Yesterday after losing the Shield bug I had the grass to cut. I quite like mowing grass and enjoy fiddling with the ride on mower and it’s grass collection system. There is always a problem with this mower. Yesterday it appeared the choke was not closing or opening properly. I was being gassed as I pootled along. It wasn’t the choke so I had a look at the air filter. It looked pretty filthy but I’ll clean that later.
Before I started I noticed some small mushrooms so before I mowed them took a picture. I also picked one for a spore print.
I am starting to find a few fungi now, how the seasons fly by. I then set off to find the Shieldbug. Not a sign of it. It eats other insects so it could be anywhere.
I did find a couple of Leaf Beetles, I spent ages trying to get them on the same side of the leaf but in the end settled for highlighting a little bit of the second one.
This tiny larva was sitting minding it’s own business. I suspect it is another Clouded-border Moth caterpillar but it seems to have too many little black spots on.
I hope this is a Mirid bug nymph. Orthonotus sp. I can find similar ones but not any with white winglets. Now whilst I was messing with this I looked up at the willow tree and found an image that almost has it all. I spent ages trying to get the little blighters all on a single plane but couldn’t do that and get the composition I wanted. It didn’t help that one of them would not keep still. Guess which.
Hello. Are you a baby one of me? This is a newly hatched Puss Moth larva still covered in the silk the eggs are covered in and I suspect a much older one, maybe second instar. This is my best bug image so far, far from perfect but as good as I could get. Shot at f16 and 3:1 with the Canon MP-E and ring flash. I could have done with getting them back to the van but decided not to disturb them. It really made my day.
I’ll see what I can find later, meanwhile have fun.
These macros are excellent Adrian, especially that last one. Amazing detail.
ReplyDeleteKeith, for once I got a good one. The DOF is what it is but I am happy with the last one.
DeleteYou have really got your eye in when it comes to spotting mini beasts Adrian. Great composition in the final photo.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I like the prismatic focus screen but with the edges being blurred it is hard to guess what you have got. Finding them is the problem as the view is so dark.
DeleteLove the clarity of the last shots Adrian.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, in a wicked world they would be killed, posed and stacked but I just can't be that bad.
DeleteMower's mushroom or Haymaker's mushroom...be careful Adrian don't be cooking them up for breakfast!...I found this.......
ReplyDelete"Panaeolina foenisecii seem to possess a psychoactive quality common to many little brown mushrooms. Symptoms of this unique form of inebriation are usually typified by inclinations to argue about inconsequential details, semantics, and jargon ad infinitum. "
.....you've been warned!
I can understand that beetle hiding....so would you if you had a big fat finger coming your way!!
I think the caterpillar may be an early larva stage of the Dun-bar Moth (Cosmia trapezina).
No idea on the nymph..nice find though.
That's a cracking last image, well done for getting them both together.
I'm finding 'bugging' so interesting, it's an amazing 'other world'...[;o)
Trevor, you must never cook them it destroys their psychoactive chemicals. Just dry them and crumble onto your Cornflakes. Don't you argue with me.
DeleteI was trying to frighten it into appearing in range. I usually try and hold the stem of the leaf and rest the camera on my arm. It's quite effective but gives me arm ache.
Thanks for the ID. I thought it didn't look as if it was what I thought it was.
I have hunted for ages and get close with Orthonotus rififrons.
The last was mainly luck but then I also have an awful number of unlucky days.
It has become an all consuming pastime. I can't wander past a bracken frond without giving it the once over.
What did Big Puss Moth Larva say to Little Puss Moth Larva?
ReplyDeleteAre you Cheryl Fernandez-Versini?
YP, don't be silly they can't speak. I was only kidding. Who is Cheryl Whatsit, I guess another footballer.
DeleteI liked all the images in the post Adrian but I liked the idea in the mushroom image of placing the spore print in the corner
ReplyDeleteDouglas, I think it would be better if it were rectangular with plenty of feather on to match the larger image. I'll try that on the next one.
Deleteall that critter hunting, and you still got the grass mowed? :)
ReplyDeleteR. Mac, they are long days at the moment, only about five and a half hours of darkness. I also cleaned the hens out, walked a mile, changed a hydraulic drive servo belt on a tractor and drove it home in time to help a lady set her campervan up. The dogs were exhausted as I wasn't having them in the tractor cab so they had to run.
DeleteLooks like you found plenty of other bugs to photograph! Great shots, as always!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I just love seeing something half an inch long at a foot wide. The colour and the detail is impressive. These aren't cropped so will print big.
DeleteNice new header. You were looking intently for one thing but still kept your eye open for something else. You made a very good catch.
ReplyDeleteRed, it is wonderful what you find if you look closely.
DeleteAgain and again! Great macros as usual. You always show us another world so thanks for it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Kovacs.
DeleteThat last shot is a beauty. You were in the right place at the right time. Which would have been wasted on me but definitely not you.
ReplyDeletePauline, I spend ages looking for them, I really ought to get out more.
DeleteBrillaint Puss Moth shot. I hope you can keep one in sight through all its instars.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I'm happy with it. The trouble is that the birds eat them. I'll do my best.
DeleteI'm impressed by you insect photos! I need to get out today to see what my lens can find.
ReplyDeleteEG, Thank you and good hunting.
ReplyDelete