This picture I took, captures the image of 1 single Halloween Pennant (Celithemis Epinina)

Adults hunt for insects near natural water. Females lay eggs under water surfaces. Males and females will remain together until all eggs are laid . A slow (mostly still) creek ran behind my backyard, and all the neighbors back yards on the same side of the block.

While seeing one land on your home’s exterior may not be remarkable, this was one individual among 2-300 individuals, that took up residence in my backyard. The extravaganza of Halloween Pennants, lasted roughly 3werks. The numbers were so extreme, that they made it appear as though my grass had obtained mobility functions! They “roosted” or perched, on grass shoots. But they change places regularly, making the grass look mobile!

What was also so unusual, is that though a few individuals hovered in my front yard (maybe 20-30), there were NONE on my neighbors properties. I’ve always had an extreme “animal-friendly” policy and protocol, in any property I inhabit…both owned and rented. They seem to often find those “safe havens!” Of course I abstained  from mowing, for the duration of their breeding cycle, and until the very last pair, had  completed laying.

I had a similar experience in the place I rented prior to that, with many individuals, of 5 different species of butterflies. My plants looked like they had colorful Christmas ornaments adorning them!

My poor neighbor had gone to great pains both physically and financially, to attract butterflies to her yard. While I quickly pointed out, she’d onky planted feeding plants, and not hosting plants  (“housing” & breeding) for the butterflies complete satisfaction. I’m sure the next spring, some were added to her beautiful and elaborate yard. The yard also housed koi in a wonderful pond, tortoises, chickens and rabbits. Unfortunately in the presence of her chickens, a natural predator of insects, she may never achieve the lingering of butterflies that she desired.

But the butterflies remained at my property, until West Palm Beach, FL sprayed for mosquitoes. I still experienced mosquitoes, but all 5 species of the brilliant butterflies perished.  My cat obtained an ongoing asthma situation as well, and I was ill for a few days, after spraying. I’m sensitive to most chemicals. It’s why I also utilize natural options vs chemical and synthetic options, on many products and food-stuffs. My cat as well, is being managed naturally, to combat his ongoing asthma, and to control asthma” attacks.”

It’s a shame we don’t get a say, on some mandated Govt biological (or otherwise) controls!