Camera Critters #54

I have a vague memory from when I was a young kid of being really afraid of a Ladybug Beetle. Don't ask me why, I just remember being afraid of them.

However, these days, I can't pass by a Ladybug Beetle without lowering my camera and snapping away. And, I have come to learn there are many different types of Ladybug Beetles. There are Seven-spotted Ladybugs, Asian Multi-colored Ladybugs, Two-spotted Ladybugs, Convergent Ladybugs and Brown Ladybug Beetles.

There are many more of these small colorful creatures and I have only photographed a small number of them. They come in a variety of colors and shapes. Some are circular, some are elongated. Some are red, others orange and spotted. I have even seen white with rose colored patch ladybugs. No matter what they look like, they are worth my time to photograph.

Below are images I have shot of ladybugs in Oregon and Texas. The one problem I have with Ladybug Beetles, is they are just as afraid of my approach as anything else is...they either start running down the plant they are on, or take to the wing before I can raise my camera. But I still manage to get shots now and then.

Seven-spotted Ladybug Beetle

Seven-spotted Ladybug Beetle

Seven-spotted Ladybug Beetle

Seven-spotted Ladybug Beetle

Seven-spotted Ladybug Beetle

Seven-spotted Ladybug Beetle

Spotless Ladybug Beetle

Asian Multi-colored Ladybug Beetle

Asian Multi-colored Ladybug Beetle

I can't say all my IDs are correct with these small insects, but I do know calling them Ladybug Beetles will work...unless of course, you have gotten to know these bugs as Ladybird Beetles.

I hope you enjoyed my post this week. If you would like to see more Camera Critters, just drop by the website here run by Misty Dawn and then join in the fun with an entry of your own.

Camera Critter Meme #18

Critters...critters everywhere and this week's Camera Critter Meme is no exception.

One day in July of 07, I was wandering around near Fireman's Pond. Most of what a person sees in this part of the high desert is dull green sage, light brown weeds Juniper trees, blackish rocks and gray, weather-worn stumps. So when I caught a glimpse of red on a sage brush, I zoomed out the lens, squatted down and fired off a number of shots.

When I finished, I continued on my way, looking for critters both big and small to shoot.

That evening when I returned home, I opened up the series of shots of the Seven-spotted Ladybird Beetle and a smile crept over my face.

Not only did I get the beetle, but I got a virtual feast for it as dozens of Aphids were everywhere on the plant. Had I seen those little green, garden menaces when I shot the photo, I probably would have stayed around for some action shots.