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False Indigo (or Desert False Indigo) Amorpha fruticosa is a plant with a limited range in Ohio. It is found on the water edges along the Lake Erie and the Ohio River. There is also an isolated population at Killdeer Plains and in other counties where it was most likely spread by man. It is considered native in Ohio, due to the southern-most population. But before I would get on this extremely attractive native's bandwagon- I must warn- it is banned as a noxious weed in several states and seems to aggressively reproduce.
The equally attractive beetle is named for the habit of laying eggs within the stems of Amorpha. When the tiny eggs hatch, the beetle larva feed on the inner pulp of the plant, hence the name Amorpha Borer. These beetles are as rare as pelicans in Ohio, but they may be more plentiful in the states where Amorpha reigns. We are still learning about this mysterious bug!
Watch for the False Indigo, Amorpha fruticosa if you are in the vicinity of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge or Killdeer Plains. It is an attractive shrub with compound leaves, much like a black locust.
Any rational person would have to admit THIS insect, the Southern Dogface butterfly, is far better looking than a beetle. Southern Dogface butterflies are also Amorpha dependant, and the only population I have ever witnessed were at Ottawa NWR.
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This golden-yellow beauty could easily be mistaken for a common Yellow Sulphur butterfly, and what a sorry disappointment that would be. Watch closely for those straight cut edges on the upper wing and the silhouette of a poodle.
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Once again we see how plants and animals have important relationships that should not be taken for granted. Take away the Amorpha and there will be no beetle, or butterfly! Ohio is on the edge of the range for both the plant and these wonderful creatures it hosts, yet we may not want to introduce this plant into sensitive areas in case it proves itself an unwelcome guest.
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I planted False Indigo in my rain garden in hopes of creating a home for the S. Dogface (locally common in MO). No luck so far, but now I can look for a beetle I never knew about before.
ReplyDeleteHey that would be great to hear if you have the beetle!
ReplyDeleteSounds like False Indigo would be a perfect plant for a rain garden...good luck on that.
The butterfly is U-G-L-Y in comparison with the marvelous Amorpha Borer beetle. This beetle is so good-looking that even Koalas cover their faces in shame and embarassment when in proximity to them. The beetle may be the best-looking animal in the Universe.
ReplyDeleteJim
As I said, rational people prefer butterflies to beetles...
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