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Bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)

Ecology- Bush honeysuckle, native to temperate Asia, is one of the most widespread invasive shrub species in the United States occuring in more than half of the states. The species was widely planted because its fruits were thought to benefit wildlife. Now land managers are having second thoughts. Unfortunately, its fruits are widely dispersed by birds. This invader is relatively shade tolerant and can be found invading forest understories. It is also common along forest edges. Its phenology (like many invaders) appears to be different from most of the native species and it can be observed leafing out earlier and retaining leaves longer than many native residents. Its invasive success is likely the product of multiple traits and interactions.

Praying mantis- This time-lapse subject has a stowaway that can be observed on the underside of the honeysuckle leaves (upper left). This is a juvenile praying mantis. Even small mantises are predators. At nearly the halfway point of the movie, the mantis can be seen molting (shedding its old skin). It happens very quickly so you will probably have to start and stop the sequence during this segment to get a good look. You will notice it looks bigger in the second half. To grow insects, spiders, crabs, etc. must shed their old exoskeletons.

This sequence was shot over 18 hours at an interval of one frame every 2-3 minutes.