Peony Perfume attracts many species

A true sign of spring is the appearance of the first Peony Buds. With these buds usually comes the ever present black ants and many other species, each taking advantage of the irresistible perfume of the peony flower. Today I spotted not only the black ants, but red ants, house flies, ladybugs and paper wasps. All vying for a bud to sample. I read somewhere that the relationship between the peony bud and the black ant is a symbiotic one. The flower buds release a sticky sweet substance that the ants find intoxicating. They come to the buds in droves, seeking this delicious substance. The ants crawl all over the buds which many stimulate them to open. A true working relationship with benefits to both.

Spring Warmth Brings Visitors

Yesterday the temperature reached 62 degrees. It was sunny and only a slight wind blowing. It was a beautiful day and it was the first day of the year that brought with it a good diversity of insects. I have a bush North of my house that is covered in little blooms that smell like perfume. I have no idea of the species of shrub that it is, but the insects loved it. The bush sounded alive with all the buzzing of little wings. , The 1st image is a Fly, The 2nd image is a Hover Fly, The 3rd image is a Sawfly.The 4th image is a Multi-Colored Lady Beetle, The 5th image is a Honey Bee, And the last two images are of black ants guarding their eggs and a soil centipede. I found them under rocks nearby the bush. I am so glad that spring is finally arriving after such a long cold dreary winter.