Our Co-Volunteers of the Month for April are Angelina Dawood and Liat Goren. They have volunteered at every event we had last month, whether large or small.
Both Liat and Angelina are constantly ready for any task that is presented to them. Since becoming volunteers in December they have already contributed 170+ hours to Flamingo Gardens and we really appreciate all the time and effort they have put in here at our establishment.
If you wish to volunteer at Flamingo Gardens too, please contact the Volunteer Department for availability and reservations at 954-473-2955, [email protected], or use the volunteer application button below.
Some effects of climate change such as mass extinction of hundreds of plants and animals across the globe, and displacement of hundreds of thousands of refugees migrating to higher and dryer land seem like far away consequences. But there is a much more immediate threat to all of us: insurance affordability. Climate change is about to make your insurance rates go through the roof, and it’s already happening!
The effects of climate change are stronger and more immediate than ever. With increasing frequency of natural disasters that result in the destruction of properties and businesses now hitting record-breaking rates, insurers can no longer wish them away as individual catastrophic events.
2020 was the fifth costliest year for the insurance industry in 40 years. According to a 2021 report released by Munich RE, one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance and insurance-related risk solutions, global disasters exacerbated by climate change resulted in $210 billion in losses in 2020 as several countries, including the U.S. and China, battled hurricanes, floods, and wildfires. The US accounted for $95 billion of overall losses and $67 billion of insured losses.
Insurance is in the business of managing risk. Greater risk equals more claims which results in higher premiums. Taxpayers and insurance premiums share the cost for severe damage due to weather. Severe weather events that occur in Los Angeles, for example, affect premiums in other parts of the state and the country. These weather-related claims impact everyone.
Rising physical risk levels are already threatening insurability and affordability of existing coverage. Higher claims costs will require a higher premium, which may jeopardize affordability.
Catastrophic events are projected to continue. According to a McKinsey research report, the value at risk from climate-induced hazards may increase from about 2% of global GDP to more than 4% of global GDP in 2050. This projection, which forecast more frequent storms, floods, and wildfires, may lead to underinsurance of the population, leading to premium loss, higher rates of self-insurance, and increased demand for disaster relief from the public sector. Consumers will shoulder most of that burden.
Florida is one of the states most vulnerable to climate change, putting Floridians at a greater risk for disasters that will impact everything from health and physical safety to property and assets. Climate change is already having a direct financial impact on Florida homeowners through their home insurance premiums.
According to a report by ValuePenguine, the cost of homeowners insurance in Florida has gone up by 32.5% since 2016. This is more than three times higher than the average rate change of 10.9% that the rest of the country experienced during the same period. In an Insurance Newsnet article, Mark Friedlander, a spokesperson for the nonpartisan association Insurance Information Institute, says that statewide premiums in Florida are up nearly 25% for 2022, and aren’t expected to level off anytime soon. Premiums have doubled in some parts of the state.
Yes, there are other additional causes contributing to the large increases in homeowner insurance premiums such as fraud and litigation expenses, but reinsurance companies who underwrite retail insurers simply can’t afford to ignore the link between climate change and catastrophes caused by the resulting storms, wildfires, and flooding. As the financial losses multiply, the price of reinsurance will continue to increase accordingly and get passed on to the consumer.
Floridians can expect this trend to continue and for premiums to become more and more unaffordable if we do not confront climate change head-on. You can help by making your concerns known to your legislators and public officials, and by letting businesses you frequent know that you want them to do their part to combat climate change too.
Here are some other blogs for ideas to help combat climate change:
You probably have been given or purchased an orchid- most likely a Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, or Cattleya. These are just three of the most popular genera of the orchids in cultivation today.
[Cattleya violacea coerulea by Tom Kuligowski]
The size and diversity of the orchid family, Orchidaceae, is nothing short of astounding, with estimates of 800 genera, 30,000 naturally occurring species and more than 100,000 hybrids. Orchids grow on every continent and every habitat except the major deserts and arctic circles. Many orchids grow in subtropical areas of the world and many of those will grow well in South Florida.
[Dendrobium superbum photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Orchids can be epiphytes (which grow attached to other plants, also known as “air plants”), terrestrials (grow on land), lithophytes (grow on rocks), or saprophytes (grow on dead organic matter). About 75% of all orchids are epiphytes and can be found growing on trees.
There are two groups of epiphytic orchids based on stem structure and growth habit- sympodial and monopodial.
[Sympodial orchid, Dendrobium atroviolaceum photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Sympodial orchids
Sympodial orchids have a horizontal growth habit and often feature pseudobulbs, a thickened stem from which the leaves emerge that are attached to a basal rhizome. The pseudobulbs store water and food for the orchid, which allows the plant to go for prolonged periods without water. Examples of sympodial orchids include Cattleya, Dendrobium, and Oncidium orchids. In general, these types of orchids require less watering as they can store water in their pseudobulbs.
[Cattleya amethystoglossa photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Cattleya
Cattleyas are a genus of Orchidaceae native to much of South America. They are among the most popular orchids grown. Cattleyas come in many different shapes, colors, and sizes and have very showy flowers. Cattleyas are epiphytes which grow on trees or rocks. Cattleyas generally prefer humid environments and like to dry out between watering. Most important for Cattleya growth is bright, indirect light. The leaves should be medium green in color when the light levels are optimal. They tolerate temperatures between 60 and 90 F. Cattleyas like to be fertilized when in active growth, that is when you see new root tips.
[Dendrobium lasianthera photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Dendrobium
Dendrobium orchids are a popular, complex, and extremely large genus from the Old World. Some varieties grow in the mountainous Himalayas while others grow in lowland tropical forests. Some varieties even thrive in the Australian desert. Many of the subtropical Dendrobiums have beautiful flowers which are also long lasting, but because it is such a large genus group, no one culture works for all.
[Oncidium sphacelatum photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Oncidium
Oncidiums can be found anywhere from sea level in the tropics to the high elevations of the Andes. The genus is not only one of the largest and most popular cultivated orchid genera, but also a collection of considerably distinct species with varying light, water, and humidity needs. Oncidiums usually produce long, branched, many-flowered, erect to arching inflorescences bearing small to large flowers often in colors from yellow to brown, rarely of uniform color but usually marked or blotched.
[Monopodial orchid Vanda Fulford’s Gold 2 photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Monopodial orchids
Monopodial orchids grow upright or vertically. They feature side shoots, which likewise grow upright. Unlike sympodial orchids, this type of epiphyte does not have pseudobulbs for nutrient storage and therefore most monopodial orchids have thicker or longer roots to retain moisture. Vanda, Phalaenopsis, and Paphiopedilum are just three of the most common monopodial orchids. Usually, these types of orchids require more humidity and more frequent watering.
[Vanda Princess Mikasa photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Vanda
Vandas are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and the Pacific where they can be found hanging from trees or from cracks in cliffs and other rocky locations. In South Florida these plants will grow best outdoors in bright filtered sunlight. Vandas require high humidity and should be watered daily. In the heat of the summer, they can use multiple waterings a day. Vandas can be mounted on a tree, such as a palm tree, grown in a wooden basket, or mounted on a wire.
[Phalaenopsis Fuller’s 3545 photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Phalaenopsis
The majority of Phalaenopsis are native to Indonesia and the Philippines. They naturally grow in the tropical forest attached to trees and in crevices; therefore, they like low, indirect light, warm temperatures, and high humidity. Phalaenopsis, commonly called the moth orchid due to their flat flower petals resembling moth wings, are admired for their beautiful flowers and are the most widely grown orchid genera. In fact, they account for a staggering 75 percent of all orchid plant sales. These orchids are among the easiest orchids to grow, whether in greenhouses, on windowsills, or mounted on your palm trees. Blossoms on a single stem can last for months.
[Paphipedilum venustum photo by Tom Kuligowski]
Paphiopedilum
Paphiopedilums are also called slipper orchids because of their unique floral pouch reminiscent of a lady’s shoe. They are semi-terrestrial orchids that can be found growing on the humus rich floor in their native jungle habitats of the Philippines and New Guinea to the high hills of northern India. Paphiopedilums come from the jungle, so they expect a tropical environment with plenty of moisture, humidity, and bright shade. Their care is like African violets and are a bit fussier than other orchids, preferring a temperature range between 60F-80F with a humidity level of 40-50 percent. They require watering about once per week. But like all orchids, Paphiopedilums do not tolerate soggy roots, so make sure they’re not sitting in excess water after watering.
Explore the beauty and diversity of orchids at Flamingo Gardens’ breathtaking exhibit, Beauty Of Orchids, on display March 19 to May 8, 2022. Over 1,000 live orchids in 10 displays created by staff and the Orchidteers volunteer group are set among the lush tropical setting of Flamingo Gardens and feature the images of award-winning orchid photographer, Tom Kuligowski.
Inside the Gallery you will enjoy an exhibit of beautiful orchid photographs selected from participants in Flamingo Gardens’ 11th Annual Photo Contest.
On weekends, exit the Tram at the Wetlands Walkway to hear “Native Orchid Music” by Juraj Kojs, based upon the DNA sequence of various Florida native orchids. Each weekend will also include orchid classes, tours, and demonstrations, as well as orchids for sale from select vendors. Check online for the schedule of classes and special programming at: https://flamingogardens.org/beauty-of-orchids.html
Beauty of Orchids opens the weekend of the Exotic Plant Festival & Bonsai Show, March 19 & 20, and will remain on display during the 40th International Orchid & Bromeliad Show, April 16 & 17, through Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022.
Timed Online Tickets are recommended on weekends. Beauty of Orchids exhibit is included in your Flamingo Gardens’ admission of $21.95 for ages 12+, $15.95 for ages 3-11, Flamingo Gardens’ members and children 2 and younger are free. Narrated tram tour included.
Environmental groups are calling on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to place the rare ghost orchid under the protection of the Endangered Species Act and officially designate its habitat in southern Florida as critical to its recovery.
[The Ghost Orchid, Dendrophylax Lindenii, photo by Thomas Kuligowski]
The illusive ghost orchid, Dendrophylax Lindenii, faces mounting threats in Florida from poaching, loss of habitat, and climate change, and needs federal protection according to a petition filed recently by the Institute for Regional Conservation, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the National Parks Conservation Association. The conservation groups estimate there are only about 1,500 ghost orchids remaining in Florida where their population is down by 90%.
If so designated, the ghost orchid would be the first Florida native orchid to be federally listed as endangered or threatened.
[Prosthechea cochleata photo by Thomas Kuligowski]
Most Florida native orchid species are already state-listed as threatened or endangered and are illegal to collect in the wild. There are approximately 100 Florida native orchids genera, but only 11 are found in Broward County. Conservationists fear all Florida native orchids face the possibility of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change and poaching, if conservation and recovery plans are not instituted.
[Prosthechea cochleata var. alba photo by Thomas Kuligowski]
Flamingo Gardens, along with the help of the Flamingo Gardens Orchidteer volunteer group, has been working hard to establish colonies of native orchids throughout the hardwood hammocks and wetland areas of the Gardens. The Orchidteers and staff have mounted more than twelve hundred plants of various native orchid species such as the night fragrant Epidendrum nocturnum; the Florida butterfly orchid Encyclia tampensis; the Florida silver dollar orchid Prosthechea boothiana; and Sacoila lanceolata, commonly known as the leafless beaked orchid. We have partnered with Pine Island Jog Environmental Center on the Florida Native Orchid Revitalization Area (FLORA) project (part of the Million Orchid Project) to help enhance and restore native orchid populations at Flamingo Gardens.
[Encyclia tampensis photo by Thomas Kuligowski]
With the help of the Orchidteers volunteer group, Flamingo Gardens’ native orchid conservation programs ensure the continuation of native orchid species in the gardens; and orchid educational programs help instill a deeper love and appreciation for orchids for all those who visit. Under the watchful eyes of the Orchidteers, orchids are tagged and logged at installation, providing a detailed reference summary as the collection evolves.
[Prosthechea boothiana photo by Thomas Kuligowski]
You can learn more about Florida native orchids and Flamingo Gardens’ conservation efforts at the upcoming Beauty of Orchids exhibit from March 19 to May 9, 2022. The exhibit will feature over one thousand orchids in bloom in floral displays throughout the Gardens alongside the orchid photographs of Tom Kuligowski. Weekly orchid classes, orchid sales, and tours will accompany the exhibit. Visit www.flamingogardens.org for more information and schedule.
[Prosthechea boothiana photo by Thomas Kuligowski]
Biologists are becoming more and more concerned that global climate change will drastically reduce biodiversity. Some biologists estimate that up to 35% of animals and plants could become extinct in the wild by 2050 due to global climate change- less than 30 years!
A 2020 World Wildlife Federation report claims that the population sizes of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles have experienced a 68% decrease since 1970 and freshwater species have declined as much as 84% already. (1)
South Florida and the Everglades is particularly susceptible to the effects of global warming and sea-level rise. Everglades plants and animals will be disproportionally affected as the ocean rises and saltwater infiltrates marshes and floods low-lying habitats.
The Center for Biological Diversity report has compiled a list of 350 species found in the United States and its territories which are threatened by climate change. (2) Ten Everglades species standout among the many Florida species included on the list.
Florida panther photo by Mike Levine
Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi)
The Florida panther is one of the most majestic, large felines in the wild, and tragically, it’s the only large feline remaining in the Southeast. Once abundantly found throughout Southeast United States, it is estimated there are fewer than 120 Florida panthers left in the wild.
Although habitat loss driven by Florida’s burgeoning human population is the greatest threat to Florida panthers, sea-level rise will inundate and eliminate a large portion of the panther’s remaining habitat in Florida’s low-lying Everglades.
Florida manatee photo by stammphoto
Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostrus)
Manatees, sometimes referred to as sea cows, are large, gentle aquatic marine mammals related to elephants that spend much of their time grazing on seagrasses and other vegetation in warm, shallow waters. The current population of manatees in Florida is thought to be between only 1,000 and 3,000.
The leading cause of death among manatees is boat strikes which kill them or leave lethal propeller wounds on the survivors; but starvation is quickly becoming a major cause of death as well. Sea-level rise and changes in water flow that increase water turbidity threaten the manatees’ main food source- the seagrasses that grow in shallow waters. Increased hurricane intensity and storm surge also impact their food supply, leading to starvation as well as impaired manatee health and reproduction.
Green sea turtle photo by pkphotoscom
Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Much knowledge about sea turtle ecology comes from studies of green sea turtles which migrate long distances between feeding grounds and hatching beaches. Sea turtles spend almost all their lives submerged but must breathe air, routinely diving for about five minutes and surfacing to breathe for one to three seconds.
Warming ocean temperatures are leading to mass coral bleaching which damage reef habitats where turtles feed, and changes in ocean currents are altering turtle migrations paths and feeding patterns. Rising sea levels may also inundate nesting beaches and the increased sand temperatures may lead to changes in the sex ratio of hatchling turtles.
Ivory tree coral photo courtesy of U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Ivory tree coral (Oculina varicosa)
Ivory tree coral is home to various reef fish and considered a keystone species, meaning that its own health indicates the health of the ecosystem around it. These corals have been decimated by destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling, which have killed about 30 percent of the population across its range.
Today, corals like the ivory tree are among the species most threatened by greenhouse gas pollution. Warming ocean temperatures create frequent mass bleaching events that lead to widespread coral death and higher risk of disease.
Key deer photo by Joseph C. Boone
Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium)
The range of the key deer originally encompassed all of the lower Florida Keys but is now limited to a stretch of the Florida Keys from Sugarloaf Key to Bahia Honda Key. Despite a hunting ban imposed in 1939, widespread poaching and habitat destruction caused the subspecies to plummet to near-extinction levels by the 1950s. Strict protection measures have brought numbers up to between 300 and 800 today but global warming brings additional threats.
Rising sea levels and increased storm intensity that may largely eliminate the key deers’ upland habitat on the low-lying Florida Keys. Scientist predict that sea-level rise in this century will virtually eliminate the deers’ upland pine forest and hardwood hammock habitat on Big Pine Key.
Miami blue butterfly photo by J. Glassberg and North American Butterfly Association
Miami blue butterfly (Hemiargus thomasi bethunebakeri)
This small, metallic blue butterfly, native to South Florida, experienced its first major setback in the 1980s when coastal development exploded and Florida’s war on mosquitoes dispersed toxic chemicals throughout the butterflies’ range. Bahia Honda State Park in the Lower Florida Keys now houses the only wild population of Miami blues.
Global warming brings additional risks to this seriously imperiled species as sea-level rise threatens to inundate much of its habitat on low-lying Bahia Honda Key, and stronger hurricanes could devastate the remaining small, isolated population.
Cape Sable seaside sparrow photo by Lori Oberhofer
The Cape Sable seaside sparrow isn’t nicknamed the “Goldilocks bird” for nothing: For this little sparrow to survive, its habitat conditions have to be just right.
As sea level rises, the freshwater marshes inhabited by the sparrow are flooding and turning into mud flats and mangrove-dominated marine waters. Increasingly severe hurricanes due to global warming also threaten this birds’ chances for survival, since hurricanes can kill the tiny birds directly or alter the plant communities they rely on.
Choctawhatchee beach mouse photo courtesy of Earth.com
Technically, beach mice are not in the Everglades, but they do inhabit sand dunes along the Florida coasts where they burrow and excavate nests. Their burrows typically have a main hole that acts as a front door and a second hole, or back door, often used to escape predators.
That back door, however, won’t be much help in the fight against global warming and rising sea levels. With global warming producing rising tide lines and increasing storm surge, dune ecosystems face challenges, as does this tiny mouse.
Lower Keys marsh rabbit photo by Chad Anderson/USFWS
The Lower Keys marsh rabbit is an endangered subspecies of marsh rabbit with short, dark brown fur and a grayish-white belly. Marsh rabbits are more aquatic than swamp rabbits, taking to water readily, and are excellent swimmers because their hind legs have less fur and longer nails than typical cottontails.
Because they live on low-lying islands, marsh rabbits will lose most of their habitat with even moderate levels of sea-level rise.
Human beings in London photo by VV Shots
Human beings (Homo sapiens)
There are more than 6.8 billion human beings on Earth.
Health and climate scientists believe that global warming is already responsible for approximately 150,000 deaths each year, and they fear that number may well double by 2030. Global warming also contributes to approximately five million human illnesses every year by the increasing spread of infectious diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, creating conditions that lead to potentially fatal malnutrition and diarrhea, and increasing the frequency and severity of heat waves, droughts, floods, severe storms, and other weather-related disasters. Studies have also found a direct link between rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere and respiratory illness and asthma.
Visit the Center for Biological Diversity’s article, 350 Reasons We Need to Get to 350: 350 Species Threatened by Global Warming, to read how climate change is putting numerous species’ very existence at risk and what mechanisms are being triggered to make food webs collapse or habitats become less livable for particular animals or plants. You can read the species’ descriptions and look at photos of the species at risk in your home state through their interactive regional map.
Climate Change is the shift in the average weather conditions – such as temperature and rainfall – in a place over many years. Earth’s climate is always changing; however, scientists have recorded unusual and accelerating temperature increases over the past 150 years. The world is now about 1.2°C warmer than it was in the 19th Century, leading to heatwaves, melting ice, rising sea levels, and extreme storms, flooding, droughts, and wildfires.
There are several factors that contribute to changes in Earth’s climate; however, scientists agree that recent global warming in the past 50 to 100 years is due to human activity. Simply stated, human activities- such as burning fossil fuels to manufacture products and power our factories, homes, and cars- cause greenhouse gases which trap more heat and lead to a warmer earth.
As the Earth warms, the typical weather patterns change. Arctic ice melts leading to sea level rise and coastal flooding. Warmer temperatures create more evaporation over both the ocean and land. As more water evaporates over the ocean, it creates larger storms which turn into hurricanes as well as inland storms which cause flooding and tornados. Increased evaporation over land leads to droughts, water shortages, and more frequent wildfires.
Extreme weather events are already evident- from this year’s unprecedented freeze in Dallas, TX to the record-breaking heatwaves in the Northeast and Midwest. Hurricanes, flash floods, and wildfires have become more frequent and more intense, threatening lives and livelihoods and destroying property as well as habitat for wildlife. Once fertile farmland is turning to desert and water reservoirs are drying up. Rising ocean temperatures are threatening coral habitats and marine life.
There are hundreds of ways that you can help combat Climate Change in your own daily lives. Andy Chabassol, Co-Chair of The Climate Reality Project Miami-Fort Lauderdale Chapter, suggests these ten ways you can personally make a difference:
1. Educate yourself about Climate Change issues and help educate your friends and family. (If you want a Climate Reality member to deliver their Climate Story to a group of your friends, just contact [email protected])
2. Invest in Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance (ESG) companies. Align your money and wealth and shopping habits with companies that have high scores for excellence in ESG research, integration, and product design.
3. Offset your personal carbon footprint. Lead by example by knowing your carbon footprint and offset it; but make sure that your offset leads to a measured reduction in carbon emissions.
4. Volunteer with Climate Change initiatives. There are hundreds of environmental organizations that can use your help, like Flamingo Gardens or www.volunteercleanup.org
5. Look after your health and well-being. As you become more informed, climate change knowledge can be troubling. You must take care of yourself if you are to help others.
6. Modify your diet to eat less meat and less processed foods. Locally grown, organic food is better for your health and its production emits less carbon.
7. Respect and protect green spaces as they are important for carbon sequestration and wildlife.
8. Conserve energy and water at home and work.
9. Minimize your car use by walking, biking, or using ride sharing or public transportation instead.
10. Talk about it! Tell people about the “changes” you make to help combat Climate Change and how it makes you feel!
Flamingo Gardens is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of our Free-flight Aviary which is home to permanently injured and non-releasable native wading birds and features the five unique ecosystems of Florida.
Aviary Construction 1990, Flamingo Gardens Archive
When Flamingo Gardens’ Free-flight Aviary opened in September of 1991, it was one of the first displays of its kind, giving a home to permanently injured Florida native wildlife and allowing visitors to experience them up close in a naturalistic setting. It took almost two years to construct, and originally contained only a couple dozen birds, representing nine bird species at the grand opening.
Aviary Opening 1991, Flamingo Gardens Archive
The Aviary was envisioned to be a living teaching museum representing the five unique ecosystems of Florida: coastal prairie, mangrove swamp, cypress forest, subtropical hardwood hammock, and sawgrass prairie. Plants were selected to be native to the ecosystem represented. Among the plants are bald cypress, gumbo limbo, pond apple trees, sea oats, and even mangroves.
Aviary Opening September 1991, Flamingo Gardens Archive
Today the Aviary boasts over 250 birds, representing 46 native species with the distinction of being the largest collection of Florida native wading birds in the state. The trees and plants are mature and the birds look much as they would in their natural settings in the Everglades.
Great Blue Heron in Aviary Mangroves by Lorenzo Cassina, 2013
Each spring visitors can experience the mating and nesting rituals of the birds, as nearly 100 baby birds on average are born each year in the Aviary. The babies are left in the care of the parents until they can fly, where upon they are released into the wild. In the last 30 years the birds in the Aviary have successfully bred over 3,000 birds which have been released back into the wild.
Juvenile Green Herons in Aviary 2011, Flamingo Gardens Archive
Thanks to a grant from The Batchelor Foundation, the Aviary has recently been given a new facelift. Most noticeable is the new open-air Aviary entrance, but improvements also include a thorough cleaning and painting of the steel structural columns, and de-mucking of the ponds and waterways.
New Aviary Entrance, 2021
Stop by and visit the newly refreshed Aviary as we celebrate its 30 years of enjoyment to visitors of Flamingo Gardens, but more importantly to the thousands of birds that have called it home over the decades!
Our Volunteer of the Month for September is William Rolle, nominated by our Maintenance Dept. William started out as a guide in our Aviary in March, where he was much loved by our guests. He enjoys giving tours to our visitors and educating them on the Everglades and the birds that call it home. William recently began volunteering in the Animal Care department after advocating for himself to take on additional responsibility, and has proven himself an incredibly hard worker. William is courteous and helpful, and goes out of his way to make sure that our guests have the best experience while visiting Flamingo Gardens. Look out for William on Saturday mornings assisting our Animal Care department with diets and cleaning. Thank you William!
There are approximately 1 million described species of insects in the world and it is believed that there are at least 4 million more species that have yet to be named. Insects represent three-fourths of all described animal species on the planet. Even more than that, there are believed to be an estimated 10 quintillion individual living insects, making them the largest animal population on the planet!
Many insects can be pests, whether they are bed bugs or crop destroyers, but not all insects are bad. In fact, there are quite a few that are beneficial to the environment.
There are some insects that can be particularly beneficial at keeping harmful insects under control. Predatory bugs will hunt other invertebrates which can help keep plants safe from non-beneficial bugs.
Assassin bug (photo credit: www.insectpod.com)
Assassin bugs are one of these predatory bugs. They kill their prey by injecting it with a toxin that dissolves the victim’s tissue which it then sucks up with its proboscis.
Praying Mantis (photo credit: Lorenzo Cassina)
Praying Mantis are not picky eaters and will eat just about any other non-poisonous bug, which can be very beneficial to gardeners suffering plant damage from pests.
Dragonfly (photo credit: cff2.earth.com)
Dragonflies and damselflies are also predatory as both the nymph and the adult eat other insects and are particularly important to reducing mosquito and mosquito larvae populations. Damselflies are smaller and have slimmer bodies than dragonflies, and fold their wings up and along their body when at rest, unlike dragonflies which hold their wings out flat and away from the body.
Pirate bug (photo credit: Ho Jung Yoo)
The minute pirate bug is an easily overlooked beneficial insect. They feed greedily on small organisms such as leafhoppers, aphids, thrips, and mites. They naturally occur in crops and are highly attracted to flowers where they also feed on pollen.
Ladybugs (photo credit: Lorenzo Cassina)
Ladybugs are one of the more popular beneficial insects. Ladybugs, aka lady beetles, are widely used to keep aphids under control.. They will also eat mites, scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies, small caterpillars, beetle grubs, and all types of insect eggs.
Honey bee (photo credit: Chris Mahler)
Honey Bees are one of the most beneficial insects. Honey bees are essential to the proper pollination of consumable foods. Without honey bees, foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, blueberries, and a large variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts would not be pollinated. Without pollination, approximately one-third of our food crops would be decreased. In addition, honey sales contribute millions of dollars of revenue to the economy each year.
Zebra longwing butterfly (photo credit: Lorenzo Cassina)
Many other insects also serve as pollinators. Most people know that in addition to honey bees, butterflies and moths are also pollinators, but several species of ants, beetles, and even some wasps are pollinators as well.
Echinacea, or coneflowers (photo credit: Lorenzo Cassina)
Like many other species of birds and animals, beneficial insects are threatened with declining habitat, pollution, and use of pesticides. You can help protect beneficial insects by minimizing your use of pesticides and attract them to your yard by providing plants which attract these insects. Such plants include alfalfa, cilantro, cosmos, dandelions, dill, echinacea, fennel, marigold, milkweed, parsley, Queen Anne’s lace, rose, rudbeckia, sunflowers, wildflowers, yarrow, and zinnia to name just a few.
To learn more about insects, visit the new Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! exhibit on display in the Gallery at Flamingo Gardens between May 29 and September 6, 2021. Gallery hours are 10am to 4:00pm seven days a week.
In honor of the upcoming International Orchid and Bromeliad Show at Flamingo Gardens, we thought we’d highlight 12 of our favorite orchids now in bloom. You can take a self-guided walking tour to see these beauties up-close and in person. Ask for the Orchid Tour map at the ticket counter.
12. Phalaenopsis DeLeon’s White is one of the most popular Phalaenopsis orchids on the market because of their tolerance of low-level light conditions and for the long sleek spikes of large white petals which resemble butterflies and last for weeks, even months. *This orchid can be seen in the large container in the middle island of the Arboretum.
11. Phalaenopsis Timothy Christopher is a miniature Phal that is a hybrid cross of Phalaenopsis Cassandra x Phalaenopsis aphrodite and blooms in abundance. *This orchid can be seen on the white silk floss tree trunk just after the middle island.
10. Oncidium sphacalatum is a species orchid of Mexico and Central America. It is known as the Golden Shower Orchid due to its bright yellow flowers on abundant long spikes that grow up to 3 feet long. The showy blooms last for weeks. *This orchid can be seen to the left looking back at the Toucan cage.
9. Dendrobium Flamingo Garden has large flowers of flashy pink and purple undertones, just as you’d expect of our namesake, with an extended lip and great patterning. *This orchid can be seen straight ahead when you looking back at the Toucan cage.
8. Dendrobium lindleyi is a small species orchid of Thailand and much of southeast Asia notable for its showy sprays of yellow buttercup flowers. *This orchid can be seen on the west side of the Palm tree at the intersection of the Service Road and Tram Trail, just opposite the Wedding Gazebo.
7. Howeara Lava Burst ‘Puanani’ is a miniature variety Oncidinae hybrid that is famous for its small, flaming red flowers that emerge twice a year and last for weeks. It is a cross of Howeara Mini-Primi x Rodriguezia secunda. *This Oncidium orchid can be seen on the palm tree to the right of the ramp as you enter the garden from the gift shop.
6. Oncidium Sweet Sugar ‘Lemon Drop’ is distinguished by its bright pure-yellow flowers of medium size, but beautifully arranged on arching racemes which remain in bloom for weeks. It is a hybrid of Aloha Iwanaga x varicosum. *This Oncidium orchid can be seen on the palm tree to the left of the ramp as you enter the garden from the gift shop.
5. Broughtonia sanguinea is a species orchid native to Jamaica. It is outstanding for the long flower spikes that grow up to 2 feet long above its foliage, tipped with clusters of bright red flowers. *This orchid can be seen on the palms on the right side of the large Cluster Fig tree.
4. Gongora claviodora is a species orchid found in Nicaragua south to Columbia that is notable for its pendulous clusters of dark red flowers that smell of cloves. *This orchid can be seen hanging in the basket from the Live Oak tree near the Bromeliad Garden.
3. Guarianthe skinneri is a species orchid that ranges from southern Mexico to Costa Rica where it is the national flower and plays a role in local folk traditions. It is outstanding for its spectacular display of colorful blossoms covering the plant. *This orchid can be seen on the east side of the Palm tree at the intersection of the Service Road and Tram Trail, opposite the Wedding Gazebo.
2. Dendrobium anosmum superbum is a species orchid native to Southeast Asia. Species Orchids are those species that occur naturally in nature and have not been hybridized. This Dendrobium, while short-lived, is a showstopper when cascades of lavender blooms appear on the bare canes. New leafy canes will grow and lose their leaves the following year just before new blooms appear. *This Orchid can be seen at the end of the ramp to the left.
1. Vanda Pachara Delight ‘Isabella’ is beloved for its stunning deep blue-violet flowers which blooms multiple times throughout the year and last for weeks at a time. This hybrid is a cross of V. Karulea x V. Gordon Dillion. *This Vanda orchid can be seen to the right in the middle of the ramp from the gift shop.
William started out as a guide in our Aviary in March, where he was much loved by our guests. He enjoys giving tours to our visitors and educating them on the Everglades and the birds that call it home. William recently began volunteering in the Animal Care department after advocating for himself to take on additional responsibility, and has proven himself an incredibly hard worker. William is courteous and helpful, and goes out of his way to make sure that our guests have the best experience while visiting Flamingo Gardens. Look out for William on Saturday mornings assisting our Animal Care department with diets and cleaning. Thank you William!
