Nature

Nature Nugget — Luminescent Creatures

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Bioluminescence is the ability of certain living things to give off light and is the result of chemical processes that go on in their tissues. Most luminescent animals are found in the oceans, especially in the deeper depths where no sunlight can reach. Numerous creatures such as fish, shrimp, jellyfish, squid and plankton have luminescent parts of their bodies which they use in various ways, such as to lure prey, attract mates, communicate and to defend themselves.

Luminescent lights, near the eyes of one deep sea fish, shine forward like a flashlight, allowing the fish to see where it is going and helping it find its prey. Another species has a luminescent lure which it uses to attract smaller fish, thus bringing them close enough to capture. Some fish have the ability to turn their lights on and off. You may be familiar with how a squid defends itself from predators by squirting out a black inky cloud to confuse the predator and cover its trail so it can escape. Well, there is a deep sea species of squid that does the same thing except it squirts out a luminescent cloud in defense.

Terrestrial examples of bioluminescence are fireflies, glowworms and certain fungi that grow on dead wood. Fireflies, also called lightning bugs, use their flashing lights to attract mates. In the tropics, fireflies are often placed in jars and used as lanterns. In Cuba, women sometimes attach luminescent click beetles to their clothing as ornaments.

We as Christians need to be more luminescent. Jesus says, “Ye are the light of the world . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16.

“The word was spoken to me, ‘Speak to the people all the words that I shall give thee. Wake up the mighty men. Let them become fully aroused, that they may with pen and voice stir up the people to whom God has given great light, that they may let their light shine forth in clear, steady rays to the world. A world is to be warned; and when the third angel’s message goes forth with a loud cry, minds will be fully prepared to make decisions for or against the truth.” 1888 Materials, 510.

What a solemn responsibility we have in regard to the light we have been entrusted with. Let us share this light with others, for the Lord will not come until this light is shared with the whole world.

A Parable from the Leaves

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It is not difficult to discover that in autumn the leaves fall. This is such a common thing, so plain and manifest, that even a child observes it. Neither is it difficult to go a step further, and moralize upon their fall; for the Scripture has set us an example, and in moralizing we have but to repeat the words, “We all do fade as a leaf” (Isaiah 64:6).

It is well for us to remember our frailties. To know our limitations is one secret of power, one of the foundation-stones of success. We are weak; without Him we can do nothing: “We all do fade as a leaf.”

“The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever” (Isaiah 40:6–8).

The voice of God cries out to every person gifted with the power of speech: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear; and he that hath voice to cry, let him cry. “Cry,” says the voice of God to us; and when, in wonder and questioning, we ask, “What shall I cry?” there comes this answer to our questioning: “All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.”

And so, if we cry at all as the Word bids us cry, we must declare the weakness and frailty of man. But this is not all the commission. We must not stop here; having said so much, we have only begun. So far there is no whisper of hope, no thought for courage. Obeying the Word that bids us cry, and having given so much of the message, we must proclaim the rest. “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but [oh, the glory of its truth!] the word of our God shall stand forever.”

This is the whole message; it is twofold—the weakness and frailty and failure of things earthly, and the power and permanency and steadfastness of the things of God.

It is a suggestion of this twofold message that is given us in the life and death of the leaves. The leaves fade and fall away; and drawing the parallel, we say that we, too, must cease our labors and pass from our places. But this is but one side of the message; there is another, for the message is twofold.

The leaves fade and fall away, it is true, but they leave behind them mighty monuments of their labors. Not one leaf lives through the summer days, but, when it fades, leaves behind that which may stand for years, perhaps ages.

The leaves fade, but there abideth that which, through the leaves, God has built. While the leaves lived, they worked to build up the tree, which remains when the leaves are gone. Gray trunks and naked limbs are the mute testimony of the gigantic task wrought by the leaves.

The work of the leaf is not in vain; something is left behind that shall laugh at the fierceness of the storm, that shall brave the cold of winter, and that shall continue the growth of the tree until its circuit is accomplished.

While we remember that the leaves of autumn fade, let us not forget that the leaves of summer work. And it is the work that is of importance. By their labor they rear the beautiful maples, the stately elms, the giant oaks. By their fading they show us how weak was the instrument through which the Creator worked.

So it may be with us.

We, too, like the leaves, do fade. All the people are but grass; all flesh is like the fading, dying verdure of autumn, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. One withers, the other fades; both are alike lost.

But our failure is not the only thing for us to consider. The great question with each of us should be: Have I, in life’s summer days, done with faithfulness the work that God gave me to do? It is the work that is of importance.

Our failure—our dying and passing from the work of life—shows how weak are the instruments that God uses for the accomplishing of His purposes. But what we leave behind, the memories of an unselfish life, the souls helped by us out into a better life—these remain to show what God can do through humble instruments.

What the leaves leave behind must in turn perish and pass away, but not so that which human lives may leave behind. It is our privilege to leave behind us an immortal heritage.

What sort of monument are you building? What kind of memorial are you erecting? If you live as you may, there shall something abide; for “the word of our God shall stand forever,” God will still carry on the work in which for a time He has given us a place. Without us, after our fall, as without the leaves after their fall, His work goes on. Of those who do His work it is said, when the fading time comes, “They rest from their labours; and their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13).

Faithfully let us work the works of Him that sent us, “while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4).

The Youth’s Instructor, December 13, 1900.

Nature – Hognose Defense Strategy

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Hognose snakes are stout-bodied, sluggish, rear-fanged snakes. Their venom is mild and not dangerous to humans and their most distinguishing feature is their upturned snout for which they are named. This upturned snout aids them in digging in the loose sandy soil habitats in which they live. There are three species in North America: the Eastern Hognose, Western Hognose, and Southern Hognose. The Eastern Hognose is found in a wide range of habitats throughout the east, the Western Hognose occurs in deserts and plains of the west, and the small Southern Hognose is found in mature pine forests of the southeast. Hognose snakes are diurnal predators which prey on lizards, rodents, birds, amphibians, eggs, and insects. The Eastern Hognose preys mostly on toads which have very toxic poisons in their skin. To deal with this, the hognose has huge adrenal glands in its body that secrete antidotes that neutralize the poisons or the snake would die.

Coming in a wide range of colors and patterns, Eastern Hognose are often confused with poisonous snakes such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, and young cottonmouths. To further heighten the confusion is its strange defensive behavior. When first encountered by a potential predator, the hognose lies perfectly still, hoping that its coloration will make it inconspicuous. If that doesn’t work, it frantically tries to escape. If this fails it goes into a feigned aggression by rising up and flattening its head and neck like a cobra and making a loud hissing noise. This behavior has given it the nickname of spreading adder. At this time the mouth can be either open or closed. Often it will try to hide its head under the coils of its body and extend its tail up to distract from its vulnerable head. If this doesn’t work the snake will start aggressively striking out with its mouth closed, but it will not bite. Finally if the snake is attacked or touched, it will start writhing with its mouth open, discharging foul-smelling fecal material and strong scented musk from glands at the base of its tail. If it has eaten recently, it will also vomit. The writhing results in the snake covering its body in the foul smelling secretions. Sometimes the tissues in the open mouth will bleed copiously. While all this is going on the snake turns belly up.When the writhing finally ceases, with a twitch it goes limp and still, with tongue hanging out, feigning death. From this position of apparent death it waits for its would be predator to leave. During this time it can be picked up, all the while remaining limp and unmoving unless it is turned right side up, which will result in it rolling upside down again.

Like the hognose snakes we have an enemy, but he is too smart for us to defend ourselves without help. “Now is the time when we are to confess and forsake our sins, that they may go beforehand to judgment and be blotted out. Now is the time to ‘cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God’ (II Corinthians 7:1). It is dangerous to delay this work. Satan is even now seeking by disasters upon sea and land to seal the fate of as many as possible. What is the defense of the people of God at this time? It is a living connection with heaven. If we would dwell in safety from the noisome pestilence, if we would be preserved from dangers seen and unseen, we must hide in God; we must secure the protecting care of Jesus and holy angels.” In Heavenly Places, 348.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature – The Wandering Glider

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The Wandering Glider is the world’s most widely distributed dragonfly occurring worldwide between the 40th parallels of latitude, but being most common in the tropics. They are also the world’s highest flying dragonfly having been recorded at 20,000 feet in the Himalayas. Wandering Gliders, averaging about two inches in length, are yellowish-red overall with a black stripe down the top of the abdomen. The eyes are reddish and there is a faint yellowish patch in the base of the hind wing. The hind wing of this dragonfly is extra wide, which allows for its characteristic gliding flight. Unlike most dragonflies, this species seldom lands during the day and will even fly in pouring down rain and at night during migration periods.

Like all dragonflies, Wandering Gliders are predators, feeding on smaller insects such as gnats, mosquitoes and midges. The abdomen of the adult can store large amounts of fat that is used as energy for long-distance travel. They often form large feeding swarms in areas where food is plentiful. One feeding swarm, forming a cloud covering 13 square miles, was reported. Wandering Gliders lay their eggs in small shallow pools and temporary rain puddles where they deposit 500 to 2,000 eggs per clutch. Because of the temporary nature of the pools where they lay their eggs, the larvae, called Naiads, have to develop very rapidly. On average, it takes about six weeks for them to mature from egg to adult. Like the adults, the Naiads are predators also, feeding on plankton, tadpoles and the aquatic larvae of other insects.

Wandering Gliders are most famous for their overseas migrations and wanderings, traveling hundreds and even thousands of miles over oceans to find breeding areas. One population of Wandering Gliders has the longest known migratory journey of any insect and the only one with a regular trans-oceanic crossing. This journey involves a circuitous route covering 10,000 miles and four generations of the dragonfly and follows the seasonal monsoon rains that move back and forth across the Indian Ocean between India and Africa. The dragonflies do not fly with dry winds but instinctively fly with moist winds that are converging to where the rains are. After the monsoon rains hit India, millions of recently emerged Wandering Gliders follow the winds across the ocean, at a height of around 6,500 feet, to East Africa where the monsoon rains hit next. They then lay their eggs in the temporary rain pools and in a few weeks a second generation emerges which continue following the winds which take them to southern Africa where they lay their eggs. The third generation which emerges follows the monsoon rains as it reverses direction and heads back north to East Africa again. Here they lay their eggs and in a few weeks the fourth generation emerges and follows the monsoon rains back across the ocean to India where the cycle starts all over again.

Like the Wandering Gliders, we Christians are on a journey. “We are making life’s journey amid the perils of the last days. We need to watch carefully every step, and to be sure that we are following our great Leader. Skepticism, infidelity, dissipation, and crime are on every hand. It would be an easy matter to let go the reins of self-control, and plunge over the precipice to sure destruction. …

“Infinite Love has cast up a pathway upon which the ransomed of the Lord may pass from earth to heaven. That path is the Son of God. Angel guides are sent to direct our erring feet. Heaven’s glorious ladder is let down in every man’s path, barring his way to vice and folly. He must trample upon a crucified Redeemer ere he can pass onward to a life of sin. Our heavenly Father’s voice is calling us, Come up hither.” Our High Calling, 11.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature – Sea Stars

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Sea stars, also known as starfish, are widespread marine invertebrates which live on the bottom of the oceans from the tropics to the polar areas. There are over 1,800 species of sea stars, most occurring in shallow waters, but some occurring to abyssal depths of almost 20,000 feet. They range in size from ½ inch to over three feet in diameter and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Being closely related to brittle stars, sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers, sea stars are in the phylum Echinodermata. Like all Echinoderms, sea stars have five-point radial symmetry, which means that their body plan has five sections arranged around a central disk. Most common species have 5 arms but some species can have 10, 20, or even up to 50 arms.

Sea stars have a hard endoskeleton located under their skin. Their tough skin is covered with small spines which help protect them from predators such as birds, fish and sea otters. The underside of sea stars is soft and vulnerable, consisting of a mouth in the center with a groove radiating out each leg that is covered in hundreds of tiny, flexible appendages called tube feet. Movement of the starfish is accomplished with the tube feet, which also have suction cups on the ends, which allow them to grip things strongly. At the end of each arm is a short sensory tentacle which is sensitive to chemicals and vibrations in the water, and a red photosensitive eyespot which senses light and movement. If a sea star loses an arm it will regenerate a new one. In many species, the lost arm will grow into a new sea star, especially if the lost arm retains part of the central disk. Sea stars lack blood but instead use a hydraulic-like water vascular system which is unique to Echinoderms.

Sea stars are carnivores, feeding mostly on bivalves, such as clams, mussels, and oysters, which they open with their strong arms and tube feet, but will eat just about anything that is too slow to move out of the way. One species, the crown of thorns sea star, feeds on coral polyps. Sea stars have the ability to digest their prey outside of their bodies which enables them to feed on prey that is too large for them to fit in their mouths. They accomplish this by using one of their two stomachs which is extended outside the body through the mouth, coming in contact with the captured prey, and digesting it.

Not only has God placed stars in the seas and in the heavens, but He has placed them in crowns for us which He is waiting to give us soon if we are faithful. “God is well pleased if those striving for eternal life aim high. There will be strong temptations to indulge the natural traits of character by becoming worldly wise, scheming, and selfishly ambitious, gathering wealth to the neglect of the salvation which is of so much higher value. But every temptation resisted is a priceless victory gained in subduing self; it bends the powers to the service of Jesus, and increases faith, hope, patience, and forbearance. … Let us aim in the strength of Jesus for the crown heavy with stars. ‘They that be wise shall shine as … the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever’ (Daniel 12:3).” That I May Know Him, 91. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.” Revelation 3:11.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org .

Nature – The Giant Algae

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Growing in cold, clear, nutrient-rich marine environments are underwater forests of giant plants known as kelp. Kelp are large seaweeds (algae) belonging to a class known as the brown algae. There are about 300 different genera of kelp with the most widely recognized species being the giant kelps. The giant kelps are known for their fast growth rates, some species growing up to half a meter a day under ideal conditions and ultimately reaching heights of 30 to 80 meters. Like all algae, the physical structure or body of kelp is known as a thallus rather than a plant. The thallus consists of three basic structures: the holdfast, the stipe, and the fronds. The holdfast is a root-like mass that anchors the thallus to the sea floor. Unlike true roots, the holdfast does not absorb nutrients for the thallus. The main framework of the thallus is the stipe, which is analogous to a plant stalk. Growing out of the stipe, often along most of its length, are the fronds which are leaf-like structures where nutrient uptake and photosynthesis occur. Many kelp species have pneumatocysts, or gas filled bladders, that provide the necessary buoyancy for kelp to maintain an upright position in the water column.

Kelp forests occur worldwide throughout temperate and polar coastal oceans and even occasionally in tropical waters. A dependence upon light for photosynthesis restricts them to clear, shallow water, where they rarely grow any deeper than 15 to 40 meters. The larger forests are restricted to temperatures less than 68 degrees F. Kelp forests are among the most beautiful and biologically productive ecosystems on earth. These forests provide a unique three-dimensional habitat for marine organisms which in many ways resemble microenvironments associated with terrestrial forests. These microenvironments consist of a sunny canopy region, a partially shaded mid-story, and a darkened seafloor. Each of these microenvironments has its own unique associated organisms consisting of fishes, crustaceans, bivalves, gastropods, echinoderms, etc. The kelp is grazed by herbivores such as sea urchins and various fish which in turn provide food for carnivores such as starfish and larger predatory fishes. In some kelp forest, sea urchins will destroy the whole kelp forest ecosystem in a short period if numbers are not kept in balance by predators such as sea otters. Kelp forests even sometimes provide cover for Gray Whales when they are being pursued by Killer Whale packs.

Just as the kelp’s fast growth and great height are attained from rich nutrients and ideal environment, so similarly the Christian’s spiritual growth and heights attained are related to their environment and what they feed on spiritually. “If the follower of Christ would grow up ‘unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ’ (Ephesians 4:13), he must eat of the bread of life, and drink of the water of salvation.” The Review and Herald, August 31, 1911. “The soul needs food, and in order to get this food, the Word of God must be studied. …. The breathing of pure air is essential for the cure of disease. And it is no less essential that the atmosphere we breathe in the spiritual life shall be pure. This is essential for a healthy growth in grace. Breathe the pure atmosphere which produces pure thoughts and noble words. Choose Christian society. The Christian will not have spiritual health unless he is guarded in regard to his associations. … Every Christian who is indeed a Christian must grow. He must constantly increase in wisdom and knowledge. Day by day he must approach more nearly to the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus. In order to be a follower of the Master, he must grow.” Upward Look, 174.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature – Chia

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Chia is an annual wildflower in the mint family of the genus Salvia. There are two species of Chia, one occurring in the southwestern U.S. from California and Utah south to northwest Mexico and the other occurring in southern Mexico and Guatemala. Chia grows in sunny, dry open areas of plains, foothill woodlands, chaparral and sage scrub communities, and other arid environments where it prefers sandy to loamy soils that are near neutral in pH. It is one of the so-called fire following species, as it increases in abundance after a fire. The plant is thin and tall, up to 3 feet, with a cluster of blue flowers at the top of the stems. Flowers are small and tubular, surrounded by several bracts (specialized leaves). Chia is drought and salt tolerant.

The tiny, brownish, often mottled seeds of Chia are a valuable source of nutrients, protein and oil and are the highest known source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Chia was grown by the Indian tribes of Mexico and the southwestern U.S. for their seeds which were ground into flour and used to make biscuits, cakes and a mush called pinole. The seeds were also eaten roasted and had a pleasant nutlike flavor. Chia was a major crop in Mexico between 1500 and 900 B.C. and was still cultivated well into the 16th century A.D. Chia seed was valued so much by these tribes that it was used as a currency. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. Aztec warriors were said to have subsisted on the Chia seed during their conquests. Native American tribes of the southwest took Chia seeds on journeys where a few seeds kept in the mouth and periodically chewed, would keep up their strength. One tablespoon of seeds was said to be enough to provide 24 hours worth of energy. Indians running from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would bring only Chia seed for their nourishment.

Chia seed was also used for its extensive hydration properties. Containing a mucilaginous substance, due to soluble fibers, Chia seeds expand considerably into a gelatinous volume when moistened. Chia seed has the ability to absorb twelve times its weight in water. If you mix a spoonful of Chia in a glass of water and leave it 30 minutes, it will become an almost solid mass of gelatin. The Indians would soak the ground seeds in water to make a refreshing beverage that was said to have high thirst-quenching properties and was also used in this way to make alkaline desert water palatable.

Just as the ancient Indians relied on Chia seeds for energy and endurance for their travels and conquests, so we Christians are to rely on Christ for power and endurance to overcome our daily trials. “The great desire in this age of the world is for more power. I want more grace, more love, [a] more deep and earnest living experience. The Christian who hides in Jesus will have power without measure awaiting his draught upon it. Living faith unlocks heaven’s storehouse and brings the power, the endurance, the love so essential for the Christian soldier.” The Upward Look, 154. “Satan brings all his powers to the assault in the last, close conflict, and the endurance of the follower of Christ is taxed to the utmost. At times it seems that he must yield. But a word of prayer to the Lord Jesus goes like an arrow to the throne of God, and angels of God are sent to the field of battle. The tide is turned.” In Heavenly Places, 297.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature – Oilbirds

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Oilbirds are nocturnal forest birds native to northern South America from Trinidad south to Bolivia. They are related to the nightjars (nocturnal birds which include the Whip-poor-will) and are usually placed in the same order as they, but recent evidence suggests that they deserve to be placed in their own order, as they are sufficiently distinct from the nightjars. Unlike the nightjars, which are insectivores, Oilbirds are vegetarians, feeding mainly on the fruits of the Oil Palm and tropical laurels. They will also eat a wide variety of other fruits. They are the only nocturnal fruit eating bird in the world and have extremely powerful night vision, thanks to about one million light receptors packed into every square millimeter of their retinas. They will travel long distances in search of food and have been known to travel up to 93 miles in a night, but normally travel around 25 miles a night.

The most unusual thing about Oilbirds is that they nest deep in caves in total darkness. As good as their eyesight is, their eyes are useless in this total darkness. To navigate, Oilbirds echolocate, similar to bats, by producing a series of sharp audible clicks at a frequency of 7,000 cycles per second. They also produce a variety of harsh screams while in the caves. With their three foot wingspans, Oilbirds are capable of a hovering and twisting type flight which helps in navigating through the restricted areas of their caves. The birds are social and prefer to nest in large colonies on ledges over water where they lay two to four glossy white eggs. The naked young are fed a rich diet of Oil Palm fruits and become grotesquely fat, weighing up to half again as much as the adult birds. Local Indians and settlers used to harvest these fat young birds for their high oil content, hence the name Oilbird. They lose this baby fat when their feathers begin to grow in.

Just as the young Oilbirds feast on and store up the oil from the Palm Oil fruits that their parents feed them, so should we Christians feed on and store up the oil that our Heavenly Father has provided for us. “By the holy beings surrounding his throne, the Lord keeps up a constant communication with the inhabitants of the earth. The golden oil represents the grace with which God keeps the lamps of believers supplied. Were it not that this holy oil is poured from heaven in the message of God’s Spirit, the agencies of evil would have entire control over men.” The Southern Watchman, May 21, 1907.

“The capacity for receiving the holy oil from the two olive trees which empty themselves, is by the receiver emptying that holy oil out of himself in word and in action to supply the necessities of other souls. Work, precious, satisfying work—to be constantly receiving and constantly imparting! The capacity for receiving is only kept up by imparting.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1180.

“When the call shall come, ‘Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him’ [Matthew 25:6], those who have not received the holy oil, who have not cherished the grace of Christ in their hearts, will find, like the foolish virgins, that they are not ready to meet their Lord. They have not in themselves the power to obtain the oil, and their lives are wrecked. But if God’s Spirit is asked for, if we plead, as did Moses, ‘Show me thy glory’ [Exodus 33:18], the love of God will be shed abroad in our hearts. The golden oil will be given to us.” The Southern Watchman, May 21, 1907.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature – The Amazing Honeybee

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There are approximately 20,000 species of bees in the world of which only seven species are honeybees. Of these seven species, which include 44 subspecies, only two are domesticated. Honeybee domestication dates back to at least the time of the pyramids. The most commonly kept species of domesticated honeybee is the western or European honeybee which is native to Europe, Africa and Eastern Asia. This species was also brought to North America where there were no native honeybees. Agriculture depends greatly on the honeybee for pollination and without them we would see a significant decrease in the yield of fruits and vegetables. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that about one-third of the human diet is derived from insect-pollinated plants and that the honeybee is responsible for 80 percent of this pollination.

The direct value of honeybee pollination to U.S. agriculture was studied and found to be more than $14.6 billion.

Honeybees are social insects living in colonies of 20,000 to 80,000 bees. A colony consists of mainly non-fertile female worker bees, a single fertile queen bee and 300 to 3,000 male bees called drones. Honeybees have a highly organized society, with the worker bees sequentially taking on a series of specific chores during their short lifetime—housekeeper, nursemaid, construction worker, grocer, undertaker, guard and finally, after 21 days, they become a forager collecting pollen and nectar. Worker bees, which live only about 6 weeks in warm weather, can fly up to six miles and visit 50 to 100 flowers during a collection trip. The queen bee can live up to 5 years and lays up to 2,500 eggs per day.

Honeybees are best known for their production of honey which they make from nectar they collect from flowering trees and plants. They are the only insect that produces a food eaten by man. Honey is an easily digestible, pure food, and is the only food that includes all the substances necessary to sustain life, including enzymes, vitamins, minerals and water; and it’s the only food that contains pinocembrin, an antioxidant associated with improved brain functioning. Honey is also hydroscopic (moisture absorbing) and has antibacterial qualities. Eating local honey can fend off allergies. There are many types, colors and flavors of honey, depending on the source of the nectar; with clover honey being an example of one type that is very popular.

Like the honeybee’s honey which is so sweet to the taste and so good for us in many ways, so are God’s laws for us if we would keep them:

“In keeping God’s commandments there is great reward, even in this life. If we are obedient, our conscience does not condemn us. Our hearts are not at enmity with God, but at peace with Him. ‘The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb. Moreover by them is Thy servant warned, and in keeping of them there is great reward’ [Psalm 19:7–11]. ‘The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children’s children; to such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them’ [Psalm 103:17, 18].” The Signs of the Times, January 25, 1899.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

Nature – Sand Tigers

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The beetles represent the largest Order of insects, with over 250,000 described species. Within this Order is a family known as the tiger beetles, containing about 2,000 species worldwide. Tiger beetles are closely related to the ground beetles but differ from them by having the head wider than the thorax. They also have large bulging eyes, long slender legs and antennae, and large sickle-like mandibles. Many tiger beetles are quite elegant in their appearance, having intricate patterns on their elytra (modified wing covers). Others are iridescent bronze, blue, purple, or green and rival butterflies for their beauty. Their iridescent colors are the result of structural pigments and a secretion that gives an effect similar to a film of oil on water. Tiger beetles are found worldwide except in Antarctica, Hawaii, the Maldives and Tasmania. They prefer sandy or well drained soils in open areas where they run around on bare ground in search of prey. Some species are nocturnal but most are diurnal, preferring sunny, hot, environments.

Like their namesake, tiger beetles are voracious predators, preying on other insects and invertebrates, which they run down and capture with their enormous mandibles. They are fluid feeders and use what is called pre-oral digestion where they secrete digestive juices onto their prey while it is held and crushed by the mandibles, which have a special molar-like tooth to aid in this mastication. As the digestive juices break down the crushed tissues of its prey, it sucks in the juices. Tiger beetle larvae are also predators and live in holes in the ground where they ambush passing prey by popping out of the hole like a Jack-in-the-box, grabbing the prey and dragging it down deep into the hole where it is eaten.

Tiger beetles, at only .5 to 1.5 inches in length, are the fastest land insects on earth. One Australian species of tiger beetle was clocked at 5.6 miles per hour. Many of the species can run about 5 miles per hour. It is estimated that if a tiger beetle were the size of a human, it would be able to run 200–300 miles per hour. For their size, they are technically the fastest running land animals. Tiger beetles have large compound eyes, which give them a wide area of view for locating the movement of their prey. As the tiger beetles pursue their prey, they often stop to get their bearings and then proceed with the chase. This stop-and-go pursuit is necessary, as the tiger beetle’s vision shuts down after it accelerates toward prey. Moving too fast causes the beetles to not gather enough photons (illumination into their eyes) to form an image of their prey. So, the high speeds cause the tiger beetles to go blind, temporarily.

Unlike the tiger beetles that lose sight of their goal, we Christians are to fix our eyes on Christ and proceed forward without hesitation. “Will not our church members keep their eyes fixed on a crucified and risen Saviour, in whom their hopes of eternal life are centered? This is our message, our argument, our doctrine, our warning to the impenitent, our encouragement for the sorrowing, the hope for every believer. If we can awaken an interest in men’s minds that will cause them to fix their eyes on Christ, we may step aside, and ask them only to continue to fix their eyes upon the Lamb of God. … He whose eyes are fixed on Jesus will leave all. He will die to selfishness. He will believe in all the Word of God, which is so gloriously and wonderfully exalted in Christ.” Maranatha, 99.

David Arbour writes from his home in De Queen, Arkansas. He may be contacted by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.