Well, I really had fun with this month's theme!
To start off, I have several pictures of a Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) that I found in my back yard. I captured it, along with another unknown bug, cooled them off, and then let them walk around on a clump of grass in my living room (much to the displeasure of my wife!) These are not true ladybugs, but are an introduced species from Asia that feed on aphids and other smaller insects. They were brought here for control, and are now widespread throughout North America. Originally, I thought they were actual ladybugs, but in my quest to find out what the second bug was, I found out that it was actually the larva of the lady beetle, thus making these pictures a matched set. Thanks to the University of Nebraska Lincoln Department of Entomology facebook page for helping me identify them! All four of these pictures were taken with a 100mm macro lens borrowed from Mike. (Several of the others below were also taken with this lens.)
To start off, I have several pictures of a Lady Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) that I found in my back yard. I captured it, along with another unknown bug, cooled them off, and then let them walk around on a clump of grass in my living room (much to the displeasure of my wife!) These are not true ladybugs, but are an introduced species from Asia that feed on aphids and other smaller insects. They were brought here for control, and are now widespread throughout North America. Originally, I thought they were actual ladybugs, but in my quest to find out what the second bug was, I found out that it was actually the larva of the lady beetle, thus making these pictures a matched set. Thanks to the University of Nebraska Lincoln Department of Entomology facebook page for helping me identify them! All four of these pictures were taken with a 100mm macro lens borrowed from Mike. (Several of the others below were also taken with this lens.)
The next submittal is a Monarch Butterfly, captured with my 300mm zoom lens in Aurora, Nebraska. I was out doing some field work for a project, and caught it fluttering by. I have always been very attracted to monarchs, but recently have undertaken a project to increase awareness of their lifecycle, migration, and to bring more native habitat back to Papillion (which means butterfly in French). You can learn more about my project at www.facebook.com/PapillionButterflyGardens.
The next three are truly just back yard bugs caught doing their own thing. No studio lights,no freezer, just me, my camera, (Mike's lens), and the bug. I liked the way the iridescent colors on the fly contrasted with the white flowers. The spider was taken on the side of Mike's house, with Micah's 100mm macro lens. Thanks guys for letting my borrow your equipment!
Now for the final entries for Bugs! These massive creatures were captured on my driveway, and feature a lesser known related subspecies named Chalkius Kiddus. You can tell them easily by the large smile on their face. Our driveway is always covered with chalk, and bugs are a very common subject, so when the kids found out I was running around the yard trying to capture pictures of bugs, they wanted their creations captured too! I submit 'caterpillar' and 'ladybug' for my final entries. Happy hunting!
You did a great job!!! Given that this was your first time really working with the macro and insect I give you much props. Though the chalk ones are my favorites :o)
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