Beetles are just one type of insect you can encounter in the park
NPS Photo
While not the most sought after wildlife in the park, insects, spiders, milipedes and other "creepy crawlies" play an important role in the ecosystem of the park. Many different types of insects, such as butterflies, moths, bees, beetles, and more play key roles in the pollination of plants throughout the park. Spiders, wasps, and centipedes serve as as predators scowering the park for other insects to eat, helping to keep balance between the insect communities. Milipedes also play a key role in breaking down organic matter and recycling it back into the ground as nutrients, rejuvenating the soil. Each of these "creepy crawlies" help serve as an important link in the food web of Whitman Mission NHS.
Wasps and bees can create nests that hang from trees
NPS Photo
While bees, wasps, and hornets play key components of the ecosystem here at Whitman Mission, they can also pose threats to people and pets. Be on the lookout for nests in trees and in the ground as Yellow Jackets often form nests in the ground. Be sure to stick to the defined paths so avoid stepping onto a yellowjacket nest and disurbing these aggressive creatures.
