For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Odds and ends - Part 8

Moths have such pretty patterns even though their colors are dull.
An interesting fungus growning on a dead tree stump.
Was this ant trying to hide away? :) Not from my camera it doesn't.
This bee was giving me the beady eye.
A ladybug-to-be in just another day or two.
Now here is a cute little fellow. Too bad his color clashes so with the flower he is on.
He is liable to become a meal for someone...

32 comments:

Jo said...

Hi Joan, I love moths and always save them when stuck in my house. Ah, the food chain... can be cruel sometimes, but necessary! I do like the colour clash of the caterpillar. Did you know that nothing rhymes with orange or purple? (A little bit of useless information from me in Sudan!lol ) Big hugs Jo

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

I see you've been crawling around again. You always come up with these great collections critter photos.

Diane said...

Some of the moths really are quite lovely with amazing markings. Wonderful photos as always. I am glad that you do not have stinging nettles over there with all your crawling around. We have so many here..... Not pleasant except for making good manure or, I gather eating - I have not tried them:) Diane

blog with no name said...

Hi Joan! The "Bug Lady" strikes again!
Your shots are always beautifully done... Keep it up... Please!

Unknown said...

These are so awesome!!! I love the moss on the tree and the ladybug to be! I have never seen a ladybug... larva?... before. So neat, thanks Joan!

Craver Vii said...

I like the smart look on that moth. It displays them as if to say, "Taa-daa!"

Where did that caterpillar find a clown wig? It looks like Little Orphan Annie!

Gaelyn said...

No bug can hide from you Joan.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Joan: Those are some really neat captures of the bugs.

Unknown said...

I like every shot in this post. Great work!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Jo. Moths do come in the most wonderful range of colours and patterns as I have discovered over the years, some prettier than butterflies.

LOL!! I love "useless" information like this. Not that I ever classify it as such. :) I love to learn anything new.

The weeks are going fast and soon you will start packing. A HUGE job but I am sure you will not mind as you are coming home. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

LOL!! You know me by now Jonker. :) Thanks, we have such a wonderful variety here.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

We do have them Diane and a whole lot more unpleasant ones which I have to be careful of. The worst are at the end of the summer when the Black Jacks and sticky grass is around and I come home covered in stuff which I have to try to get out of my clothes. LOL!!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Mike. Right now there is not much in the line of bugs around as it has been too cold so most of what I post now are from the warmer months which I have stored away. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Glad I could show you something different Krista. How do you survive in that cold country with none of these interesting bugs around? I know I couldn't. LOL!! But then you have all that wonderful countryside you can photograph while riding through it by train. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

LOL!! You always manage to come up with something to make me smile Craver. :) You are right though, it DOES look like Orphan Annie. :) Some of these caterpillars are so weird, but I guess they have the advantage of turnng into something pretty like the Ugly Duckling did. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Nope!! I get them all Gaelyn. LOL!!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Tom. It is so relaxing going out to find them with just nature around me and camera in hand.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Jose. I think you need to show me some of the bugs from your side of the pond too. :) As long as you continue to show me those beautiful cacti too of course. :)

Philip said...

Joan what type of flower is that caterpillar on and is it still flowering ? great close up shots BTW

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Philip. I do not know as it is a wild one. I have bought a book on them and will see if I can find the name for you and let you know but it might take a while for me to go through. These flowers only bloom in summer but they make such a pretty show.

Mary said...

This post is really full of different textures. The insect world is pretty fascinating when you get down to their level :-)

JRandSue said...

Wonderful Blog with great images.

Zane said...

Great selection Joan - mmm - must see what else I can post - soon.

PS. Seamus (Sean) has added comments to his website and some new photographs - he is doing things the hard way - us lazies just use blogger!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

You are right Mary, they have always been there but we have never noticed them before. It is a fascinating world.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks John and Sue. I know how much you like bugs too as you always have wonderful pics of them. :)

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Zane. I will go and check out his web too. He is very clever to be able to do all that himself. :)

Becky said...

Yet another group of goodies Joan. We have a moth similar to yours, and it is only about 1/2 long.
Interesting fact about Ladybugs. Didnt know this.
Didn't know Ants had hairy butts either!
B.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

This moth is about the same size Becky. I guess you just never noticed their butts so close up before. LOL!!

Craig Glenn said...

Amazing photo's my dear friend. I want to be you when I grow up!!!

Craig Glenn

Anonymous said...

I am going to have to get into better shape so that I can get better insect photos as I know how you must have to get down and around to get some of those angles....Michelle

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Thanks Craig. Why would you want to be me? LOL!! I would thnk you are just perfect as you are as you have some wonderful people who love you for who you are so dont ever change my friend.

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

Yeah, you have to be fairly fit as on my walks it is up and down mountains and crawling around. LOL!!