Hunting for Harlequin Bugs

The harlequin bug is an insect that migrated north into America from Mexico sometime after the Civil War. These beautiful bugs can be found in various spots around southern California and we like to hunt for them when we are out on the nature trails. They are often found in coastal scrub areas setting up shop on bladderpod plants.



Harlequin bugs on a bladderpod plant

Where we've found harlequin bugs:

• Bolsa Chica Wetlands: Take the trail that starts at the interpretive center (3842 Warner Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647)
• Peter and Mary Muth/ Upper Newport Bay: Lots of bladderpods on the trails near the interpretive center (2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660)
• Crystal Cove State Park: Explore the Environmental Study Loop, an accessible trail loop with eight field stations where you can learn about science, conservation, and even contribute to research. One stop asks you to count the number of harlequin bugs you see on the nearby plants, write down your count, and drop it in the collection box.

While the harlequin bug prefers cabbage, mustard, collards, cauliflower, radish and other cruciferous vegetable plants, bladderpods seem to satisfy them here in the coastal areas. On the trail, keep your eye out for a bristly shrub with yellow flowers and hanging pods. We've spotted bladder pod plants with zero harlequin bugs on one bush, and on a neighboring shrub up to twenty-five bugs. So look around and see if the nearby shrubs are occupied if you don't spot them right away.

Bladderpod Image thanks to California Coastal Commission
 

The harlequin bug looks harmless enough, and they are quite pretty. You can even pick one up and observe it up close, but be gentle and return it to its home when you are done. These little guys are quite powerful though. They are considered pests and are capable of destroying entire crops. By sucking the sap from plants, the bug causes the host plant to dry out, wilt and die.

Not the best for local farmers, but always fun for little insect hunters.

Orange County Coastkeeper Gardens

Located behind Santiago Canyon College near Jamboree and Santiago Canyon Road is a fantastic little place called the Coastkeeper Gardens. Opened in the late Spring of 2013, the demonstration garden displays a selection of vignettes featuring native, drought tolerant plants and irrigation applications. The Coastkeeper Garden was developed with the hope that visitors will become educated about ways to landscape their own homes with the intent to preserve the native plant species and wildlife of Orange County, reduce urban runoff, and conserve water with drought-tolerant plants.

In addition to the beautifully displayed vignettes, there is a natural playground area for kids. You'll find archways with treestump paths, (currently dry) river beds, bridges, a tube that tunnels through the hillside, a "mountain climbing" area with large rocks to navigate through, old fallen tree trunks to climb and so much more. When we visited we had the place to ourselves, and both my 2-year old girl and 5-year old boy got sweaty and dirty exploring all the nooks and crannies of this adventure-inspiring environment. There is so much fun to be had in nature and the Coastkeeper Gardens do a fantastic job of proving that. Every neighborhood should have a location like this!

Some of the children's play area is rocky and rough, but there is a packed-dirt pedestrian path that is easily walkable, and stroller and wheelchair accessible. There was one port-a-potty near the greenhouse, but no other restrooms were available. If you live in the Orange County area this is a great location to take advantage of. Parking and entry is free but there is a donation box on the shed near the entrance for visitors - please make a contribution to help keep this fantastic park open to the public.

The Coastkeeper Garden is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The entrance is a small driveway near the corner of Jamboree and Santiago Canyon Road. The driveway is under construction and is marked by a banner on the fence pointing to the garden. I did not find any parking available on the college campus that conveniently accesses the garden.

The Coastkeeper Garden is in need of volunteers so please contact them if you are interested!

For more information, visit their website or call 714-850-1965.

PlaySpaces eBook: FREE Downloads through April 26th!

PlaySpaces: 20 of OC's Best Places to Play and Explore with Kids is full of fun and educational locations that offer families the opportunity to create great memories together. From hiking the trails at Bolsa Chica to fishing in the lakes at Mile Square and Ralph B. Clark to getting to know the animals at Centennial Farm, you'll find something here.

Each location features all the important know-before-you-go information: parking fees, restrooms, stroller accessibility and more!

 

Are you new to the Southern California area, a new parent looking for someplace to enjoy an afternoon out in the fresh air, or an experienced parent looking to find a new favorite hangout for you and the kids? PlaySpaces has something for everyone.

Download your FREE copy today to your smart phone, Kindle, tablet or PC! Click on the picture below, or the link above for your free download.