FLASH BUGS

A couple of weeks ago, in a moment of sheer indulgence, I became the proud owner of a new ‘toy’…



…and I’ve been practising my flashing ever since…er?..let’s move on!
After confusing myself by reading the book of words that came with it I decided that the best way to get to know how it works was to start taking photos.
I paired it up with my 100mm macro lens and have been amazed at the results..not perfect yet, but getting there slowly.

Progress so far…a few bugs…


Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea)  15mm long.


Common Shining Woodlouse (Oniscus asellus) 10mm long.


Common Leaf Weevil (Phyllobious pyri) 10mm long. Apparently they come in various hues, this one has a red tinge. The colouration can wear off leaving them almost black.

The one below doesn’t have the red tinge and the black is starting to show through.





The final set of images are of a Lily Beetle (Lilioceris lilii) If you grow lilies this is not a good beetle to find in your garden as both the adult and the larvae chomp on the leaves and flower buds from April to August and are classed as a serious garden pest. They grow from about 6 to 8mm long. They do look pretty though!!






What’s happening here?



Take off!…



…and again!





Still a work in progress but I’m happy with the results so far.

THE UGLY BUG BALL 2012....THE 'MOVERS AND SHAKERS'

In the rare sunny spells that we've had over the last few weeks I've had the pleasure of photographing some of the 'stars' as they make their way to the annual gathering that is... The Ugly Bug Ball.

First on the scene is the Master of Ceremonies dressed in top hat and tails....

Beetle - oedemera nobilis

Now, you can't have a Ball without a man in a uniform...

Soldier Beetle - cantharis rustica

Then there's the 'hoverer' who spends their time just hanging around but never stays to get involved!...

Hoverfly - syrphus ribesii

Then you get the couple that are always late..'cause they had something better to do!!...

Spotted Crane-fly - nephrotoma appendiculata

Then there's the one who you can always 'see' right through...

Picture Winged Fly - oxyna parietina

You always get one individual who likes to draw attention to themselves by dressing in a garish outfit...

14-spot Ladybird - propylea 14-punctata

And the aloof couple with their smart clothes and their noses in the air, and he always has that harmless sting in his tail!...

Scorpion Fly - panopa germanica

No matter how the proceedings are going there's always someone who feels a little blue...

Nettle weevil - phyllobius pomaceus

Then there's the airy fairy one who flits about a lot but never seems to go anywhere...

May Fly - ephemera vulgata

The local 'Lady' always puts in an appearance, dressed in the finest of fabrics...

Lacewing - chrysopa perla

There's always someone buzzing around looking for the sweet things in life... 

Honey Bee - apis mellifera

Without fail there will always be a couple of 'bad boys' that try to ruin any good party...

Fly - phaonia angelicae

Flesh Fly - sarcophaga cameria

And finally the social climber who's always trying to make it to the top but no matter how hard you try you can never find out his name!!!...

??

Do you recognise him?

I hope you found it interesting meeting some of the guests to this years Ball and maybe, if the organisers manage to turn off the sprinklers and fire up that big glitter ball in the sky, I'll soon have the opportunity to photograph a few more!