil. Lavishly watering the leaves of plants and shrubs is another way to remove the many insects which can harm the plants.
There is a need to develop a garden friendly approach, which is inclusive and accommodative of all insects!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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