Muggy Critters

The saga about the summer storms with the invetebrate life forms. Insects and snails to be more exact.

The extra rains and muggy hot days bring out many unwanted and wanted critters is large numbers. Its a seasonal cycle but may be more intense this year with the extra rain.

Snails living here in the desert have it tough during the dry periods. They move around minimally because they have to lay down a slime to slide on to protect their soft bodies. The rains keep things wetter and less slime is needed so the snails can get out and about more.

Snails with large round shells primarily feed on vegetation. The large Brown Garden Snail actually feeds a lot and if sauteed in garlic butter will feed a few. Fortunately the normally dry conditions keeps their numbers down.

Another, more common snail is the Decollate snail recoginsed by its long, thin, cylindrical shell. This snail will feed on rotting leaves and soft or ground-rotted fruits like melons and strawberries. Primarily this snail feeds on other snails and slugs and is considered a good guy.

After rains they mass on sidewalks in large numbers. Just sweep them back into the plant areas and they will do their thing on other snails or dead leaves. Do not worry about the Decollate snails.

Another interesting event triggered by the summer rains is the swarming of ants and termites. It shocks many newcomers to the desert to be out some morning and see a swirling column of flying ants numbering in the thousands. The massing of so many ants at one time includes all winged males and one lone winged female.

Roiling and flying in great numbers the males are trying to be the one to mate. The female circles higher and higher and the males follow forming the amazing column.

Termites do the same thing and rightfully many people worry whether the mating swarm in the yard is from ants or termites. Ants illicit less fear than termites in most people.

A simple way to tell them apart is look at the insect. Termites differ from ants in two easily seen anatomical features.

Ant bodies contrict significantly forming two distinct parts between the head and throax region and the abdomen. (the rear). Termite bodies constrict little between the body parts. The other difference requires looking at the antennae. Termites have straight antennae and ants sport angled antennae.

Outside termite swarms need not to be absolute need to inspect the house for infestations. Outside the mated pair will find any number of dead wood sources in the landscape to start a colony.

If, however the termite swarm is found inside the house or you see them flying out of baseboards or walls, rest assured there is a colony somewhere within the confines of your home. Inspection by a licensed inspector is important if this is found.

The heat and rains bring much to life in the desert. Next week I will talk about possible diseases of plants because of the weather.

Written by Terry Mikel, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the University of Arizona, 602-470-8086.
Material originally appeared in Arizona Republic
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