It’s that season again. The beetles have arrived. In my distant fourth of July recollection, there are those nights abuzz not only with sparks born of carbon and exotic metals, but with the beating wings of little rusty orange beetles. Part of the experience of walking down to see the fireworks was to observe the flight of all these Coleoptera. It was a sign of summer, in general. Like falling crimson and copper leaves herald the autumn, the ascending elytra emphasized that spring had long ended. They were certainly abundant when it came time for their annual visit. Opening the door was an invitation immediately accepted as they’d rush in to explore less saturated air space. They never blocked out the light of the moon, but you certainly wouldn’t go very far without seeing a few.

There’s been a noticeable decline in their population these more recent years. It’s a common theme I tend to revisit. Why are less and less creatures flying around? I imagine that it’s a combination of things. Habitat loss, less food, artificially skewed environment. It makes me wonder about all the footprints we leave. More development means there is less wild ecosystem and less critters ready to wander off to adventure.

In any case, I do appreciate those times when we do get visits. Be it Dragonflies, butterflies, ladybirds, birds (and the bees), it’s nice to see all the signs of life.

~K