Macro Walkabout …

Posted in Life, Love, Macro Photography, Meditation, Nature, Photography, Spirituality, Truth? by Mark on 30/12/2015

Of course macro is fun and interesting and I get to meet people I otherwise wouldn’t but it’s not the most important thing I’m doing right now. Something else comes first.

The first two pictures are from the garden before Andrew arrived and the rest are from the surrounds of the local water treatment plant, bordering remnant rainforest and extensive mangrove swamp. On the edge of the wilds you could say.

There were more creatures to be found in a couple hours than I had thought possible given the wild weather we have been getting lately, so wet and windy. But that’s nature, you never know what amazing little form of life is coming up next.

These are all native insects that have a function in the essential nature on our doorstep. The nature can’t do without them and we can’t do without it, we are it.

Native bee foraging in the flower and keeping out of the wind for a while.

Patterned Flower Beetle looking for somewhere safe. I helped her to a flower where she loved some nectar.

Botany Bay Weevil sitting out the storm and unconcerned by the flash.

Little Red Beetle and Plant Hopper passing.

Passed … There’s fire in those eyes.

Assassin Bug, a juvenile I believe. Hunters all …

Bug on a Seedpod.

An older version perhaps, on an older Seedpod.

Jewel Bug against the sky. Lively little things.

Sandpaper Fig Beetle found only on the Sandpaper Fig tree.

Tiny Black Jumping Spider. Excitable little fellow, he’s a male.

Golden Spiny Ant, a Queen I believe. You can see where her wings have recently dropped from.

Colourful Leaf Beetle taking its time …

Tagged with: Human Nature, Insects, Relaxation, Sustainability

18 comments

18 Responses

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Jenn said, on 01/01/2017 at 12:44 pm

Really amazing photos; who’d a thought those tiny insects have such beautiful colors and designs…😊

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- Mark said, on 01/01/2017 at 1:00 pm
  
  Thanks Jenn.
  
  Yes, insects are works of art in their own right.
  
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David said, on 31/12/2015 at 6:17 am

Great series. The last photo, leaf beetle, is very similar in shape to our ladybug. I guess that shouldn’t be a big surprise since they are both beetles.

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- Mark said, on 31/12/2015 at 11:40 pm
  
  Thanks David. There are lots of beetles that shape, it’s the colouring and behaviour that varies. And this one is probably ten times bigger than the ‘normal’ Ladybug.
  
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2015chronicles said, on 31/12/2015 at 5:34 am

Thanks for all your wonderful macro shots this past year. You’ve introduced me to whole new world.
Happy New Year and Shine On

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- Mark said, on 31/12/2015 at 11:38 pm
  
  Thanks Julie. Welcome to my world. Shine on … :-)
  
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Lissa said, on 31/12/2015 at 5:23 am

Beautiful shots of a variety of under rated garden inhabitants.
Time to bite the bullet. I’ve actually pulled the camera out of it’s box. Big step. The thing frightens me. Will buy some batteries for it this afternoon and be in contact with you Mark to see if an outing can be arranged.

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- Mark said, on 31/12/2015 at 11:37 pm
  
  Thanks Lissa. Got your email.
  
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Cate said, on 31/12/2015 at 3:13 am

Wonderful images, Mark! As always, I appreciate your knowledge of and respect for these creatures, as well as your attention to detail. I hope many people adopt your suggested New Year’s Resolution; it is appalling how humans so routinely kill insects, even when they are just going about their business and not causing us a lick of discomfort.

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- Mark said, on 31/12/2015 at 11:36 pm
  
  Thanks Cate. The suggestion might reach one or two, maybe even bear fruit one day. Change is glacial. And all is well … :-)
  
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BeeHappee said, on 31/12/2015 at 12:27 am

Incredible photos, as always, my kids will love that last tiny leaf bug. :) I love that New Years resolution. Wishing you lots of bugs in 2016. :)

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- Mark said, on 31/12/2015 at 11:34 pm
  
  Thanks Kristina. Nice to know the kids enjoy the bugs.
  
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macmsue said, on 30/12/2015 at 7:30 pm

Another great series, seems like you had an excellent day out.

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- Mark said, on 30/12/2015 at 7:52 pm
  
  Thanks Mac … The other pair of eyes helped a lot. Mine having grown dim in the approach to disintegration and becoming bug food myself. :-)
  
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  - macmsue said, on 30/12/2015 at 8:02 pm
    
    Now that sounds very dramatic, I hope it’s not true!
    
    Reply
    - Mark said, on 30/12/2015 at 10:18 pm
      
      :-)
      
      Reply
Harry van Gastel said, on 30/12/2015 at 6:03 pm

As always Mark : W.O.W.

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- Mark said, on 30/12/2015 at 7:50 pm
  
  Thanks Harry …
  
  Reply