The word metamorphosis derives from the Greek words

meta

, meaning beyond or transformation, and

morphosis

, meaning a forming, and represents significant change or transformation in shape, structure, or form.

Invertebrate metamorphosis is truly captivating!  In biology, metamorphosis often involves a series of distinct stages where an organism undergoes a radical change from one life stage to another. It’s an incredible transformation showcasing nature’s remarkable adaptability and life cycle diversity. This metamorphic diversity enables invertebrates to thrive in various environments and fulfill different ecological roles. It’s a testament to the adaptability and resilience of these creatures, each transformation representing a marvel of biological evolution.

This process often involves an organism undergoing significant structural and physiological changes, and includes complete and incomplete metamorphosis.  Complete metamorphosis is a type of development in certain insects, characterized by four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This process is in contrast to incomplete metamorphosis, which has three stages and lacks a pupal stage. Insects that undergo complete metamorphosis belong to the orders Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Diptera (flies), Coleoptera (beetles), and Hymenoptera (ants, bees, and wasps), among others. Insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis belong to various orders, including Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids), Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies), and others. One of the most well-known examples of metamorphosis is the life cycle of butterflies and moths. In this case, the stages typically include egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult (butterfly or moth). The transformation from a crawling caterpillar to a winged adult is a remarkable example. Metamorphosis, however, is not limited to invertebrates; it can also occur in other organisms, such as amphibians like frogs and toads. These organisms undergo metamorphosis as they transition from aquatic larvae (tadpoles) to terrestrial adults. The term metamorphosis is also used more broadly in a metaphorical sense to describe any profound change or transformation in form, structure, or character. This could apply to various aspects of life, such as personal development, societal changes, or the evolution of ideas. Butterfly Pavilion is committed to enriching the understanding and admiration of invertebrates and their transformative processes. By delving into the captivating life cycles of these creatures, our goal is to ignite a profound connection with and respect for the wonders of the natural world.    

Amy Yarger, Horticulture Director Many of us learn from a very young age about the cycles of life, such as egg, caterpillar, pupa, adult butterfly. We learn that part of being alive is constant change. Just by looking out our windows, we can see the cycle of seasonal changes (with some unpredictable hiccups – this is Colorado, after all) year after year – frost and bare branches, the first green shoots, rampant growth, then leaf fall. But landscapes also shift and change over grander time scales. Landscape metamorphosis, otherwise known as ecological succession, is the process of changing species composition in a living community over time. A landscape may start off as a grassland and gradually be replaced with a variety of woody species, until it becomes a forest. However, this mature plant community is only stable until the next disturbance.   Human-induced change can disrupt the soil structure and hydrology and import exotic species. Human-driven change has happened very rapidly in the geological sense, with species removed or moved around at an unprecedented rate over the past 200 years. This rapid transformation has contributed to the decline of many animal, plant, and fungi species around the world. Out of the nearly 32,000 populations analyzed in the World Wildlife Fund’s most recent Living Planet report, there has been an average decline of 69% since 1970.   So there’s no better time for us to guide landscape metamorphosis to be better for ourselves and other living things. Just by how we manage our landscapes, we can create habitat for invertebrates and other wildlife, sequester carbon, conserve soil, and reduce pollution. Butterfly Pavilion is a leader in educating the community to plant biodiverse landscapes.  Our outdoor gardens provide a model of how you can create habitat in your own backyard. We also work with local and global communities to restore hundreds of acres of pollinator habitat. If you find that this is the time of year when you are excited about change, consider guiding your own ecological succession in favor of the little species that have a big impact on our lives. Doing so not only saves resources, money, and maintenance time, but also adds a source of beauty and lifelong learning about our shared home. Your personal landscape is part of the big picture; in this ecological approach, the metamorphosis of our landscapes can lead to metamorphosis in our communities and even in ourselves.  Want to get started? Register for our Pollinator Gardening Bootcamp here: https://butterflies.org/event/pollinator-garden-bootcamp/  

When we think of bees and their vital role in pollination, honey bees are often the first to come to mind. However, honey bees (Apis mellifera) are not the only bees found in America. This country boasts a diverse population of native bee species that have been quietly pollinating plants for millions of years.

 

Honey bees were introduced to America by European settlers in the early 17th century. Since then, they have become an integral part of agriculture and our daily lives. Here are some key aspects that distinguish honey bees from their native counterparts: 

In contrast to honey bees, native bees have been part of America’s ecosystems for millennia. They are a diverse group, with over 4,000 species identified across the country. Here’s what sets native bees apart: 

 

A Sweat bee native to Colorado 

While honey bees play a vital role in commercial agriculture, native bees contribute significantly to the health of natural ecosystems. A diverse range of pollinators is essential to ensure that various plant species get the attention they need for reproduction and survival. To support both honey bees and native bees, here are some key steps to take: 

Honey bees and native bees are both essential players when it comes to pollination in America. While honey bees contribute significantly to agriculture and our daily lives, native bees are vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. Understanding and appreciating the differences between these pollination powerhouses will help us take informed actions to protect and support all bees, ensuring a sustainable future for both human society and nature. By working together, we can create a harmonious environment where both honey bees and native bees thrive side by side. To learn more about how you can help both honey bees and native bees visit: Pollinator Awareness Through Conservation and Education (butterflies.org) 

 

Honey bee Beekeeping, also known as apiculture, is a practice that dates back thousands of years. The symbiotic relationship between humans and honey bees (Apis spp.) has evolved over time, transitioning from simple honey-hunting to sophisticated beekeeping techniques. The origins of beekeeping can be traced back to prehistoric times, where early humans discovered sweet honey hidden within beehives. Honey-hunting, as it was initially known, involved following wild bees to their natural hives in trees or rock crevices and harvesting the honey, comb, and beeswax. 

Beekeeper checking the hive

One of the earliest recorded instances of organized beekeeping comes from ancient Egypt, around 3000 BCE. The Egyptians created artificial beehives made from clay or straw, resembling the traditional beehives seen in history books. Hieroglyphs and wall paintings depict beekeepers tending to hives, emphasizing the value of honey and beeswax in religious rituals and medicinal remedies. Beekeeping continued to flourish in ancient Greece and Rome. In fact, Aristotle observed the complex social structure of bees and identified the queen as the central figure, while Virgil’s poetic work, “Georgics,” included detailed instructions on beekeeping techniques. During the Middle Ages, monks practiced beekeeping as a form of self-sufficiency, using honey as a sweetener, beeswax for candles, and mead (honey wine) for sacramental purposes. Monasteries often kept hives in specially designed apiaries, and beekeeping knowledge was shared and preserved within these secluded enclaves. The 18th and 19th centuries saw significant advancements in beekeeping practices and the birth of modern beekeeping. One of the most notable figures was Reverend Lorenzo Langstroth, an American apiarist, who invented the movable frame beehive in 1851. This invention revolutionized beekeeping, as it allowed beekeepers to inspect and manage hives without destroying the entire colony. Industrialization in the 19th century led to mass production of honey, beeswax, and other bee products. With advancements in transportation and packaging, honey became more accessible to a broader population. However, this era also saw the emergence of commercial beekeeping practices, sometimes at the expense of sustainable beekeeping principles. In recent times, beekeeping has faced numerous challenges, such as the spread of diseases like Varroa mites, deformed wing virus (DWV), and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). These issues have highlighted the importance of sustainable beekeeping practices and the urgent need to protect bee populations worldwide. Beekeepers, scientists, and conservationists have been working together to find innovative solutions, promote pollinator-friendly practices, and raise awareness about the significance of bees in maintaining ecosystem balance.  

Honeybees are among the most fascinating creatures on our planet. Beyond just producing honey, these small but mighty pollinators play a critical role in supporting the health and abundance of our ecosystems and agricultural landscapes. They are much beloved by the public, frequently in the news, and often the subject of panic over what happens if they disappear. But what are honeybees? 

Honeybees, scientifically known as Apis mellifera, are social insects that belong to the family Apidae. These creatures have a highly evolved and complex societal structure, living in well-organized colonies with distinct roles for each member. Within a colony, you’ll find three main castes: 

The survival of honeybees is deeply intertwined with the well-being of our ecosystems and agriculture. One of the most critical roles honey bees play is pollination. As they forage for nectar, bees inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating fertilization and fruit production. A significant portion of the world’s food crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, rely on honeybees for pollination. It is estimated that honeybees contribute to the pollination of more than $15 billion worth of crops annually in the United States alone according to the US Department of Agriculture.  

By pollinating a wide variety of plants, honeybees contribute to biodiversity, or the variety of life in an ecosystem. We need a biodiverse ecosystem to maintain and support life on earth. Honey bees’ actions help in the reproduction of wildflowers and other plant species, which, in turn, provide habitat and sustenance for countless other organisms.  

Of course, honey bees’ most famous contribution is honey production. Honey is not only a delectable natural sweetener, but it also boasts medicinal properties that have been used for centuries. Honey bees also play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of beekeepers and farmers. Beekeeping is an essential agricultural practice that generates income for many rural communities. Unfortunately, honey bees are facing numerous challenges that threaten their populations worldwide. 

As wild landscapes are converted into urban areas or agricultural land, natural habitats for bees and other pollinators diminish. The use of pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, poses a significant risk to honey bees and other pollinators, leading to declines in bee populations. Shifting weather patterns and extreme weather events can disrupt bee populations, impacting their foraging and nesting patterns.   

Honeybees are not just insects that produce honey; they are ecological superheroes and help to sustain life as we know it. From pollinating our food crops to supporting biodiversity and providing us with honey, honeybees are vital to our planet’s health and human well-being. To protect these incredible creatures, it is essential to raise awareness about their importance, support sustainable agricultural practices, and take collective action to safeguard and create new pollinator habitat. By doing so, we can ensure that the melodious buzz of honeybees continues to resonate in our world for generations to come.  

Butterfly Pavilion works to ensure a peaceful co-habitation between humans, bees and other pollinators through our Environmental and Ecological Services (EES) department, including our Pollinator DistrictsTM and Honey Bee Hive Rentals. Learn more about these programs and what you can do to help honey bees and other pollinators by visiting Protecting Pollinators (butterflies.org)  

 

The year 2022-2023 witnessed the second-highest rate of American honey bee colony losses reported since record-keeping began in 2007. The Bee Informed Partnership conducted an extensive survey involving over 3,000 beekeepers, revealing a significant decline of 48.2% in honey bee colonies over the course of the past year. While the honey bee population itself remains stable due to beekeepers’ efforts in establishing new colonies, it is crucial to address the underlying issues affecting bee health to ensure the long-term survival of honey bees and safeguard native pollinators as well. Despite annual losses of 30-50% reported by beekeepers, the overall honey bee population in the United States has remained relatively stable at around 2.6 million hives over the past two decades. This is attributed to beekeepers replenishing lost colonies by creating new ones through a process called “splitting.” By redistributing worker bees and establishing new hives with new queens, beekeepers can sustain the population. However, this practice is a temporary solution, and addressing the root causes of honey bee decline is essential for their long-term well-being. Honey bees face similar challenges as native pollinators. Habitat loss, primarily due to the reduction in diverse food plants for pollinators, has severely impacted their nutrition and overall health. Inadequate diets result in developmental and immune issues within colonies. Exposure to pesticides during foraging activities also hampers learning abilities and immunity in honey bees. Furthermore, new pests and pathogens, such as the varroa mite, have become major threats to honey bee colonies. Preserving habitat quality plays a pivotal role in safeguarding honey bees and all pollinators. Planting a wide variety of flowering plants throughout the year can enhance their diet, strengthen immune systems, and improve overall health. Therefore, habitat restoration initiatives are vital for the success of pollinators. Reducing pesticide use and exploring alternative methods for pest control also play a crucial role in promoting pollinator health. By adopting these practices, we can contribute to the protection of honey bees and other vital pollinators. Butterfly Pavilion offers several ways for people to learn about and help bee conservation efforts:

New research is being conducted to develop new management methods and treatments to combat pests and diseases affecting honey bees. Promising advancements, such as the introduction of the first honeyb ee vaccine, offer potential solutions. Beekeepers must stay informed about these developments to protect their own hives and support the well-being of pollinators within their communities. Beginner beekeeping classes, mentoring programs, and local beekeeping clubs provide valuable knowledge and training for beekeepers to adopt measures such as mite testing, treatments, regular hive checks, and proper ventilation.

An exciting event just occurred at Butterfly Pavilion! Three firefly larvae from our collection in 2021 pupated into adult fireflies!

To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to have successfully bred and reared this Coloradan species of firefly to adulthood. This is a critical first step in long-term conservation efforts to help protect and support our native species of fireflies in the Front Range and beyond. Butterfly Pavilion researchers have been working towards understanding the lifecycle of fireflies in Colorado since 2017. Very little is known about the lifecycle and needs of our local fireflies. Many people don’t even know we have fireflies in Colorado! But they do exist in small, little-known populations throughout the state. 

To study the firefly lifecycle, researchers from Butterfly Pavilion travel to Fort Collins one night a year to collect wild adult fireflies under a research permit. The adult fireflies are taken back to Butterfly Pavilion to breed and lay eggs. These eggs transform into larvae and are cared for in our lab. We have spent four years regularly feeding, misting, and making small changes to their enclosures to try to trigger the larvae to pupate. The two females and one male which emerged last week have been in our care since they were eggs laid in our lab in 2021, meaning that we now know that it can take two years for both male and female fireflies of this species to go from eggs to fully formed adults! To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to have successfully bred and reared this Coloradan species of firefly to adulthood. This is a critical first step in long-term conservation efforts to help protect and support our native species of fireflies in the Front Range and beyond. Besides providing fascinating summer lightshows for humans, fireflies are an indicator species for wetland habitats. Their health and survivability indicate the overall health of an ecosystem Rearing a species to adulthood allows us to fully understand their life history to better support conservation efforts driven by scientific data. Studying their needs in a lab setting allows us to better concentrate conservation efforts on their needs for food, shelter, and overall habitat. Colorado species of fireflies are currently very poorly understood. This greatly expands our understanding of these species and will help with future efforts to describe species, improve habitat, and protect their magical experience for future Coloradans. This knowledge enables us to rear animals for release and “head start” fireflies (in other words, raise them past their most vulnerable early life stages to increase survivorship). Indeed, we hope to re-establish populations of fireflies in Colorado in the future The next step is to have more of our fireflies emerge as adults and to ultimately breed them to create a sustainable population of lab reared fireflies. We would like to fully describe this species of firefly and continue collecting additional species of fireflies to expand Colorado’s knowledge of the species in our care. We will also share our knowledge of firefly husbandry techniques with other facilities across the United States to further the study and conservation of these unique beetles. 

Learn more about the project!

Today, Butterfly Pavilion presented Manitou Springs as the world’s first certified municipal Pollinator District™️ during a special ceremony at Soda Springs Park in Manitou Springs with Mayor John Graham.      A Pollinator District™️ is a concept developed by Butterly Pavilion, in which a community that is designed to conserve and improve habitat for pollinators in all aspects of development and operation. These districts engage the community that lives, works, and plays in these spaces, encouraging them to experience nature and build a greater appreciation for these critical species and their habitats.  “All of us rely on pollinators such as bees and butterflies for the food we eat and the health of our ecosystems, and all of us can make a positive impact on pollinator conservation through our daily actions,” said Amy Yarger, Director of Horticulture, Butterfly Pavilion. “Butterfly Pavilion uses our scientific expertise to collaborate with communities such as Manitou Springs to ensure a brighter future for pollinators, people, and other living things.”  At Butterfly Pavilion, we understand the vital role pollinators play in our food production and ecosystem health. Unfortunately, their populations have been significantly impacted by habitat destruction, chemical pollution, and other threats. To address these challenges, Butterfly Pavilion has developed the concept of Pollinator Districts™. These districts are designed to conserve and enhance pollinator habitats in every aspect of community development, fostering appreciation and understanding among residents and visitors. The certification of Manitou Springs as a Pollinator District™ is the result of a collaborative effort between Butterfly Pavilion, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Manitou Pollinators, passionate volunteers, and numerous contributors. Together, we have worked diligently to transform the landscapes of Manitou Springs into havens for pollinators.

Learn more about Pollinator Districts!

Pollen covered honey bee

From buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies to bumbling beetles, pollinators play an irreplaceable role in maintaining our planet’s biodiversity and ensuring global food security.  Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred from the male reproductive organs to the female reproductive organs of flowering plants, leading to fertilization and the production of seeds. As they visit flowers in search of nectar or pollen, they carry pollen from one flower to another, promoting cross-pollination and genetic diversity within plant populations.  Pollinators facilitate the reproduction of over 85% of the world’s flowering plants, including many that provide food, shelter, and resources for countless other species. By promoting variation through cross-pollination, pollinators contribute to the resilience and adaptability of plant populations. This, in turn, enhances ecosystem stability and helps combat the effects of environmental changes such as climate change and habitat loss.  In addition to aiding biodiversity, pollinators play a crucial role in the production of foods that make up a significant portion of our diet. It is estimated that approximately 75% of global food crops depend, at least in part, on pollination. Pollinators not only contribute to 1 out of every three bites of food we take, but they give us some of the “best bites” including chocolate and coffee.  Without the services of pollinators, we would face diminished food supplies, higher food prices, and significantly fewer food options. Moreover, pollinators ensure that a wide range of crops can be effectively pollinated, fostering agricultural resilience and reducing the risk of crop failure. The pollination services provided by these animals contribute billions of dollars to global agricultural production each year. In addition, the honey and other products derived from bees and other pollinators have substantial economic implications, supporting livelihoods and local economies.   Unfortunately, pollinators face a number of challenges that jeopardize their populations. Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, diseases, and parasites are among the primary threats they encounter. These threats, if left unaddressed, could have far-reaching consequences for both the world around us and human society. Pollinators are, in many ways, the unsung heroes of our natural world, working to ensure the survival of countless plant species and sustain our food systems. Pollinator conservation is not just a matter of ecological concern but also an urgent necessity for our own well-being.  Learn more about how you can help with pollinator conservation by getting involved in Butterfly Pavilion’s Pollinator Awareness through Conservation and Education (PACE) initiate here: Pollinator Awareness Through Conservation and Education (butterflies.org) 

By Amy Yarger, Butterfly Pavilion Horticulture Director 

When it comes to pollinators, I try very hard not to have favorites. Every pollinator contributes to our quality of life, supporting the reproduction of our food plants, as well as the plants in our natural areas. However, I have a special place in my heart for certain pollinators who are ignored or even disdained, all the while quietly working their buggy magic. This month’s pollinator, the margined calligrapher (Toxomerus marginatus) is a fly (strike one in the pollinator popularity contest), tiny (strike two), and common (strike three), but it is such a beneficial visitor, I hope we can learn to appreciate its beauty and usefulness.  Margined calligraphers are a member of the hover fly family, or Syrphidae. Another vernacular name for members of this family is “flower flies”, because these flies uniformly visit blooming plants for nectar and pollen. But the secret benefit of many hover flies is their larval predilection for catching and eating pests such as aphids and thrips in your garden. If you attract margined calligraphers and their cousins, you are in effect getting a two-for-one deal: pollination and pest control.  Because they are so small, about 5 mm in length, it may be easy to miss these garden helpers, but they reward a closer look. Margined calligraphers, like many of their hover fly cousins, mimic bees and wasps with their bold warning patterns. In this case, these flies are gold and black, with a delicate yellow line etched around their abdomens. Sometimes, they can even make a low buzzing sound to complete the deception. However, you can easily tell the difference by looking at the single pair of flight wings, large eyes, and stubby antennae.  If you look still closer, you can even determine whether you are looking at a male or female calligrapher fly. Males have rounded abdomens and eyes that touch in the center, while the abdomen of females comes to a sharp point (not a stinger!). The colors of the pattern on each fly depend on the temperature during pupation – the hotter it is the more golden, the colder it is the blacker. And as you look closer at these flies, they sometimes return the favor, hovering right in front of your face, regarding you with their big fly eyes. Adults forage from June through October, but during this time, mated females are also laying eggs one at a time on leaf edges and flowers. They are looking especially for plants that harbor food for their young – soft-bodied herbivorous insects. The larvae, once they hatch, look a little like tiny greenish worms and usually blend right in. It’s rare to find them unless you really spend effort looking for them, but rest assured, they are busy throughout the summer cleaning plants out, one aphid at a time. When fall arrives, the larvae creep down into the soil to pupate and stay safe through the cold months. When late spring arrives, so do the new adults who mate and start the cycle again.  Margined calligraphers tolerate disturbance well and are found in gardens, meadows, roadsides and other open habitats from Canada through Central America. The genus that they belong to is mostly tropical, but this species is tough and adaptable, able to find habitat in weedy spaces or in perfectly maintained gardens. The only places in North America where you won’t find them are at high altitude and the Arctic, where it’s a little too cold for them. If you’d like to reap the rewards of more margined calligraphers and other syrphid flies in your garden, you can make sure to include diverse, simple flowers. Margined calligraphers aren’t picky, but they are often spotted on flowers that are either open and cup-shaped or have small, clustered blooms like dill and sunflowers. Other favorites include asters, blanketflowers, yarrow, wild rose, potentilla, and even shrubs like dogwood, viburnum, and ninebark. Leaving leaf litter and groundcovers intact in your habitat garden through the fall also protects the pupating phase. Finally, when pests arrive in your garden, consider pest management tactics other than pesticides. Pesticides can harm the species that are trying to manage your pest populations for you.  When it comes to pollinators, margined calligraphers are great reminders that size doesn’t necessarily matter. The more we look, the more we can appreciate the complex interactions and fascinating life cycles of these beautiful garden helpers. Want to learn more about pollinators and how to help them? Contact Butterfly Pavilion’s horticulture department at habitat@butterflies.org!  If you see this pollinator or others around Baseline, take a picture and upload it to Baseline’s iNaturalist page. By doing so, you can be a citizen scientist and help track the diversity and volume of pollinators at Baseline.