Though other insects (garden varmints!) are mentioned, the star of this show is a type of stink bug called the harlequin bug or Murgantia histrionica. It’s a new one to our garden, but I’m not sure that is a good thing. Is the genus Murgantia really in honor of an ancient city in Sicily? I don’t know, and what about the species name histrionica? It seems to refer to drama or acting and the common name harlequin can refer either to the colorful patterns on this stink bug or an actor in a drama. All I know for sure is that when these colorful little stink bugs are found eating the leaves of our horseradish or cabbage there is drama in the garden. Much drama.
One note: the photo is mine and of a couple harlequin bugs on a horseradish leaf. Pretty cute, aren’t they?
I hope you’re getting some time away from your home and out into nature…out into the wild. It sure is easy to social distance...
All the plants and their communities I was excitedly jabbering about are in the borderlands year round, but the sandhill cranes are only here...
Petey thinks that being out in the wild is good for children and adults as well. What?!
