Last evening, while reading on the front porch, I caught sight of a large swarm of gnats, hovering above our lawn and illuminated by the setting sun. Of more interest were squadrons of dragonflies, streaking through the insect cloud from all directions.
Though not nearly as dramatic, the event reminded me of a scene from marine nature documentaries in which large schools of fish are attacked by gannets, sea lions and dolphins. In reality, our modest suburban feeding frenzy was just as important in nature's complex web of life; both spectacles nourish predators, promote natural diversity and keep prey populations in check.
Unfortunately, most suburbanites are uninterested in the insects that inhabit or patrol their yard. It is only when those "pests" attack their gardens or invade their homes that they take notice and call their friendly exterminator.
