2406_1317 Nuttall's Blister Beetle
As promised, today I'm starting a wildlife set: some with fur, some with feathers, and some with exoskeletons and six legs. The spectacular Nuttall's Blister Beetle, seen here shredding the petals of a Narrow-leaved Milk-vetch, is capable of synthesizing and releasing a chemical irritant to deter predators. I have handled them on several occasions without ill effects, but be advised.
I found several in June, on an evening with soft light that allowed me to control the otherwise excessive contrast between its bright metallic colours and those black mouth parts, antennae, and eyes. The tripod allowed me to get in close, stop the lens down for maximum depth of field, and get a sharp shot with a slow shutter.
Photographed in the community pasture adjacent to Val Marie, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2024 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
2406_1317 Nuttall's Blister Beetle
As promised, today I'm starting a wildlife set: some with fur, some with feathers, and some with exoskeletons and six legs. The spectacular Nuttall's Blister Beetle, seen here shredding the petals of a Narrow-leaved Milk-vetch, is capable of synthesizing and releasing a chemical irritant to deter predators. I have handled them on several occasions without ill effects, but be advised.
I found several in June, on an evening with soft light that allowed me to control the otherwise excessive contrast between its bright metallic colours and those black mouth parts, antennae, and eyes. The tripod allowed me to get in close, stop the lens down for maximum depth of field, and get a sharp shot with a slow shutter.
Photographed in the community pasture adjacent to Val Marie, Saskatchewan (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission ©2024 James R. Page - all rights reserved.