Tumblebugs subsist on the dung of large mammals, which they form into a ball before rolling it, backwards, for some distance. The ball is rolled into a vertical tunnel that they have excavated. Before covering the ball with earth, a single egg is deposited on it. The dull black industrious insects are one of approximately 1,300 North American species of scarab beetles. This one was hard at work moving a carefully crafted ball of dung across a path at the Minisink Battleground in Minisink Ford, NY.
Cleanup crews
Though their work may not be pretty, scavengers play an important role in the natural world, recycling dung, carrion and decaying vegetable matter. Throughout the Upper Delaware region, such creatures do their part to transform waste into useful nutrients. From the highly visible turkey vulture feasting on road kill, to the unseen bacteria within, our experiences in nature are ultimately improved by the transformative efforts of scavengers.
On May 20, a group of gals and guys from the Upper Delaware Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) gave some brief information regarding fly fishing to the students of the Sullivan West Elementary School. We attempted to cover entomology, fly tying, fly casting and stream conservation techniques. Putting a fly rod in the hand of a small child who has never before held such a tool is a rewarding experience. First, they are doubtful, then hopeful and finally, wow, I can do this. That reaction sure makes a fellow feel good. I only wish there was some way to build on that “wow.”
