Bugs, or more correctly insects, are some of the most visually interesting and stunning creatures. Part of their beauty lies in the fact that we rarely see them up close where you can really appreciate them. They have become one of my favorite photographic subjects when out on the trails. Capturing good images of insects outdoors is challenging, but that just adds to the satisfaction when you do get it right.
Dragonflys can be relatively easy to photograph. They like to perch out in the open and remain fairly still for reasonable periods of time. This one in particular was very calm and allowed me to get quite close. In fact when I was finished photographing it I reached out and was able to lightly touch its tail before it flew off. I might have been able to grab it, but did not want to risk injuring such a beautiful creature.
This is a Bee Mimic Beetle. There are a lot of insects that mimic the appearance of stinging insects like Bees and Wasps as a form of protection from predators.
Another insect that mimics Bees and Wasps is the Hoverfly. You can tell the difference by the wings and the eyes. Flys’s typically rest with their wings spread out while Bees and Wasps have their wings folded along their backs. The eyes flys are larger and nearly touch one another at the top of the head.
Viewed up close, Grasshoppers look like heavily armored knights.
This is an example of a True Bug, as opposed to the more generic use of the word bug. It could be a stink bug, or possibly a shield bug.
Jumping Spiders are simply cute and cuddly.