Soldier Beetles copulating. It looks a very precarious business to me and what’s more they are balanced on a leaf in the breeze. The first panorama is manually stitched both for the panorama and focus. It’s far from perfect but the little blighters would not stop still.
This Seven Spot Ladybird was on the leaf next door. Little chance of it indulging in such acrobatics.
It looks as if this Frog Hopper Nymph is eating aphids but I think they only eat leaves and sap. Here it is without all it’s bubbles.
In another week or so the adults will emerge and then I’ll have my work cut out as they can hop a couple of feet and accelerate in a fraction of a second to 7mph. Amazing little things.
That’s all for today as I have the grass to cut.
Incredible details.
ReplyDeleteMersad
Mersad Donko Photography
Thanks Mersad.
DeleteSuper photos Adrian, great detail.
ReplyDeleteCheers Ian.
DeleteStunning macro work. I see you caught that first couplein the 'act'. Is nothing private nowadays!!!
ReplyDeleteMargaret, it's about the only time they don't fly away and some of them can manage that.
DeleteAmazing collection of insects today Adrian. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteCarol, I was busy today but then the belt came off the mower so I decided to post whilst I gathered the will power to mend it.
DeleteUnbelievable detailed macros. Brilliant shots Adrian!
ReplyDeleteMiklos
Kovacs, I am enjoying seeing the tiny world.
DeleteBoy you get some amazing macro shots of those bugs! My favorite is the ladybug.
ReplyDeleteLinda, they are bright and cheerful but if you get a swarm of them they will bite.
DeleteOne false move or strong wind and the Soldier beetle could be in some serious pain :-) it proves one thing the male of all species think with their......
ReplyDeleteDouglas, it made my eyes water just watching him.
DeleteAfter copulation, one beetle could ask thee other: "Did the leaf move for you too?"
ReplyDeleteJohn, it is flat calm here this evening, the first time in weeks. It's a good job he was doing the business this morning in half a gale.
DeleteI admire your patience.
ReplyDeleteGraham anything is better than mowing grass.
DeleteThe Beatles copulating? I bet the ugly one on the right was Ringo Starr. His victim was most likely George Harrison. While he was doing the dirty deed, Ringo was probably singing, "I'll be your long haired lover boy from Liverpool!"
ReplyDeleteYP, it's BEETLES. I'm at a loss as to what else to say.
DeleteThats some racking macro shot Adrian.
ReplyDeletepeter
Thanks Peter. I managed two shots but not enough for a good stack.
DeleteHey, you should scare lots of bugs out of the gras with the mower! You show that if you stick with it you will get many amazing shots like the copulating beetles.
ReplyDeleteRed, it is a ride on mower and not the easiest to drive. I only got about a third of the grass cut as the belt came off the hydrostatic converter and after ages wrestling with that little problem I ran out of petrol.
DeleteThings are warming up now and there are many more insects about. Tomorrow, Wednesday looks as if it will be scorchio.
Adrian, you have a new blog look! those pics are impressive and intresting
ReplyDeleteLaura, it is brighter but I'm not sure it's better.
DeleteBeetle sex doesn't look a lot of fun. I think I'd pass on that if I were a beetle.
ReplyDeleteFrances at least the female Soldier Beetle can sit and think of England. Male Dragon flies seem to half drown their mates.
ReplyDelete