Ladybird Pupa - (enlarge)

While we have had very high humidity making our temps feel in the

upper 90's, we are nearly always fortunate to have a breeze in our

backyard. This does not help with taking my images handheld, but I

did manage to get this capture. I am quite sure this was the final

shedding of the 'exoskeleton' of this Ladybird. I have looked this one

up online and I think it could be the dreaded Harlequin Ladybird that

was introduced to North America in 1988 to be a natural way to

reduce the population of Aphids. Unfortunately this variety of

Ladybird, when there are no yummy insects to eat, will actually eat

other Ladybirds. They have greatly reduced the numbers of good

Ladybirds. It was this breed that people often complain of infesting

their homes. I picked the blossom it was attached to and put in on

our table under the Gazebo trying to obtain a better image. I am

attaching another shot of it below. (any visits are always

appreciated, ;-) Gail)

....

I like how the focus directs the eye on three separate experiences.  The stamen and pistil, the pupa, and the texture of the flower.

A very nice result with beautiful colors and details, Gail!

With best regards,

Ruud.

Excellent closeup and educational to boot ! Bill

This one needed an enlargement. The bug and the thing in the middel of the left flower (I don't know the english name of it) is sharp and the rest of the image is soft. Very nice.

Best regards

Eystein

Hi Gail,

  Beautiful creative image with wonderful colors & details.  Take care, Patsy

Great colors and excellent detail of the Ladybird.  

Wonderful colors here, Gail ... and excellent textures also !! A big big note for you, my friend ... Congrats !!

this is one instance where the f 2.8 serves you well- spotlighting the salient points- doesn't matter that the rest is OOF.  nice shot- we've never seen one of these bugs  "in the act"

Just read your blurb - yes, this is probably the asian lady bug- we have them here-  just wait till it gets warm enough in your area for the Harlequin beetle to arrive!!  (Look it up- they're no fun)  :)   G

Hi Gail, excellent work, I love the purple colors of this bell flowers and the Lady Bug,  you did a great job!!!!

Hugs,

LuDa

Hi Gail, Great shots with a very interesting write up. I had no idea that ladybugs were that aggressive. Nice blur and great colors. Take care.

Hot and Humid in NJ too....Holger

Gail - the selective focus is very nice. The different color on the ladybug helps it standout as well.

I don't know if you have or are aware of the Wimberley Plamp. I have one to hold flowers still in light breezes or to hold them at an angle I want. I got the idea in a workshop on flower photography. I am sure there are other inexpensive devices to do the same thing. Just a thought. Dave

Actually I was going to try rigging up something, but the way these 'bell like' flowers hang, I thought it would be a lot of fiddling. But I may try something in the future. Actually I think my husband has a good idea that he has been mulling over in his mind. He always seems to come up with good solutions to those kinds of things, I should have mentioned it to him last year!

Yes, we are to have T-Storms tonite, probably you as well. Today seemed like one of the worst days yet. Just  like 'soup' out there. There have been 'breathing advisories' quite a few days as well. Thank you Holger for taking the time to stop by, I do appreciate your time and support.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this image Luisa. I had been chasing a 'big fat bumblebee' that was frantically moving to and fro on one of my flowering bushes when I discovered this ladybird in the back garden. I have not seen many this year. I have some images of Ladybug Larvae from years ago, but have never seen them start to shed their exoskeleton. Sincere thanks for your visit and thoughts,

Hugs, Gail

A really beautiful flower image with a nice bug thrown in for dessert...  Mike

I'm glad you enjoyed the image. Kind regards, Gail

My, how hot does it have to get??? Some days with the humidity it has been over 100 degrees!! I could be wrong about the type of Ladybird. I was going by some things I'd seen on a British Government Website that had a video and pic of the Pupa and adult. I've seen a few other very tiny Ladybirds, but they have been black with a peach like color spot. Thanks for all your info,

warmest regards, Gail

This image is exquisite just the way it is.  No dressing up (framing, filters, etc.) necessary!

That was such a lovely heart felt remark, I know because it is YOU. Thank you, you really put a smile on my face :-)

sincere thanks, talk soon, Gail

:O)

I always appreciate your support and comments, encouragement goes a long way,

Warmest regards, Gail

I always feel like the sun is shining on me when you comment!!! Your have always been so encouraging and positive along the way,

Wishing you the best always, Gail