These two images are for Bill (gpa bill) who kept reminding me to post them. At the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, Arizona, these amazing beetles are not often seen in a swarming group. Thanks for the tip to Mark, Bill and others that yes, I should really go back down the trail to see these beetles. I must admit that it was soooo hot I considering a pass on the sight. But I went along anyway. My Canon 5D Mark II was very very hot and I'd taken so many photos so quickly that it just was not wanting to focus as I needed and the heat made the camera hesitate between shots.
The next image shows a close view of the antennae for just one beetle. Great "resonator" design for this nature marvel.
The Grand Duchess, and 22 other people added this photo to their favorites.
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mark willocks 24 months ago | reply
Well you beat me (probably by about 6 months, LOL) posting beetle shots. These critters were simply amazing and the highlight of my Boyce Thompson Day. Glad you got at least a couple of shots despite a balky camera.
The Grand Duchess 24 months ago | reply
Fantastic!
mark willocks 24 months ago | reply
Just did a little research on these guys. It seems that those pictured above are an immature nymph stage. The little triangles just below the heads around the thorax are proto wings. They will molt and become even larger adults with real wings and can fly. The bizarre color patterns advertise that they have a foul taste and most birds seems to respect that. They are not harmful to the mesquite trees they feed on.
Robert Lesti (away for a few weeks) 24 months ago | reply
Like this fire-red.
g'pa bill 24 months ago | reply
It's 'bout dam time!! You've been holding out on us, BJ. Wonderful catch; you done good!
SewerDoc (200 Explores) 24 months ago | reply
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A great-looking macro.
macrobugs
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Seen in the group"Macro Bugs" ( ?² )
Suso Rubio 24 months ago | reply
despite hard circumstances, great work capturing these magic beetles
W9JIM 24 months ago | reply
Cool beans! They must run on batteries cause I don't seen extension cords for their internal lighting. :-)
nowhereonearth 24 months ago | reply
Crazy looking bugs - hope they're not too destructive. But they are really cool looking.
khosey1 24 months ago | reply
Nice! I love how they clustered.
Urban Woodswalker 24 months ago | reply
Gosh, they are incredibly beautiful. I think I will have to create some art of these type insects.
songbirdgirl2001 24 months ago | reply
Amazingly beautiful! No, I am not able to determine which are male or female. Can you give me a hint??
Iván Murcia 24 months ago | reply
Visita mi galería / Visit my gallery
.McCarthy 24 months ago | reply
I've lived here 40 years and never seen one of these.
cool
heycarrieann331 24 months ago | reply
Wow! I have never seen beetles like this! Those are amazing! I do see the difference on the markings!
fournier2012 24 months ago | reply
Wonderful macro
We haven't got this kind of beetle here in France
Mashku 22 months ago | reply
These are not beetles, they are larvas of Bugs. Like stink Bugs.
Mashku 22 months ago | reply
Thasus neocalifornicus nymphs !
Al_HikesAZ 14 months ago | reply
Wow incredible. Great photo and great capture. Excellent detail and color
stho002 8 months ago | reply
These are not beetles! They are "true bugs" (Heteroptera) ...