Discuss: The Adored, Buzzing Around Us

Some nature lovers have taken up following charismatic insects - in my area, some birders become butterfly and dragonfly watchers in summer when the birding is less interesting.

I’m more interested in insects than birds. The variety is astonishing. Just by keeping your eyes open, you can find something new and unexpected. Last week, as my New England landscape was waking up from winter, I saw dozens of tiny bugs on a birch tree, clustered on last year’s seed tassels. I’d found the birch seed bug, about 5mm long and beautiful. With each new insect you find, there is another life story (natural history) and niche to learn about.

Ms. Russell is so right - it’s all about paying attention to the mystery that surrounds us.  Her article made me think of a recent outing to southeast Utah where friends and I were royally treated to a cicada hatch.  We’ve visited the area for years, but this was the first time we’d seen this particular variety of cicada.  They were beautiful with greenish bodies and delicate wings outlined with ruddy veins.  Their snapping sounds, four to six in succession, rose and fell throughout the days. We were vexed in trying to determine the specific variety, but ultimately settled on the reality that these creatures were part of a fantastic experience that rivaled the scenery of the landscape.  Just as fantastic were the dried husks of their former selves, scattered across the ground, some still clutching stems and branches.  It was absolutely marvelous!  Thanks to Ms. Russell for her insightful observation and enthusiastic reminder.  Thanks also for writing the book “Standing in the Light.”  An excellent read!