All things bright and beautiful

Every here and there during November you spot a bunch of cerise, candy stick petals in the form of an ammocharis (Ammocharis tinneana). The leaves, which are often grazed by herbivores, and flowers grow from a very large underground bulb. What was unusual about this one, some distance away, was that it had a dark cloud hovering above it. We walked to it and discovered the cloud was a swarm of exquisite gold-spotted burnet moths (Arniocera auriguttata)that were attracted by the fragrant flowers.

With their iridescent black wings, gold spots, and orange head and legs they are vibrant little performers. They steal the show after the first rains and, unlike most moths, they are active during the day.

Their bright colours aren’t just for show - they are an aposematic signal to predators. Aposematic colouring refers to the bright, conspicuous coloration found on certain insects that signal that the insect may be toxic, distasteful, or otherwise dangerous to eat. The strategy relies on predators learning to associate these bold colours with negative experiences, such as unpleasant tastes or harmful effects. Over time, insects with such warning colours are less likely to be attacked, as predators avoid them based on prior encounters. The effectiveness is enhanced by the insect's ability to maintain or display these colours prominently, even in the presence of potential threats. Sometimes it pays to be a flashy show-off!

These little moths feed on the flowers’ nectar, and in doing so play a vital role in pollination. Pollination is essential for the reproduction of many plant species. As insects visit flowers to gather nectar or pollen, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating cross-pollination. This process helps plants produce seeds and fruit, which are vital for their survival and genetic diversity.

Beyond the plants themselves, insect pollination supports entire ecosystems, as it enables the growth of flora that provide food and habitat for other wildlife. Without insect pollinators, many plants would struggle to reproduce, leading to declines in biodiversity and potential food shortages for humans and wildlife alike. The size of insect populations is directly tied to the stability of ecosystems, and we are delighted to have so many insects buzzing about at the moment – they’re a true indicator of a healthy biome.

Noticing and paying attention to these small details, especially when you’re on a bush walk, opens up a whole new field of interest and marvel. It’s so rewarding to see and get an understanding of the bigger picture – especially when they’re as bright and beautiful as these are.