We share our valley with over 3,000 insect species
Our animal neighbors in the Ojai area include more than three thousand species of insects and other arthropods. While a small percentage of insects are considered bad, most are good or benign. Birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and mammals all eat insects. Many insects pollinate the plants we love and the food we eat. We depend on them!
Our native bees need particular native plants to survive. Bees are important for the plants’ pollination and reproduction.
Insect populations are in significant decline. Habitat loss, drought, and the overuse of herbicides and pesticides threaten insects. Help flower-loving insects survive climate change by creating native plant habitats. Protect native plant habitat from pesticides to help bees and other insects survive.
What you can do to help insects:
Our native bees need particular native plants to survive. Bees are important for the plants’ pollination and reproduction.
Insect populations are in significant decline. Habitat loss, drought, and the overuse of herbicides and pesticides threaten insects. Help flower-loving insects survive climate change by creating native plant habitats. Protect native plant habitat from pesticides to help bees and other insects survive.
What you can do to help insects:
- Avoid using pesticides and herbicides.
- Create a native plant garden. Buy native plants from nurseries that don’t sell plants with pesticide residues. Include plants that provide flowers throughout the year for adult insects to feed upon.
- For monarchs, plant native milkweed, the food source for monarch larvae. Avoid planting tropical milkweed which can host a protozoan parasite that can kill monarchs.
- Join and support organizations which protect land and habitat for insects and other animals.
Monarch Butterfly
Danaus plexippus Photo: Xerces Society, Stephanie McKnight |
The monarch butterfly population in California has crashed. Scientists fear the colorful butterfly may be headed towards extinction. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on native milkweed. It is also the only source of food for monarch caterpillars. Herbicides and habitat destruction have reduced the populations of native milkweed. Climate change has negatively affected both monarchs and milkweed.
Narrowleaf Milkweed
Asclepias fascicularis Photo: Bryant Baker |