SteelBlue Ladybird and two others, extra pic below.

[P_T]

Ok, the first one is so reflective and just wouldn't stay still. Add a windy day into the equation and this is the best photo I managed to take. I don't know what kind of beetle it is, some ID would be awesome.


Next one is the typical Ladybird I think. Still very pretty though.


Now this beetle is very similar to that fungus eating Ladybird except there's no pattern on the exoskeleton and it's a bit hairy. It is also face to face with a Jumper.

[rovebeetle]

Hi P_T!

They are all ladybirds. The iridescent colors of the first one are mind-boggling.

The last one belongs the subfamily Scymninae which are all small, hairy and a nightmare for taxonomists . Phantastic snap shot - BTW.

Cheers

[P_T]

Thanks Harry!!

See the thing is, the exoskeleton of the first Ladybird is not so much iridescent as it is reflective. It was like a walking mirror ball. See the lowest pattern on the shell is actually a reflection of a leaf. I swear I could almost see myself reflected through the viewfinder.

[Cyclops]

Brilliant pics P T!

[Michigan Michael]

Here in mid-west USA we call them "ladybugs". "Ladybird" seems like strange nomenclature for an insect.

[P_T]

Here in mid-west USA we call them "ladybugs". "Ladybird" seems like strange nomenclature for an insect.

Hehe.. calling an entired species "lady" is already strange don't you think?

I found out what it is. It's a Steelblue Ladybird. It eats scale insects and aphids.

http://www.geocities.com/brisbane_ladyb ... elblue.htm

[Aynia]

Some interesting ladybirds there in the land of Oz. I particularly like the furry one.

[Ken Ramos]

"Land of Oz?" Lady Birds/Bugs what ever one wishes to call them, are very beneficial in ones garden but can become a pest during the colder months. Seems as though when the weather turns chilly, Lady Bugs/Birds love to come indoors where it is warm and they sometimes can stink!

Good shots there P_T