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Magic Carpet-Beetle
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Magic Carpet-Beetle

by Howard Cheek

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted June 9, 2012151 views6 comments
Not a "Carpet Beetle" by common name, just my title because the curled leaf reminded me of a magic carpet ride.
Note: I found it interesting that this Blister Beetle (Epicauta immaculata) is highly toxic to horses. A few beetles consumed in a single feeding of alfalfa hay may be lethal. Small beetle at about 1/2".

I have removed the specular highlights BLC in the final output to my site..But you can point em' out if you like :wink:
F/20, 1/200th, ISO 400, 1D M3, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 + Kenko 1.4x and fill.
Manfrotto 410 geared head & 190CXPRO4 tripod with a wire..

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by Chris Grabski on June 9, 2012 at 2:46 PM
Howard thanks for your comments. In fact in the UK I also can only find green shield bugs, but the one in my shot I found on my holiday in Poland.
I must say this "carpet beetle" looks magic. Fantastic DOF and detail. :toast:
Registered on April 29, 2011, 122 Posts, 431 Comments
Comment posted by Roger Leekam on June 9, 2012 at 5:48 PM
Howard, I think that the contrasting colors make this image. Your images seem to have an artistic element with a less overt nature story. Shapes here are also very strong.
Registered on May 28, 2009, 83 Posts, 646 Comments
Comment posted by Peter May on June 9, 2012 at 7:31 PM
Looks like a blister beetle (Meloidae) in the genus Epicauta, Howard. Very nice shot.

See http://bugguide.net/node/view/4998/bgimage for some images. It's a pretty diverse genus in color pattern, but Epicauta immaculata looks like it might be a match.
Registered on November 1, 2003, 7 Posts, 239 Comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on June 9, 2012 at 11:25 PM
Howard, I love the perch, pose, and side profile comp. It does look the beetle is flying on his magic carpet or maybe headed down hill on his toboggan. Excellent detail as well. :toast:
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on June 10, 2012 at 2:40 AM
A very interesting bug here, very well depicted- Excellent detail on subject, a skillful use of fill, and a well balanced composition on this shot- Great job, Fabio
Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments
Comment posted by Tonia Graves on June 10, 2012 at 5:16 PM
Howard, excellent detail in this! Love the texture visible on the beetle's body and the curled-up leaf. Nice work!
Registered on October 29, 2011, 92 Posts, 1035 Comments