Learning to See

As you can probably guess, when we are talking about finding and photographing insects, "learning to see" is not about the results of your latest eye exam. Rather, it is about training yourself to be aware of even the smallest creatures that share our world. 

Like all living things, humans have evolved to survive a scary world. That means we are especially attuned to things that might threaten our health and safety. There is little chance we would not notice a grizzly bear in our yard but we can walk right by a multitude of insects day after day, year after year and not even realize they are there!

There are several steps we can take to awaken our senses in regards to the insects that surround us. 

1. Education

    It is probably pretty obvious but the number one things we can do to jump start our insect awareness is to educate ourselves on what should be found in our area. Field guides are invaluable in helping to identify various species as well as in providing range maps for them. Wildflower books for your location can help identify plants and once you know more about the flora, you can begin to explore the insects that use those plants for food or as habitat. 

Sumac flea beetle

On my property there are dozens of skunk sumac bushes. Over the years I noticed that occasionally the leaves of various bushes would be riddled with holes. Upon closer examination, I discovered the larval form of an unknown insect munching away on the plants, usually in mid-summer. It wasn't until I started really staring at the plants this year before they leafed out that I discovered the adult insect, above. These are sumac flea beetles and it turns out they are quite common. There are probably many dozens spread throughout my property but it took me almost three decades to see my first one!

It is also helpful to educate yourself on the various forms an insect might take. The photos below both depict the white-lined sphinx moth but one shows the larval stage while the other shows the adult moth. 

Caterpillar of sphinx moth

White-lined sphinx moth

2. Pattern Recognition

    Camouflage clothing works because the fabric patterns blend into the background. Many insects are experts at doing the same thing. Some insects mimic very specific things in nature, such as leaves or twigs, while others use pattern as means of blending into their surroundings. 

Hooded owlet moth

This hooded owlet moth hangs out on tree trunks or wooden structures. Unless you are looking very closely at the surface, it is easy to look right at this moth and not see it. Even the circles on the wings are meant to mimic knotholes in the wood. 

It is possible, with practice, to train your eyes to pick up on the subtle difference in pattern of various insects and their backgrounds.

3. Visualization

    Athletes and business people have been successfully using the technique of visualization as a means of achieving success for years. But visualization can help with many things, even finding insects! Once you know what creatures are likely to be found in your area, you can start trying to visualize them on various surfaces when you are out and about. Just like becoming aware of a particular word for the first time and then seeming to hear it regularly from then on, once you visualize a particular insect and then find it, it often seems that you start seeing that species on a regular basis.

Brachys aerosus

The tiny metallic wood-boring beetle, Brachys aerosus, is very difficult to spot unless you can picture what it is you are looking for. Not only are they about the size of the head of a pin, they often tuck in their legs and antennae so it is hard to even realize you are viewing a living creature. But once you visualize their form, you may suddenly realize there are dozens of them to be found on a single cottonwood tree. 

4. Time in the field

    After education, spending time in the field practicing looking for insects is probably the best technique to ensure future success. The more time you spend outside, the more you will see and I am willing to bet you will be astonished to discover the richness and diversity of the landscape right outside your home!