Green June Bugs On the Horizon

This weekend, I spotted my first mating swarm of Green June Bugs and it is about that time of year when these guys stump outdoor lovers with their loud flying and buzzing close to the ground.

Sometimes people think they are bumblebees or wasps because of the buzzing sound their wings produce.  In flight, they do somewhat appear to be bumblebee like, especially because when the wings are open, their body is black in color and the metallic green of the underside and wings isn't noticeable.  Make no mistake, these are beetles.  They can also be clumsy fliers, knocking against windows or the side of the house, falling down and then picking themselves back up again.

Around this time of year, Green June Bugs tend to have mating swarms.  Some years there are more than others.  Although this is a very common occurrence in September, it isn't unusual for people who have lived in the San Antonio for years and never seen this to see it this year.  Some years you are just lucky!

Green June Bugs can feed on fruit trees and cause damage, but this time of year, they are just concerned with finding a mate and laying eggs.  It's best just to either enjoy or ignore them! 

 

30 Bugs Every Gardener Should Know

Join me at the San Antonio Botanical Garden for a program hosted by SAWS!  I'll be covering the top 30 insects and relatives I think you'll be encountering this late summer/early fall.  The good, the bad, and the ones that are "just there".  We look at some preserved specimens (so much better than just looking at pictures), learn about their biology, where they hide, and what they like to eat.  Of course, we'll also talk about how to manage the bad ones, encourage the good ones, and tolerate the ones somewhere in between.

BONUS - The Garden is in full bloom right now and you won't want to miss this opportunity to learn about insects and take a stroll through the garden.  I was there earlier this week, and the butterflies are amazing!  If you want to get some ideas for some good butterfly plants, this IS THE TIME OF YEAR!

Fee: $20 ($18 member)

REGISTRATION REQUIRED  Click here to register!

Become a Beekeeper! Beekeeping 101

 

REGISTER HERE!

Interested in beekeeping and need some help?  This course will cover all the basics of beekeeping from what suit options you have, how to put on the gloves, where to purchase the clothing to what tools to use and how, how to set up the apiary to how to manage those hives and how that first year looks.  

TWO OPTIONS: 

In Person - September 30 @ Bexar County AgriLife Classroom, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 208, SATX 78230 9am-4pm | $65

Virtual - October 3, 5, 10, 12 6-8pm | all sessions also recorded | $45

Field Days Included for Both Options!  Weekend and weekday options.

You'll walk away from this class with tons of materials, factsheets, catalogs, and information.  The hands-on opportunities from the field day will help you feel confident that you can be a beekeeper!  Our goal is to give you all the tools from materials, to information, to actual experience so you can be successful.