Crazy Bug Lady

Who would have thunk?

There are the bird photographers. The night-time, astrophotographers. The family portrait photographers. The action photographers. The mountain photographers. The intriguing story teller photographers.

I’m the bug photographer.

At least in the summer time.

So…. why bugs?

I can’t say for sure. But, boy do I think they are the coolest!

The wings on this Four-Spotted Skimmer (aka Libellula quadrimaculata) dragonfly are so intricate and delicate and yet help it fly quickly and sharply around the dugout on our farm.

Looks like a mature male Eastern Forktail damselfly , except they aren’t “supposed” to be up this way. I have to do some more digging to identify this guy.

I think this is the Essex Skipper (aka Thymelicus lineola).

Moths and butterflies are more fuzzy and soft looking through a close up lens. I just love the colors and anatomy of them - from their antennae, to their wings, legs and their large eyes.

Papilio rutulus - or as we know it… Western tiger swallowtail. This one looks a little worse for wear on it’s wings, as it rested on a raspberry leaf.

Cat faced Spider (Araneus gemmoides)… can you see why they call it the cat faced spider? It’s a common orb-weaver and are considered harmless. Maybe that’s why I love photographing spiders… because where I live, I am not afraid of their ability to kill me. I find them so interesting when you can really see their features! And how many different kinds there are around our home, yard and farm.

I know not everyone appreciates my bug photos - especially the spider ones. But that’s ok. No hard feelings!