This year seems to be going well for insects, which makes a pleasant change, as the last three have, in general, been terrible, with very few insects to be seen. The only exception were butterflies last year that had a fantastic breeding season: I had never seen so many in this area and was spoilt for choice when it came to photographing them.
The photo above is of Gastrophysa Viridula a leaf-beetle. I came across a group of them that were mating on a patch of Dock. The female becomes grossly enlarged with eggs. Below is a top view of one: handsome creatures.
Wow, that female looks fit to burst.
ReplyDeleteLovely metallic sheen to them.
This must be your black knight Kerry.
ReplyDeleteand a great capture,
Blimey, that female's condition looks mighty uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteI've just worked out that Gastrophysa means 'stomach bladder'.
Must look out for that one.
Thanks for the comments everyone.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly is another noble looking wee beasty Tony!
Rob, that is really interesting about the meaning. I hadn't before thought to look up the latin derivatives.
Superb shots.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot Kerry. Very cool biology/behavior!
ReplyDelete