Category Archives: Insect

Ladybird Beetle Metamorphosis

By Adrian | Published 17 June, 2013
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A freshly emerged adult lady beetle. It is still darkening-up from the yellow beetle that first emerged from the pupal case.

This is a set from August, 2010. They were taken in the Opal Natural Area, in a year when there seemed to be an unusually high amount of seven-spot ladybird beetles in the area. This is not a true metamorphic sequence, because all these shots are of different specimens, but it does show the different stages of change from larva, through pupa to adult, all taken within two-hours.

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Also posted in Alberta, Behaviour, Bugs, Canada, Coccinellidae, Coleoptera, macro, Natural Area, Opal Natural Area, photography, Season, Summer | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Week on Sunday #33

By Adrian | Published 16 June, 2013

Finally back with another look at articles that caught my attention in the last week(s). I’ll lead off with a new series narrated by the great Sir David Attenborough:

◊ David Attenborough is hosting Micro Monsters 3D, which began on Sky TV on June 15. Check out this article at the Mail Online for more on the series, including photographs.

Edward O. Wilson with paleontologist Louise Leakey. Wilson received the National Geographic Society’s highest honor — the Hubbard Medal — at the Society’s 125th Anniversary Gala in Washington June 13. Photo by Mike Busada.

Edward O. Wilson with paleontologist Louise Leakey. Wilson received the National Geographic Society’s highest honor – the Hubbard Medal – at the Society’s 125th Anniversary Gala in Washington June 13. Photo by Mike Busada.

◊ Along with to explorer and filmmaker James Cameron and oceanographer Sylvia Earle, National Geographic has honored E.O Wilson with the Hubbard Medal for his lifelong commitment to the planet’s rich diversity through his research and writing. The Hubbard Medal is awarded by the National Geographic Society for distinction in exploration, discovery, and research. The medal is named after Gardiner Greene Hubbard, first National Geographic Society president. E. O Wilson has been an inspiration for me, and I am glad to see him honored with this prestigious award.

On his first trip to Gorongosa (and Africa), scientist and author Edward O. Wilson uses an experienced nose to identify a foam grasshopper. It’s named for the smelly, poisonous foam it emits. Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic

Wilson received the National Geographic Society’s highest honor — the Hubbard Medal — at the Society’s 125th Anniversary Gala in Washington June 13. On his first trip to Gorongosa (and Africa), scientist and author Edward O. Wilson uses an experienced nose to identify a foam grasshopper. It’s named for the smelly, poisonous foam it emits.
Photo by Joel Sartore/National Geographic

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Also posted in Attenborough, Bugs, Inspiration, invertebrates, macro, Mollusca, News, photography, Spring, Week on Sunday | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fultonvale Quick Walk

By Adrian | Published 8 June, 2013

 

Fultonvale Woods

Fultonvale Woods

Most Saturdays mornings my daughter attends an orchestra practice, which often takes place at Wye Hall east of Sherwood Park, Alberta. While she is busy, I  have the chance to scoot off to a nearby natural area that lies around the Fultonvale School and sports fields. Because the time is limited, and the walk is for exercise as well as nature appreciation, I don’t have a lot of time to linger. In fact, these photos are from a week ago, the only time in the last week that I had the time to don my bug photographer’s garb and hit the trail. Here’s a sample of the images taken when out on a quick walk (1hour) through the woods, using only the equipment in the lightweight kit and essentials.

 

Hovering hoverfly

Hovering hoverfly

 

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Also posted in Alberta, arthropods, Canada, Coleoptera, Diptera, Equipment, Hymenoptera, macro, photography, Season, Spring | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mystery Parasitoid Wasp

By Adrian | Published 5 June, 2013

Not fair, or even possible –  I just don’t know. Here is a freshly emerged parasitoid wasp screaming-out for ID…

Click to enlarge!

Click to enlarge!

 

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Also posted in Alberta, Bugs, Canada, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, macro, MP-E65, Parasitoid, photography, Spring | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments