I enjoy watching insects. I find them intriguing, both those that I commonly see and new ones that I come upon unexpectedly. Here are some of my summer and autumn finds.
Pandorus Sphinx Moth Caterpillar 
Praying Mantis 
Japanese Beetles 
Carpenter Bee
“Look closely. The beautiful may be small.” ~Immanuel Kant
walking on a country road 
They indeed are intriguing. God is so masterful at creating them to be hidden on their environment. Your photos are stunning.
Thanks, Kathy! I had wondered if the green mantis and the brown mantis were two different kinds, but they are the same mantis with their camouflage colors.
Sweet captures, Rebecca. I esp. like the beetle with 2 hearts on its bum!
Thanks, Eliza! I guess those are pretty good spots to have. š
So many beauties, beautifully photographed. I haven’t seen a walking stick in a long time.
Thanks! This one seemed to be smaller than others that I have seen.
Great shots! I’ve never heard of a cuckoo wasp, pretty!
Thanks, Donna! I saw it at the lake. It only landed for a few seconds and then was off. The bright color really made it stand out.
What a nice collection of insect photos you got this Summer Rebecca. That Milkweed Leaf Beetle looks a little like a Ladybug. We have an infestation of Asian Lady Beetles in SE Michigan right now. They look like Lady Bugs but are paler and they bite and try to come into the house. My luck one will ride in my head and come into the house. That white fuzzy caterpillar (Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar) I learned a few years ago was something to steer clear of. I was on a guided hike to sketch various items and the guide pointed out this caterpillar and said the prickly white hairs cause a reaction if you come in contact with them.
I have seen Asian Lady Beetles in the past, but haven’t seen any this year. Yes, any caterpillar with hairs, as cute as they are, are probably best left alone. While I was taking its photo, this one kept turning and following me no matter which way I stepped. I’ve never been followed by a caterpillar before. š
We have a Stinkbug invasion too which is being blamed on the weather. I didn’t know all caterpillars were best left untouched – I have to remember that if one ever falls from a tree on me. She made a point to say to stay clear from the white one.
I think only the caterpillars with long hairs shouldn’t be touched.
That is good to know – that guided walk was the first time I’d seen one of those white hairy caterpillars.
These are such beautiful photos! It saddens me that many humans murder insects, as if they were not integral beings to Earth & want to live. Thank you, thank you for showing that Cuckoo Wasp. I have been wondering what those beautifully colored creatures are that we’ve been seeing.
Thanks, Dawn! Insects are both interesting and amazing.