Aphid Nightmare

photograph of a ladybird beetle feeding on aphids

This family of aphids watches helplessly as one of their clan is ruthlessly devoured by their arch enemy, the ladybird beetle (aka ladybug).  When you look at a ladybug it’s easy to forget they are savage predators.

Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetle on Thin-Leaved Sunflower

photograph of a Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetle on Thin-Leaved Sunflower

At first I thought the beetle on this thin-leaved sunflower was a soldier beetle but something didn’t look quite right.  Looking more closely I’ve identified it as a Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetle.  According to insectidentification.org, the Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetle is highly beneficial in their predation of aphids.  As a bonus, their quest for insect prey turns them into efficient pollinators.

Fly Silhouette On Palm Leaf

photograph of a fly's shadow from the underside of a palm leaf

I saw this fly walking along a palm leaf and decided to try out some macro shots.  I wasn’t happy with any of the more traditional photos I took but liked this one, taken from the underside of the leaf.

Grasshopper

photograph of a grasshopper on a seedpodThe grasshopper waited quietly in the tall grass and weeds while I watch and photographed it.  When I attempted to coax it into a “better” pose it decided I was no longer trustworthy and quickly disappeared into the foliage.