The GOOD… the BAD…
the UGLY!
On this
sunny, warm August day I am writing for Goodness
in the Garden using the laptop in our camper, currently located at a
campsite in scenic south central Wisconsin.
Surrounded by mature evergreens and deciduous trees… and INSECTS, it is
fitting to pay homage to some of the insects that inhabit our environment. While all insects serve a function in
nature—except, perhaps, mosquitos—the insects featured in today’s blog are not
often seen close up. But whether
studying people, animals or insects, we never know when we might encounter the
GOOD… the BAD… or the UGLY!
I was
fortunate to be able to photograph these insects, due to the keen eyes of our
Lammscapes Landscape Technicians; these young ladies work at various job sites
and encountered the unusual slug shown here.
Just last week they captured a living emerald ash borer from the bark of
a tree they had diagnosed as a victim of EAB.
After all the EAB research and reports I did during my horticulture
training, I was actually able to hold a living specimen in my hand (secured inside
a plastic bag, see photo). When
researching EAB on line, photos are greatly magnified; it’s useful to
understand the iridescent green borer’s true size.
The GOOD:
A popular pollinating insect in Southeastern Wisconsin is called a hummingbird
moth, a sphinx moth or a hawk moth (genus Hemaris, family Lepidoptera).
This fast-mover hovers in our gardens, pollinating as it goes. You might witness it on bee balm (Monarda) or
tall garden phlox. It is often mistaken
for a tiny hummingbird, but is actually an insect with antennae and a
proboscis. (The specimen I found had
died, but was fully intact for my photo.)
The BAD:
Emerald Ash Borer (alias “EAB) a known killer! Agrilus
planipennis is a destructive force in our Wisconsin landscapes, decimating
millions of ash trees (genus Fraxinus)
located in our State—one tree at a time! This evil insect is an undesirable
import which came from Asia, and is unwelcome here. Despite chemical treatments
and strict legislation regarding the removal/disposal of infected ash trees
(debarking, incineration, etc.), it has not been eradicated. This insect is
deserving of its BAD reputation!
The UGLY:
The leopard slug shown here (Limax
maximus) is a pretty ugly insect in my opinion! The specimen brought to me by our Landscape
Technicians was 3” long, but can attain 4” in length. The photo I shot comes
complete with slug AND its slime trail!
(For some interesting facts and photos, just google on “leopard slug”) This insect might eat your landscape plants,
but is also carnivorous! It hunts
smaller slugs when it gets really hungry… pretty ugly!
M. Lynn
Schmid, Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S.
Landscape/Horticulture/Aboriculture
Some of the
container gardens shown here could have a quick “wardrobe change” and would
adapt to the new season nicely. Annuals
like deep-hued coleus and other foliage plants can be retained in the
container; simply change out any flowers or herbs that seem tired or past their
prime. 
