Shiny Buggie!!!

[lavendertook]

This is a six spotted tiger beetle I spotted in May by Greenbelt Lake. This pretty little thing's body was less than a centimeter. I don't see them that often, but it's always a joy to spot such rich green iridescence, and this one was nice enough to pose for me for a couple of minutes. Enjoy! (-:





This pic gives you a better look at this fellow's mean ivory mandibles.

Comments

[jan-u-wine.livejournal.com]

wow, he looks like he ought to have a souped-up engine "under the hood' and be racin' for pink slips.......

truly a mad buggie!

[lavendertook.livejournal.com]

They *are* pretty quick fliers--there's some good wings under that hood. (-:

[jan-u-wine.livejournal.com]

ARE THESE WHAT ARE CALLED JUNE BUGS? CUZ I SEE SOME OF THEM OUT HERE....BUT THEY ARE, UNFORTUNATELY ALL D A I D.

ON THE OTHER HAND, BEING THEY ARE D A I D, I DON'T SUPPOSE THEY MIND ME TAKING THEM HOME TO BE ADMIRED.......

[lavendertook.livejournal.com]

NO! June bugs are much bigger and broader, like a scarab--the size of a Japanese beetle. They're a more yellowy green and not as highly shiny on top. June bugs eat fruit and are not good for crops, while six spotted tiger beetles eat ants, spiders, and other pests because they are tiny, fierce predators.

Yay for your bug collection! One day, you and I need to go beachcombing together.

[jan-u-wine.livejournal.com]

yes, indeed, that would be a great pleasure!