Monday, April 6, 2015

Macro Mania

One of the things I love about this time of year is dusting off my macro lens to discover tiny life forms living on plants. Some of these were found in my garden and some at the arboretum during the middle of March. Hope you enjoy!

Varied Carpet Beetle which appears as a small speck until magnified.

Green Anole

Carpenter Bee on purple thistle.

Ladybug on pansy.

Anole on Bottlebrush plant.

Shield-backed bug - Pachycorinae (unsure of common name). Please click for larger image.

This insect is about 1/4" in length and appears tan with dark mottling.
The macro lens revealed tiny colored "gems" and "ruby eyes."
Isn't that cool?

46 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Cool collection of images.. The insect photos are amazing.. I love the ladybug and the lizard.. Happy Monday, have a great new week!

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Definitely cool. I need to embrace my macro lens. These are really cool shots.

Kathy said...

Fabulous as usual, Gail. Would you mind sharing which macro lens you use? I've been thinking about a new lens purchase and maybe this is the route I should take. I haven't seen any anoles here yet but it should be any day now since the weather is warming.

nookworm said...

It is almost shocking how your photos show us the details of these critters. You are good girl!!

Hootin Anni said...

Extraordinary

Irma said...

What a beautiful macro images Gail.
All perfectly sharp and good focus, my compliments.

21 Wits said...

Oh goodness, did I enjoy these, you bet your wonderful lens eye I did! Even if I'm not the biggest fan of (some) bugs, Hehehe, I sure love seeing them shine in their element!

Anonymous said...

Fabulous shots!

Stephanie said...

Super shots! Love seeing them up close like you captured them all.

Karen said...

Terrific macros! Love them all, and the bee is fabulous.

Stephanie said...

Once again you have wowed me with your images, dear Gail! The insects look like they could jump out at me at any moment :)

Wishing you a lovely week! Hugs!

TexWisGirl said...

these are just great! some of them are absolutely stunning. such beauty.

Joke (Joke's Camera) said...

They are all superb, Gail. I love to shoot macro photos. The macro lens reveals little wonders of nature. Great series again. Greetings, Joke

Pantherka said...

Really very beautiful.

Melissa said...

Yay! I love your bug photos! And today I especially love Green Annie!

Cranberry Morning said...

Wow! Look at the amazing design in those creatures! Macro really lets us see those things we wouldn't otherwise notice and appreciate.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Thanks for sharing your world of macro.So much beauty goes unnoticed because we fail to take the time to look.

Anonymous said...

The beetle in the last photo is awesome.

Michelle said...

Excellent details in these shots.

Anonymous said...

Amazing work, Gail. Such beauty to be found when we take a closer look.

Bethany Carson said...

Love your macro perspective here! I don't think I've ever seen such beautiful/interesting bugs.

Evelyn S. said...

Each one is a gem, but I will always gravitate to a lizard over "bugs," and the green anole is my absolute favorite! Again, I marvel at the fabulous focus of your macro images, Gail.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Wow, really excellent macro shots Gail! I think my favs are the carpenter bee and the Anole on Bottle Brush.

Unknown said...

Great shots, Gail! Bugs are always interesting. I love the anoles. Have a great week!

Hannah said...

Really impressive macros, Gail, those carpet beetles are so tiny, and it looks great. I love the anoles, I haven't seen one for a long time. The shield bugs have such funny faces, I love to see them too.

Anvilcloud said...

Fine macros. I like the ladybug on pansy.

Giga said...

Beautiful pictures, and the third about America. Regards.

Joke (Joke's Camera) said...

Fantastic shots, Gail. I love macro work. Everything is so much more beautiful than we can see with our eyes. The ladybug is my favorite. Greetings, Joke

DeniseinVA said...

Brilliant macros Gail, and how great it is to see everything so up close. I will always find those little creatures fascinating. Love the lizard.

Anita Johnson said...

I've run out of adjectives...WOW!

Indrani said...

These are so beautiful!
Excellent details.

diane b said...

These are great macro's. I recently dusted my lens off and had a go but I find it hard to keep still unless I'm using a tripod,

Debbie said...

lovely...creepiness!! i tried to pick a favorite, surprise, surprise...i picked the lady bug!!!

;)

Donna said...

You take some of the most beautiful macro shots...love the critters.

Inspired By June said...

I think this is one of my favorite posts every, Gail. Just incredible! I hope you had a blessed Easter, friend. You've been in my thoughts and prayers :)

Shug said...

GREAT DETAILS IN EACH PHOTO.....I'D LOVE TO FOLLOW YOU FOR ONE DAY JUST TO EXPERIENCE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY TALENTS....ALWAYS THE BEST OF PHOTOS!!!
HUGS

Wally Jones said...

Splendid images of another world, Gail!

Your patience and skill are evident in these crisp, well-composed photographs. Makes me ashamed to post my unworthy stuff.

Thank you for making my day better!

Autumn said...

Amazing photos! You are so talented.

EG CameraGirl said...

I really like how close you are able to get to these insects! Amazing that you can see the red eyes on an insect only 1/4 inch long!

Helma said...

Really beautiful macros.
Rich details, sharp and clear and amazing colors.
My compliments. You're the best!

renae said...

Your camera is like a traveling microscope, huh? Bugs are quite pretty prior to me KILLING THEM!!!

LOL

Would love to see you at my blog today or somewhere of this past week? no?
♥renae
renaesrepertoire.com

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

More than cool! The last picture is a miracle of the lens. I absolutely love how you find the beauty and joy in these little creatures that us mere mortals might overlook. Thank you for the beautiful pictures and for the inspiration!!! I am going to try harder.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Super macro shots! Have a lovely weekend!

Ida said...

These were amazing. The details you captured on the bugs were just awesome. Great series.

Susan said...

Amazing! Love them all, but my favorites are the ladybug and carpenter bee.

Suzan said...

Incredible bug shots!!
Always - the lady bug is at the top of my list!!! Neat seeing the dust on the bee!!