Net-Winged Beetles

Uncovering the Little Visitor "Net-Winged Beetles (Lycidae)"

I think it was late morning in my garden in Soshanguve, Pretoria, after a light rain had fallen. The smell of wet earth permeated the air, and the sun was breaking through the clouds, lighting up the place very softly. While I was looking at my guava trees, the bright thing at the very top of a leaf made me look there. Initially, I thought it was a lost petal, but on closer observation, it was actually the Lycidae beetle, with its bright orange and red wings featuring minute black web like patterns.

I was a witness to the act when the creature was making its way across the leaf very gradually, its antennae were moving as it familiarized itself with the new environment. Unlike other insects that run or jump, these beetles move at a slow pace which looks almost like they are walking. I observed how its tiny legs grabbed the leaf while it was going on with its.

Learning More about Lycidae

Noticeably, I also pondered on the species as whole. The Lycidae beetles are small fascinating creatures with quite a few distinctive features, such as;

Source: The beetles were initially from hot regions, and hence, they are found in South Africa. Being natives of the subtropical, they are very compatible with the gardens like mine.

Behavior: The behavior is that of a day active animal and leaves are their usual habitat, where they can be found going through their surroundings, slow moving, but inching continually.

Temperature wise, they are warm lovers, and more so for the days with were typical of the sunlit afternoons in Pretoria.

Humidity wise, these little beetles are among the requirements of a moderate to high humidity level and that is why they can be found after a rain or in well watered gardens.

Leg Span: Extremely small and delicate, they are perfectly suited to walking on leaves and branches.

Disposition: Relaxed and thoughtful, they are seldom seen flying unless alarmed. Observations of them are almost trance like. Especially useful for gardeners interested in non toxic, fascinating company in the garden ecosystem.

Communication: Primarily through motion and antennal gestures, no buzzing or sound.

Dietary Habits & Environment: The Lycidae insect is not a plant sucking one; it does not consume fruits or leaves but seems to be content with merely inhabiting the leaves.

True, little beetles might not be able to do much pollination or contribute to plant growth, however gathering of them greets us with the existence of the clean and diversified garden. It is amazing how much character can exist in something as small as this.

Observing Its Movements

The bug was tracing the sides of the leaves very slowly, stopping every now and then as if it was really feeling the hot surface. Water droplets were sticking to the leaf veins, and little rainbows were showing up on them. Near the ants were coming one after another on a branch, and there was a little spider hanging from its web. The quietness in which the beetle was discovering its way was a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle that was going on all around.

I watched it for several minutes and took pictures of its delicate activity. It was doing things very slowly, and therefore I was able to notice things that normally I wouldn't just by my quick glance, such as the shiny part of its wings, the small movement of its antennae, and the skill with which it used its very tiny legs to hold the leaf. Its performance was so slow that it made me slow down and thereby I got to see and taste the small things of backyard delights.

Life in Garden Ecosystem

Though Lycidae beetles don't harm the vegetation, they are still a very essential environmental health factor. One layer of the food chain that is made up of flying insects is what these beetles preferably indicate, and the birds that feed on these, are also likely to be seen in the same area. Furthermore, the webs of spiders which are their both predators and companions may be found on them.

Such insects have become my garden residents through good situations there like in the subtropical area that the garden is. The climate of Pretoria with its warm temperatures, summer rainfall, and proper humidity is perfect for such a species as this one. Even tiny things such as the existence of the shade, mulched garden beds, and flowers are great places where they can lie down. Watching the beetles brought me back to the fact that my garden is not only fruits and vegetables; it is also a place of the hidden stories.

Thoughts on 'A Tiny Teacher'

In today's

The afternoon Lycidae beetle observation made me a little bit of a reflective.' Often, I am rushing to plant, water and harvest and yet I don't see the stillness that is part of the whole process. But through this small insect, I have learned to watch, to wait and to be conscious. Now I am keeping my observations in a notebook and reflecting on them. Every observation is one story, and each of them, regardless of their size, have lessons.

Their intentional motion, gentle character, and calm presence all encouraged me to support biodiversity. In this garden, some leaves are undisturbed, flowers are allowed to naturally blossom, and small pests are endured in recognition of the fact that all are essential toward garden health.

What to Expect When You See a Lycidae Beetle

Appearance: Red to bright orange wings with delicate black web like patterns; 5 to 12 mm in length.

Behaviour: Slow and deliberate, mostly solitary. Frequently, it stops to look.

Garden Impact: Safe; does not eat leaves or fruit.

Seasonal Activity: The peak of the activity is during Pretoria's wet and warm seasons, which are from October to March.

Climate & Zones: Can grow in subtropical areas; is a good match for Pretoria/Soshanguve (Zone 10a).

Tips for Gardeners: If you are taking pictures, slow down your approach. Watching them can be almost meditative, a small escape into the quiet wonder of your garden. 

Final Thoughts

The Lycidae beetle from the day's event is one of the lessons in gardening and recognizing why I garden that is, why garden at all. 

Lycidae might be little, but they bring magic and instruct patience, observation, and delight in small, slow things. If you happen to be gardening in Pretoria or any subtropical region, I would suggest you to take a moment after a rain shower, or on a warm and humid afternoon. Take a good look and find these colorful and interesting visitors. 

Next time you come to your garden, don't forget to slow down and look around. It is quite possible that small, bright, and lovely creatures are there waiting to tell you their stories.