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Observations: July 2, 1996 |
Saltmarsh Mosquitoes
Many people think that mosquitoes are here only to irritate us but, they
are actually an important part of our coastal ecosystem. They are a main
source of food for many species of fish and birds.
Mosquitoes belong to the Diptera order, and have a pair of front wings as well as a second pair of knob-like structures called halters. Males have feathery antenna and generally feed on plant juices. The females have short, bristly antennas and feed on blood. (They may fly several kilometres for a blood meal!)
Mosquitoes like the hot, sunny days of summer and lay their eggs in damp, marshy areas. Several generations of saltmarsh mosquitoes are produced over the growing season, as the daily tides provide ideal breeding conditions in tidal pools.
Natural treatments for Insect Bites
Plants can be used as cures for many ailments, including insect bites. An ointment of thyme and summer savory or parsley juice placed on insect bites brings quick relief. Steep freshly crushed leaves from burdock or plantain (common roadside plants), and apply this balm to relieve insect bites. People with sensitive skin should be careful when handling or using wild plants as these simple remedies may cause an allergic reaction.
'Bur'ly Plants
Burdock, a plant with large, soft ruffled, hair-covered rhubarb-like leaves and a rigid celery-like stalk, appears in springtime in open areas. Great Burdock (Arctium lappa) is 60 to 270 cm tall, with long stocks of purplish, thistle-like flowers that bloom from July through to early autumn. Common Burdock (Arctium minor) is smaller, growing 60 to 150 cm tall. It has a hollow stalk and small flowers. This plant produces seed pods called "burs" that stick to your clothes!
Black-throated green Warbler
If you hear a lazy buzzing
sound from the top of some fir trees in the park, look for a Black-throated
Green Warbler (Dendroica virens). This warbler is common in the Maritimes
and likes nesting in conifer trees. Look for a yellow face, black throat
and sides, and olive green upperparts and crown. Its lower breast is white
with black streaks on the side and two white wing bars. With binoculars
you can see this busy tiny bird feeding on insects as it hovers in the air
or zips to a branch to snatch a tasty insect.
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The Naturalist's Notebook is published quarterly. If you have any questions or topics that you would like to see addressed, please call John Gilbert, Manager, Fish and Wildlife, J.D. Irving, Limited, (506) 632-7777. |