A really great tale, proving once again that there is almost always more to a story if it involves nature. And how about that rainbow moth associated with the Purple Pitcher Plant! (I live 5 walking minutes from a fen and used to hike in to check on pitcher plants.). Alas, am now blocked by a grove of dense buckthorn bushes but a recent grant will start to eradicate them.
I will admit that I have yet to see that "rainbow moth" -- Exyra fax. It's high on my agenda. Bust through the buckthorn -- keep an eye on those pitchers!
What an intriguing story--I especially love that you pointed out the herbivore eating a carnivore. Now I’m down a rabbit hole trying to figure out where else that happens. Thank you!
Thanks, Kelly. Yes, this got me thinking the same thing. To be sure, my example is a bit of a stretch, of course. I suspect we might find some insect taking nutrients from a top-tier carnivore; that would count. I do have one example: a Celastrina (blue) butterfly once landed on the coat of my (wet) English shepherd Odin and lapped up salts or minerals or something from his fur. But a herbivore eating the flesh of a flesh-eater? Hmmm. I'll ponder that some.
Bryan, it is not the buckthorn per se, it is the tick issue that is keeping us out. We did get treated gaiters last summer, socks in shoes, etc.. You must have your own strategies.
Ah, of course. Well, my own strategy on ticks is to go about my life outdoors as usual, but to be meticulous and scrupulous every day about tick checks. It is a ritual for me, Ruth and our pup Odin. Even if Ruth and I aren't outdoors (which rarely happens during tick season), Odin can be a "tick magnet." So we always check ourselves!
Wow! This is incredibly fascinating!
Thanks! Yeah, I could spend a lifetime with that plant and still not learn half its secrets.
Such opportunist creatures! A friend just sent me photos of the Pitcher Plants too; likely you crossed paths in Florida!
It is indeed pitcher plant heaven in FL: picture plants with lots of crazy stuff in between. (It is Florida, after all. 😀)
A really great tale, proving once again that there is almost always more to a story if it involves nature. And how about that rainbow moth associated with the Purple Pitcher Plant! (I live 5 walking minutes from a fen and used to hike in to check on pitcher plants.). Alas, am now blocked by a grove of dense buckthorn bushes but a recent grant will start to eradicate them.
I will admit that I have yet to see that "rainbow moth" -- Exyra fax. It's high on my agenda. Bust through the buckthorn -- keep an eye on those pitchers!
What an intriguing story--I especially love that you pointed out the herbivore eating a carnivore. Now I’m down a rabbit hole trying to figure out where else that happens. Thank you!
Thanks, Kelly. Yes, this got me thinking the same thing. To be sure, my example is a bit of a stretch, of course. I suspect we might find some insect taking nutrients from a top-tier carnivore; that would count. I do have one example: a Celastrina (blue) butterfly once landed on the coat of my (wet) English shepherd Odin and lapped up salts or minerals or something from his fur. But a herbivore eating the flesh of a flesh-eater? Hmmm. I'll ponder that some.
Great observation, fine writing and excellent photos too - One of my favourite substacks
So very kind of you, nibbins. You've made my day -- thanks!
Bryan, it is not the buckthorn per se, it is the tick issue that is keeping us out. We did get treated gaiters last summer, socks in shoes, etc.. You must have your own strategies.
Joe
Ah, of course. Well, my own strategy on ticks is to go about my life outdoors as usual, but to be meticulous and scrupulous every day about tick checks. It is a ritual for me, Ruth and our pup Odin. Even if Ruth and I aren't outdoors (which rarely happens during tick season), Odin can be a "tick magnet." So we always check ourselves!