This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

Johnny throws a ball as hard as he can.  It comes back to him, even though nothing touches it.  How does this happen?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

The insect world is filled with an endless variety of fascinating creatures.  The soldier beetle is quite unique with its colorful appearance and shape.

Here are a few quick facts about the soldier beetle:

• Length:  .5 to 1 inch (12-25 mm)
• Body shape:  elongated and cylinder-like
• Diet:  aphids, mites, caterpillars
• Location:  found throughout the world

The soldier beetle’s appearance resembles leather or a soldier’s uniform.  The red soldier beetle appears to be dressed like a British redcoat from the 1700s.  Other beetles may appear more yellow (goldenrod) or yellowish-orange.  Their body’s bright markings are offset by dark markings on the wings and legs.

Soldier beetles are frequently found in and around flower gardens where they mate, hunt, and eat.  Their graceful flight patterns are distinguished with short bursts of flying, followed by gliding.  Without a need to bite or sting, they are harmless to humans.

They contribute in a positive way to the balance of life in any ecosystem.  They do not damage gardens or crops as they provide pest control and serve as agricultural pollinators.  In turn, they are a source of food for birds.

The life cycle of the soldier beetle begins with a female laying her eggs on leaves of a plant stem.  Later, they will hatch into larvae with a worm-like appearance.  Once the larvae are fully grown, the pupae will form a protective cocoon.  After metamorphosis, they will emerge as a transformed adult.  Adults live for a few weeks to several months.

This post is inspired by the nature photography of Linda’s blog at Lagniappe.  Her camera enjoys sharing nature’s treasures along with her insightful narratives.

clockwise from top left:  The goldenrod (yellow) color is quite common for many of the soldier beetles in the United states, a hungry larvae waits for its next life cycle to begin, and a red soldier beetle (REMINISCENT of the british redcoat’s uniforms).  (Images courtesy of Pinterest)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Johnny throws the ball straight up in the air.