Tried out a new spot, Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo but didn’t have too much luck so ended up returning to Roosevelt Wetlands. I was focused on macro stuff again and found a couple interesting subjects.
Tropical Milkweed and Peacock Flower
Purple Coneflower and Coastal Sandspur
2 views of a Gulf Fritillary Butterfly
Sesqui Hammertail – a type of Robber Fly
Condylostylus longicornis and a Brown Stink Bug
Euphorbia Bug
Leucauge argyra and Elongate Stilt Spider with moth prey
Southern Two-striped Walkingstick Pair – This species is particularly well known for its very potent chemical defense spray which it deploys from a pair of glands which open at the front of its thorax. The “Devil rider” name for this insect likely comes from this defense, as well as the fact that they are most frequently encountered in the late summer and fall when they are active adults at a time when almost all of them are found in mating pairs, with the smaller male riding on the back of the larger female.
Phaon Crescent and Horace’s Duskywing
Fabulous photos, Matt. I didn’t know these beautiful creatures existed.
Love and hugs,
Bid Granny
Gorgeous shots of flowers, butterflies, bugs and a wide array of insects. It’s so nice to see your interest in nature extends from the gigantic creatures to the smallest things on earth. Nothing escapes your attention. Wonderful photos.
Matt, once again you out did yourself with these great pictures.