Bug Shots

More Native Beauties

Darren — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:10:06 +0000

I just can’t go past taking a shot of these native bees. They are just everywhere at the moment and many can be found at rest which makes for some fantastic photo opportunities.

Native Beauties

Darren — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:23:47 +0000

Australian Native Bees are everywhere at the moment, far outnumbering the honey bees in my garden. If you can catch them at rest, this is your only chance to get a shot of these very fast little bees. Often in the low light you will find them roosting in a position that seems unique to the native bees. They will bite onto the end of a flower or twig with their jaws while tucking their legs under their body. I have no idea of the species of these two bees as there are numerous species in the area. Please feel free to provide an ID if you can.

Leaf Cutter Bee

Darren — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:20:52 +0000

Hi all. It has been many months since my last post and I’m hoping that I will be able to start posting more regularly again. Recently I was lucky enough to spot this small native bee which I’m guessing is a Leaf Cutter Bee (Family Megachilidae). Getting any photo, let alone a good photo is very difficult with these small Bees as they refuse to sit still. Identification is difficult with numerous species in the area, so any feedback on the presumed ID is appreciated. I was lucky enough to catch this specimen in the early morning when it was quite docile. They are definitely one of my favourite insects to shoot thanks to the challenge they pose.

A Gentle Giant

Darren — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 06:53:09 +0000

I believe this magnificent spider is of the family Sparassidae, more commonly known as Huntsman Spiders. I spotted this spider on some pavers after heavy rain, most likely from being flooded out of its garden habitat. These spiders are not web builders and prefer to hunt on the ground for insects such as cockroaches which makes them a welcome addition to any garden. I’m sure it’s not a favorite amongst the arachnophobes due to its large size, but they are not known to be overly aggressive or venomous to humans.

A bizarre design

Darren — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 04:28:25 +0000

When I saw this small caterpillar (approx 1 cm in length) I was amazed at the bizarre architecture. I only managed a few photos as it was quite difficult to catch the whole caterpillar in focus considering the limited depth of field. I am glad that I captured the bizarre projections on the back which make this caterpillar a truly unique specimen. I’m not even going to try identifying the species as I wouldn’t even know where to start, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Small Garden Jumping Spider

Darren — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 04:46:54 +0000

This small jumping spider (Opisthoncus polyphemus) is one of the most common jumping spider species that I see around the garden. They are common amongst the palms and lillipillies, and can be quite well camouflaged. I often seen them stalking small flies amongst the leaves, often approaching from underneath surrounding foliage before making a very fast jumping strike. I quite often spot the unlucky fly first, and when approaching to take a photo, find that it is hanging from the jaws of one of these little spiders.

Hover Fly at rest

Darren — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 11:17:35 +0000

The Common Hover Fly (Ischiodon scutellaris) would have to be one of my favorite insects to photograph as their behavior allows for some interesting shots. Firstly, their ability to hover in one position almost flawlessly gives the photographer the chance to shoot them in flight which is almost impossible with other insects, particularly flies. Even when startled, these Hover Flies will often return to the same spot you first found them, giving you a few more chances at get then photo you want.

Caper White Butterfly

Darren — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 03:56:28 +0000

I was lucky enough to catch one photo of this Caper White Butterfly (Belenois java) as it landed on the flower for about 5 seconds. I must admit that Butterflies are probably one of the hardest insects to shoot as they rarely sit still for very long which makes getting a good composition difficult. They are also very easily spooked which makes approaching them a challenge as they won’t be waiting around too long! I’m not 100% happy with the composition as I just cut off the top of one antennae, but I still liked the detail and particularly the colours in this shot.

Guarding the eggs.

Darren — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 03:55:38 +0000

Known as the Small Brown Paper Wasp (Ropalidia revolutionalis), these social wasps are not overly aggressive like other social wasp species. Although they will attack if severely provoked, these wasps usually stand their ground on the nest and are not easily scared off. When approached they will often make a display by buzzing their wings and shaking their bodies as a warning.

A Dipteran Duo

Darren — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 05:50:28 +0000

Here are two common species of Fly that I regularly see around the garden. The first is the larger Grey-Striped Fly (Sarcophaga aurifrons), also known as a flesh fly. I am unaware of the species of the second fly which was approximately 5-6 mm in length and seems to be a favorite target of the numerous jumping spiders that hunt on my window screens. Both have amazingly complex and alien architecture when viewed up close.