What
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)Observer
chrisderDescription
American Crows are predators and scavengers that hunt animals such as mice, frog, rodents, and other small animals. Also, the American Crow eats grain, seeds, and various types of fruits. Every morning or late afternoon, I always see a couple of American Crows flying/hanging around my dragon fruit plant. American Crows are attracted to what they "perceived" as wild fruits. They are about maybe a foot-tall and are completely black. What I found interesting is that they keep on trying to peck on the unpicked dragon fruits for food.
What
Mantids (Family Mantidae)Observer
chrisderDescription
I was roaming in the garden, and I saw something moved near the dragon fruit plant. Apparently, I found the Praying Mantis on the Cactus. Because of my presence, it remained completely still. For a moment, I was studying it. It was about 5 inches (width) and about 2-3 inches tall. His camoflauge was green, so it completely blend into the dragon fruit plant. When I went to get my phone to take a picture of it, the mantis moved/jump to the floor of the driveway.
What
Flies (Order Diptera)Observer
chrisderDescription
Although flies are very common in this ecosystem, they appear only around my grandfather's garden. I assume that the sweet aroma from the dragon fruit plant attracts all these flies. Normally, my grandfather would have to bring in traps or repellent, so the flies would not contaminate or eat the fruits.
What
Domestic Cat (Felis catus)Observer
chrisderDescription
From what I think, it is a wild brown and black striped cat. This cat has been roaming around my grandparent's garden for some time now. Although it seems native around to this area, the cat seems quite shy when being approached my humans. It typically like to hang around my dragon fruit plant. I do not know why it does that, but I do know is that the particular cat is spreading the pollin when the flowers bloom from the cactus.
What
Indian Fig Opuntia (Opuntia ficus-indica)Observer
chrisderDescription
I happen to notice this cactus when I was walking down Third Street. I have no idea what the scientific classification of this specific cactus is called, but I decided to put this into my observation because it related to my dragon fruit plant, which is also a cactus. Unlike my dragon fruit plant, this cactus does not have any fruit that is growing nor any flowers that are blooming. For all I know, this cactus can be relevant to the same species of the dragon fruit plant , but produces no fruits.
What
Paper Wasps (Subfamily Polistinae)Observer
chrisderDescription
In every ecosystem, Yellow Jackets (wasps) are consider both predators and scavenger. They are really aggressive when it comes to protecting their colony and territory. Also, Yellow Jackets tend to eat smaller animals and plant matter. I found out that these Yellow Jackets were trying to nibble some parts of my Dragon Fruit Plant. In other words, these predators and scavengers are not friendly to the environment around them.
What
Night-blooming Cereus (Selenicereus undatus)Observer
chrisderDescription
Also known as "dragon fruit", Pitayas are known to be fruits of many cacti. These fruits are originally grown in Central America. However, most of these fruits are now widely grown in southeast Asia. Pitaya plants can handle temperatures up to 104 degrees fahrenheit. However, the plant will not survive in freezing temperatures.
What
Ants (Family Formicidae)Observer
chrisderDescription
Although ants are very common in the world, it is amazing to see them at work. As ants are one of the members of the Formicidae family, do not be fooled by its relatively size and abilities. If I recalled, ants are able to carry items that are about 100 times its weight. Although seeing one ant at work is not impressing, imagine seeing hundreds of ants at work. One's mind can be blown by seeing a mass of ants combining their strength to lift heavy objects.