Dew drops collect on sleeping insects

"Glistening in the early morning, these insects look like creatures from another planet as dew gathers on their sleeping bodies. Captured in extreme close-up, one moth appears to be totally encrusted in diamonds as it rests on a twig." DailyMail.co.uk

Something bugging me today

Noticed a few red dots on my face this morning. I heard about a recent outbreak of bed bugs in the news so I thought I'd check my pillow... here's what I found.


The hazards of living with a cheeky 3.5-year-old who has access to large plastic bugs.

Now that I look more closely, those are coffee dots on my face. Must reduce intake.

Grey Ladybug

I've never seen a grey ladybug. Perhaps this is the albino version of this creature?

Inside an Exoskeleton

Here is the left-over exoskeleton of a Dragonfly Nymph. The nymph is the under-water bug stage of a dragonfly. When it's ready to transition, it climbs out of the water, attaches itself to a stalk of grass or wood and literally pulls itself out of its shell. An incredible creature at every stage of its life.

Trapped in Time

M. Campbell identified this substance as tree resin. It will harden over millions of years into amber. Notice the bug trapped in it at top-right. If resin keeps pouring over this bug, it could be perfectly preserved in time.

Breakfast for Dinner

No, it's not burnt — it's chocolate! A two-toned pancake made with vanilla and chocolate batters on a funky bug pan that my sister gave me. Kid-approved!

Vacation Yard — Bizarre 4-legged Insect has to be from Toronto, right?

I'm on vacation at my sister's in Toronto and I have the pleasure of spending every morning with my coffee on her patio. Today, I suddenly realized that it's not just me with an incredible yard. So, I'm posting a "Yard: a word worth 1000 pictures" from T.O.!

As far as I know, a 4-legged bug is unusual; most have 6 legs. His shape and antennae make me think he's a wood borer. I can't find it in my National Audubon Society Field Guide to Insects & Spiders. Anyone care to weigh in?

Here he is up close...


Here's a photo with my finger and thumb to show scale.


Because of his 4-leg configuration, walking was a little different from most bugs so I captured it here in this short video.


He had an interesting behaviour. Whenever I got close, he'd cock his head and angle his body to look closely. I think he's got great eyesight.


Here he is from above.

Yard — a word worth a 1000 pictures (#147)

Sundown brings a whole different group of critters to the yard and neighbourhood. This insect is a lot like a crane fly. He's as big as the negative space left when you bring your index finger tip and thumb tip together in a circle. I found him on the sidewalk near the house when walking the dogs. The only way to photograph him was to use the flash on the camera. It makes the shot look like it was taken in daylight.

Picture #141: Crane fly-type insect. I've only seen them at night so I assume they are a nocturnal insect. I find it interesting that the grey and rust colours on the insect are similar to the colours of the specs on the pavement.