Weekly Photo Challenge – Wrong

I’m beginning to wonder if there really is a “right” colour of Ladybird:

© Alice through the Macro Lens [2012]

Weekly challenge

Wee beasties #46 – The Sting (so to speak…)

They’re here – one of my least favourite signs of Summer.

I saw a Greenfly with wings (i.e. full adult) perched on a rose stem this afternoon.

All very well to see only one, but I already suspected that round the next leaf corner would be some of its disgusting, pesky aphid offspring.

Yep … there they were… in all their diabolical glory.

But, some of you more alert viewers may have noticed from the first picture there were other creatures in the neighbourhood … and rumour has it that these particular creatures like to feast on aphids.

Now I know it’s wrong to interfere with the laws of Nature, but I couldn’t help myself. I was compelled to collect a couple from a nearby bush and put that theory to the test. And the results are now in ….

Ladybirds love to eat greenfly aphids.

© Alice through the Macro Lens [2012]

Wee beasties #42 – Yellow ladybird black spots

I’d thought I’d done my bit for the Ladybird Awareness month or two. Apart from the common red and black, I’ve posted the black and red, and the brown and white.

I thought I’d already shown you this one – but it seems I haven’t yet – so here is a  yellow and black one … or two.

 

© Alice through the Macro Lens [2012]

Bug-a-day #34 – after the rain

It has rained for two straight days here in most parts of England, and there has been little respite from the cold and the wet.

However, this evening – just before the sun went down – the rain let off for a few minutes, allowing most dog owners to give their pets a small window of opportunity to relieve themselves.

While I was out there, I noticed some very interesting raindrop patterns on the plants, so I went back in and retrieved my camera.

I noticed a few Ladybirds and tried to capture them, but the light was too dull for a clear picture without a tripod. And then I remembered my camera has a flash – something I haven’t used since I bought it!  Not the easiest thing to use with a macro in dim light, but it showed some great soggy insects.

So, while I said I wouldn’t portray the same bug more than once for this challenge, I think I can be forgiven for revisiting some very wet versions of Ladybirds and (I think) a Hoverfly.

Click on the images for clearer views.

 

 

© Alice through the Macro Lens [2012]

Bug-a-day #31 – The usual suspects

I was soooo tired last night, and I couldn’t drum up enough energy to post a bug-a-day.

So, hopefully, today’s multiple mixture will make up for it. Perhaps they are having a Bug Party – or maybe taking part in some kind of Line-up. In any case, it’s evidence that some bugs don’t mind hanging out together …

A Nursery Web Spider (see bug-a-day #1), three Ground Beetles, and (just for Helen!) a token Ladybird.

Click on the pictures to see more clearly.

© Alice through the Macro Lens [2012]

Bug-a-day #18 – Brown ladybird white spots

Sorry I missed yesterday.

Found this interesting little character at the end of a walk in the rain the other day. I know I said I was sick of Ladybirds, but I’ve never seen one with this colouration before.

We seem to getting our fair share of unusual types in this area lately. I wonder if there’s something in the water …

© Alice through the Macro Lens [2012]

Bug-a-day #2 – Ladybird

Still in keeping with the “dewdrop” obsession, I snapped this little group of ladybirds having a get-together. Quite frankly, the little blighters are everywhere at the moment! And if I never see another one, it’ll be too soon!

(Unless, of course, I could just capture one in flight ….. Hmmmm)

© Alice through the Macro Lens [2012]

Black is the new red …

Spotted this little fella this afternoon during a woodland walk.

He was all on his own, despite there being crowds of common red ladybirds around.

Apparently, it’s not just humans who stay away from others who are different ….