more insect photos
I hope y'all don't mind me posting more of these images. I haven't had time to get out much so I'm taking studio portraits of insects from my university collection.
The ten lined June beetle, Polyphylla decemlineata:
A mummified (and zombie) ten lined June beetle larva, infected and killed by Ophiocordyceps ravenelii, an entomophagus fungus. I'm not certain about the fungal identification-- this is on the northern California Pacific coast. The fruiting bodies emerge from the grub's head. Remember that parasite emergence scene from Ridley Scott's first Alien movie?
Dasymutilla aureola, a cow killer velvet ant (a wingless wasp, actually, at least the females). That pointy bit is fearsome.
Cicindela sexguttata, the six spotted tiger beetle. I love iridescent beetles!
As always, there are more photos at original resolution at https://mcamann.smugmug.com . I hope you enjoy them!
= new reply since forum marked as read
I'm all in favor of you posting your work.
Gorgeous creatures! Your photography is amazing and gorgeous.
Post whenever you feel like it!
Some were quite anxious when using the outhouse. There was the fear one was under the seat and would sting you. Thanks for the beautiful photos, and the memories of the days there were monsters under the bed, and wasps under the hole in the outhouse.
a real treat to see