This week’s photo challenge is Ooh, Shiny! The concept is to photograph something that distracts you.
Aphid Nightmare
This family of aphids watches helplessly as one of their clan is ruthlessly devoured by their arch enemy, the ladybird beetle (aka ladybug). Â When you look at a ladybug it’s easy to forget they are savage predators.
Ailanthus Webworm Moth
This Ailanthus Webworm Moth was making its way among wildflowers when I saw it in early September.
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.
Rough Stink Bug on Ficus
Fly Silhouette On Palm Leaf
I saw this fly walking along a palm leaf and decided to try out some macro shots. Â I wasn’t happy with any of the more traditional photos I took but liked this one, taken from the underside of the leaf.
Woolly Bugger
Soldier Beetle on Daisies
Praying Mantis on Pine
This praying mantis was on a picnic table when I found it. Â I moved it to a pine tree where it began climbing as I began shooting.
Grasshopper
The grasshopper waited quietly in the tall grass and weeds while I watch and photographed it. Â When I attempted to coax it into a “better” pose it decided I was no longer trustworthy and quickly disappeared into the foliage.