I spent last weekend in France with a friends family. Whilst I didn't manage to get too many photos for myself I did get lots of the gite that they rent out (and we stayed in) to put on their site to help promote the business for them.
I did do a big of macro photography though as they had a lovely garden full of flowers and insects. Now, my insect knowledge is even worse than my birding is! So can anyone kindly tell me what this is please? It had beautiful colours on it and an almost metallic look to it which I was really keen to capture. I left my flash in the UK (the only thing I forgot out of all my gear!) so had to up the ISO for this.
Ah, one I can do without books! This looks like the flower beetle Oedemera nobilis - this one is a male as only they have the groovy swollen knees. Usually seen on flowers eating pollen, especially in my experience buttercups and dandelions - must taste better.
Nice shot. Good depth of field. Probably best without flash as you'll have a 2nd shine spot on the beetle. You already have the ID - better known as the Thick-legged Flower Beetle... can't imagine how they came up with that name!?
Discussion
5 repliesI spent last weekend in France with a friends family. Whilst I didn't manage to get too many photos for myself I did get lots of the gite that they rent out (and we stayed in) to put on their site to help promote the business for them.
I did do a big of macro photography though as they had a lovely garden full of flowers and insects. Now, my insect knowledge is even worse than my birding is! So can anyone kindly tell me what this is please? It had beautiful colours on it and an almost metallic look to it which I was really keen to capture. I left my flash in the UK (the only thing I forgot out of all my gear!) so had to up the ISO for this.
D2x, Sigma 105 Macro, 1/10 second at f11, ISO400.
It is a male Oedemera nobilis - the females don't have the swolen hind femora. Feeds on pollen. It is found in the UK as well but mainly in the south.
Andrew
Ah, one I can do without books! This looks like the flower beetle Oedemera nobilis - this one is a male as only they have the groovy swollen knees. Usually seen on flowers eating pollen, especially in my experience buttercups and dandelions - must taste better.
A really nice portrait.
Andrew