Who Am I ?? - (enlarge)

On Thursday I was out in my Garden thrilled that Bumble Bees were

back again, and it was not very windy. The bees were loving my

Liatris flowers. While taking some images on one of the flowers, I

noticed what I thought was a 'dead' portion of the flower. Upon

further investigation, I found it looked kind of like a spider (I could

see greenish legs). The flower stem was far enough away that I

could not see the insect properly, so I stepped into the raised garden

and broke the stem to take up under the Gazebo to have a better

look. The Insect had a flat triangular back with dark and light brown

bold markings. While transporting the stem, I think it got a bit scared

and wedged itself between petals. If you know Liatris, the petals are

very fine. I tried for over an hour to meet my goal of a 1/25th of a

second shot. If I had increased my ISO, I would have gotten a better

image sooner. What interested me most was the shape of the

front 'pinchers'. I was trying to get a capture of it's compound eye.

This is the best I managed to achieve. I estimate I was about a foot

away from the bug. I got this shot at 1/40th sec. I am posting a face

on shot below that was at 1/25th sec. but I did not get much more

than some of the face. A friend suggested, and I also thought it may

be a Stink Bug but I have not yet found one that has the same

markings. Posting a view of it on the Liatris Stem as well. (visits and

comments welcome, thank you, Gail)

...

...

Now that is some creepy-crawley, I'll tell you. At first I thought it was some sort of gekko because the eye doesn't look like a spider's eye at all. Real good work, Gail. I thoroughly enjoy your miniature menagerie.

It's a jagged ambush bug, also called assassin bug...

thank you very much for stopping by to help me identify this bug. I looked the Jagged Ambush Bug up on the Internet and the Photo that seemed closest to it was from the 'genus Phymata'. Once again I appreciate the information you provided.

Most sincerely, Gail

Yes it sure is creepy looking, but seems like it is good for the Garden, I'm checking out if it eats Butterfly larvae as well, that wouldn't be so good. I'm glad you enjoyed the image.

Beautiful shots, Gail, never seen before..!

 

Aw! I think its cute!!! Just trying to get along in this complex world, like the rest of us!! Nice shot though! (tell me you didn't reach for the bug spray right after you shot this!! Ha!)

Gail,

  Great capture of this creepy crawler with wonderful details & background.  Take care, Patsy

The details on this little guy are just amazing, Gail!  Beautiful surroundings too.  You inspire me to get my macro lens out. 

What an odd creature!  Don't want to get too close!

If this shot was taken handheld, it would be even more impressive.  Indeed, you managed to capture some amazing details.  For whatever it's worth, when I initially viewed the thumbnail, I thought this creature was a hermit crab.  Only goes to show ya . . .

My best,

michael

Nicely captured! If you up your ISO and tighten your aperture you'll find the tight close-ups get a bit easier. The focusing becomes a little more forgiving. But at the end of the day perseverance can overcome most problems, as you demonstrate with the story of getting this image.

Hi Gail,

An interesting image as I have told you before in a telephone conversation.

The 1/40 second is very good. The 1/25 second needs a bit more practice.

The time to practice is on simple subjects where the lighting is controlled and the scene is not unique. Then, when the time comes you will be better prepared to obtain the most that your lens can offer.

At this point, as I have pointed out to you in the past via email discussions of your work, you have about 80 % of the potential yield from your setup now.

Keep up the good effort.

Warmest Regards, Mike

I think you have done exceptionally well in capturing details at these shutter speeds and hand held too!

This is a most unusual creature and you must be commended for your patience and dedication in waiting for this little fellow to emerge to get a shot.

Who knows you might just have discovered a new variety of the bug, they might call it

"Gailus Harmercus Stinkus"            : - )

Seriously though this is a wonderful effort!

Compliments and Warm Regards

 

Alf

 

Fascinating little critter.  Your  garden must be a treasure of wonders.

Looks like you nailed the identification. 

Wonderful, I love it.

Hugs.

Gail, weird looking creature, I know you were excited when you found it. I love the colors and how this creature contrast very well with the petals. Good job my dear friend!!!

Warm regards,

LuDa

Yes very weird insect!!! I've gotten some hints on how to improve the next time I try. I've see a few insects I don't normally see this year, but they don't stay put for long!!!

thank you Alberto!! so good to hear from you! Thank you for taking the time to comment Alberto.

Thank you for your input Steve. Line Martel helped me find out what kind of bug it is.

Well, I think we've all been called many things in our lifetimes, but I sure don't aim to have a bug called after me!!! ;-) Seems they've been round for quite awhile. Thanky ou for your sense of humour Alf, always cheers me up!! or in this case, causes me to chuckle. ;-)

Dom - I was trying to be careful, as I saw one bee that looked almost dead, wasn't sure if it had been stung ????? I have to read up on this bug more.

Patsy - Thanks for your comments Patsy, sure do find the oddest things when you least expect them. If the bug had not been in the Liatris flower, I'd have never discovered it.

 Warren - many thanks for stopping by, yes I guess the bugs do their thing, but just think if you got bit by a 'tick', don't think you'd want it around for long!!! I guess education is the best thing. I did not kill the bug, as I did not know just how good or bad it was for the garden.

Yes, I think I am on the right track. Just more practice and a bit of reading as well. Thanks for the extra advice as well, ;-) the student, Gail