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Fiery Searcher

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted April 3, 2013102 views9 comments

The Fiery Searcher is one of our largest ground beetles here in Texas, and can grow to almost 1 1/2" long. It's that time of year again, the insects are starting to show in greater numbers.
F/16, 1/30th, ISO 640, 1D M3, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 - No flash.
It was heavy overcast and actually started to rain while I was making this yesterday..

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Eirini Pajak on April 3, 2013 at 11:32 AM

Oh my...excellent portrait of this intimidating fellow. Is he exploring your roses?

Registered on December 13, 2011, 216 Posts, 1671 Comments

Comment posted by Carolyn Derstine on April 3, 2013 at 11:34 AM

Great close-up view of this critter. I like the POV that affords us a view of his colorful undersides. Very good details of the bugs' body and especially that face with those menancing looking pinchers! Nice comp and lovely perch. Is that the same rose you have a photo of in the floral gallery? A real beauty and the beast type of shot.

Registered on February 16, 2011, 610 Posts, 3684 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on April 3, 2013 at 12:14 PM

Hi Carolyn & Eirini -
While working with the same rose bush Carolyn, I spotted the beetle near its base on the ground. Picked it up and set it on the upper parts of the rose bush..
Lousy light conditions, but the cooler air worked in my favor to slow it down a bit.
I also saw an 8 spot lady bug that I tried to incorporate into the shot, but it flew off.. Didn't like my cologne or something

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Roberto Facchini on April 3, 2013 at 3:36 PM

Very nice photo. I like the composition and the detail of the insect. I think I see the bug walking on the flower.

Registered on November 15, 2012, 35 Posts, 202 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on April 3, 2013 at 9:03 PM

What a great pose. I also like the bits of iridescence in the beetle and the colors in the petals. Went spring flower searching today...there's a few blooming but spring is really late this year around here...maybe next week.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on April 3, 2013 at 9:21 PM

Excellent capture of this beetle, Howard. They sure grow big in Texas. I especially like the subtle rainbowish (yes, I just made that up) colors. Nicely captured and processed to bring out the colors and detail. The overcast conditions served you well to capture the details and colors. Nice pose and bg, too.