A beautiful bug
I bought a macro lens for my camera a few years ago and it is why I take pictures today. I was astounded by the details you capture with a macro lens that you cannot see with the naked eye. The intricacy and beauty of nature are awe-inspiring. I do take photos of non-macro subjects but macrophotography is still my favourite type of photography.
This is a jewel bug, Scutiphora pedicellata, alternatively known as a metallic shield bug or shield-backed bug on a leaf of bower vine, Pandorea jasminoides.
Jewel bugs are true bugs and not beetles. The last section of their thorax is enlarged into a continuous shield over the abdomen and wings, hence one of their common names shield-backed bug.
They feed on the juices of a variety of plants including some commercial crops. They are closely related to stink bugs, and can also produce an offensive odour when disturbed.
The adults develop usually through five stages (instars) of nymphs, moulting between each stage. Nymphs resemble the adults except for size and the absence of wings. In this species, the nymphs are a different colour to the adults. This appears to be an adult from its colouration and wings are visible. I have taken a photo of an earlier stage nymph which you can see here. For more information see here.
Thanks for visiting. I am very grateful for the very kind comments and faves.
Have a great week!
A beautiful bug
I bought a macro lens for my camera a few years ago and it is why I take pictures today. I was astounded by the details you capture with a macro lens that you cannot see with the naked eye. The intricacy and beauty of nature are awe-inspiring. I do take photos of non-macro subjects but macrophotography is still my favourite type of photography.
This is a jewel bug, Scutiphora pedicellata, alternatively known as a metallic shield bug or shield-backed bug on a leaf of bower vine, Pandorea jasminoides.
Jewel bugs are true bugs and not beetles. The last section of their thorax is enlarged into a continuous shield over the abdomen and wings, hence one of their common names shield-backed bug.
They feed on the juices of a variety of plants including some commercial crops. They are closely related to stink bugs, and can also produce an offensive odour when disturbed.
The adults develop usually through five stages (instars) of nymphs, moulting between each stage. Nymphs resemble the adults except for size and the absence of wings. In this species, the nymphs are a different colour to the adults. This appears to be an adult from its colouration and wings are visible. I have taken a photo of an earlier stage nymph which you can see here. For more information see here.
Thanks for visiting. I am very grateful for the very kind comments and faves.
Have a great week!