Beauty and the Beast

In recent years we've come to expect a certain amount of destruction by the newly-introduced and seemingly invulnerable Japanese beetles. 

The fallout can be disheartening, but recently I've been appreciating the beauty of what's left behind. 

Today especially, against the backdrop of a milky sky, the work of the beetles resembles nature prints or lacework.

 

Fortunately, they have so far only fed on a few of our trees.

 

Also, we are lucky we don't rely on those trees, like our apple trees, for income.

 

And in the end, the trees will survive, and are already doing their best to overcome their dire situation.

 

So for now, we will just marvel at the work of these industrious little creatures, who, in addition to making beautiful leaves, are hard at work making babies who will undoubtedly be visiting us in the years to come….