Beetles of May (part 1)

Posted by kahunna
June 2, 2009

Well, it’s been waaaay too long since my last post.  I’ve been concentrating on a different project for the last few weeks, but I’ve always had my camera on the ready for any springtime insects I come across.  And boy, have I come across a lot!  My last post shared with you my excitement of finding a scarab beetle outside my apartment.  Since then, I’ve found and photographed over a dozen different beetles around California.  I’d like to start sharing with you again.

The project I’ve been working on the last few weeks has allowed me to get closer to nature.  I’ve decided it’s about time I get back into shape and work off some of my weight.  To do this, I’ve resolved to hike 100 times before 2010.  So far, I’ve hiked 12 times in the last 25 days and hope to keep on pace of three hikes a week in order to meet my goal.  If you would like to track my progress, head on over to 100hikes.com.  Along with GPS tracks, maps, and videos, I’ve included photos from my hikes which now and then include insect shots.

Speaking of which, here’s a handful of beetle photos I’ve taken in the last three weeks:

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Ironclad beetle (Phoeodes pustulosus)
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Male and female woolly darkling beetles (Eleodes osculans)
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My two captive beetles “got busy” and one mounted the other.  You can make out the footprint of this gal’s partner on her back.
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A stout, oval darkling beetle (Coniontis sp.)
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An unidentified beetle on a dime to show size.
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Another unidentified beetle on a dime to show size.

I have a lot more beetle photos to post – it’s just a matter of finding the time to edit them!

Related posts:

coleoptera, lepidoptera

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  • Moe
    Wow, what tiny beetles. Very cool shots!
  • Yeah, you're back.

    I love tenebrionids - I don't know what it is, they're mostly just black, ugly beetles, but I love 'em.

    Did you take those micro beetle shots with a 65mm 1-5x? How do you hold the camera so steady for those - it's the one thing I'm really having trouble with.

    regards--ted
  • Hey Ted! Yeah, they were with the 65mm. The key is to be in control of your breathing. I hold my breath for each shot, which ends up causing me to perspire after about 30 shots. LOL I sometimes steady the shot by resting my ring flash on a solid object (i.e. counter, desk) in front of the subject. The ring on your dual flash should allow you to do this as well.
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