August Photo Assignment - Bugs & Creepy Crawlies [Archive] - Tagrel.com

Barrie

07-09-2008, 10:53 AM

I know, it's early, but I'm getting ready to head out for my yearly sojourn into the deepwoods of central Michigan (ah, the bugs, the humidy...).

I'll only be able to connect to the internet about once a week so I'd like to turn over the contest to someone else for August. Any takers?

Even though I haven't been posting much lately, I've been looking at everyone's photos - and they're FABULOUS! Keep it up! I'll be back after 8/18 with some new ideas for the assignments. See you then! :waving2:

DizzneeMomma

07-09-2008, 11:32 AM

Maybe you could help us decide on something now? Like bugs....or nature or pests?

Simba001

07-09-2008, 08:39 PM

Maybe you could help us decide on something now? Like bugs....or nature or pests?

Yes.... BUGS & Creepy Crawlies!:bounce:

Timon

07-09-2008, 10:08 PM

How about something more general that could include bugs like maybe Summer. It opens the possiblities up a lot more.

Barrie

07-10-2008, 10:20 AM

I think bugs and creepy crawlies is a great idea! Everyone has them. There are certainly some cool ones in Michigan, along with a kazillion dratted misquitos! It's a good topic for eveyone to practice close-up photography. Sorry Timon, 3 to 1 on this one - want to pick for September?

For anyone who wants to really get into it - I found this article on photographing bugs (http://www.beautifulbugs.com/beautifulbugs/howto.htm) that has some good tips, even if you use a point and shoot.

Edited to add:
I came across 2 more good articles: http://www.popphoto.com/popularphotographyfeatures/4407/how-to-photograph-bugs-and-other-insects.html

and http://www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/index.php?title=how_to_photograph_insects&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

Now that I've gotten seriously distracted, I need to get back to packing!

Photographer

07-26-2008, 11:35 AM

Bugs and creepy crawlies? Blech! TM Lisa I'm scared already. :shivers:

Simba001

07-26-2008, 12:09 PM

Bugs and creepy crawlies? Blech! TM Lisa I'm scared already. :shivers:

Be afraid.... be very afraid :yowsa:

Simba001

08-01-2008, 07:13 PM

Looks like I get the honor of starting the August Photo Assignment of Bugs & Creepy Crawlies with my little friend that graced my front yard at the end of last summer..... wonder if any of his family members will visit this year...:confused:

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/DSC01426.JPG

TominPok

08-02-2008, 06:53 AM

Neat spider! I spotted this praying mantis out on Fire Island a few years back:

http://www.pbase.com/tominpok/image/49543718/medium.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/tominpok/image/49543718)

tdelaney

08-02-2008, 04:28 PM

Whoa! Very, very cool! I'll have to charge up the cam and set the macro.....

Cruiser

08-02-2008, 05:02 PM

Taken a few years ago at a local butterfly conservatory.

They are Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars. Do you see the second one?

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb177/zakerdog/Garys%20Folder/Pic070.jpg

DizzneeMomma

08-02-2008, 05:56 PM

I "located" some common garden pests for this assignment.......

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_7232.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_7226.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_7224.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_7230.jpg

Tacey

08-02-2008, 06:28 PM

so this bug tried for days to get in my daughter bedroom window(her apt is in the basement) check this out.....it is still on my basement wall outside, but look....it's just a shell now....now I want to know what it was and what did it become if this was a metamorphisis(sp*)

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm251/t1962a/IMG_1333.jpg

DizzneeMomma

08-02-2008, 07:00 PM

It's a cicada shell Tacey! neato. They are one of my favorite bugs!! :girlears: They are pretty noisy. I'm betting you've heard them up in the trees. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicada

Tacey

08-02-2008, 07:25 PM

ok, can you say YUCK!!!!

have you watched the life cycle of that...OMG

and it lives for 15 years, good golly no getting rid of those things, creepy

and yes, I did hear it, as kids we called them hydro bugs, because of the sound.

I'm glad I could show you one of your favs, they are friggin huge and I will be hurrying inside each time I take puppy to the yard now...lol

Tacey

08-02-2008, 07:26 PM

PixiePrincess

08-02-2008, 08:56 PM

Simba001

08-02-2008, 09:26 PM

:yikes: :faint: what were you thinking?? OMG, I hate spiders- I nearly fainted.
Sorry....:? Though the bugs & creepy crawlies is a hint to what might appear, I did worn to be afraid, be very afraid, before the month started and the posting began....

(Not as bad as the spider, but cover your eyes if you don't like big bugs)

This guy totally amazed me! His wings stood about 4" tall. Not sure what the wing span was when opened, as I only saw him like this.
http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/DSC02417.JPG

DizzneeMomma

08-02-2008, 11:59 PM

A male Polyphemus moth!!! ......and your spider shot is great Simba. I'm really loving all these bug photos! :girlears:

Lady

08-03-2008, 12:34 AM

12:20 Sunday morning and as I am looking at the computer - something flys into the left side of my face - icckkkkkk!!!! It then flew up to the ceiling - I went for the broom and hit it - it fell onto the computer table - actually landed on the grocery list for this coming week - he was not squished - thought he was still alive - he did not look damaged at all - was able to get a good look at him and did some research - here he is - or rather he "was" ;) photo was googled. First time I've seen a bug like this and now I know what flew in when Scamp took the dog out earlier - a webworm moth -

http://anoddlittleplace.typepad.com/ellens_nest/images/orange_black_and_white_bug.jpg

michellescribmac

08-03-2008, 11:27 AM

Bugs! This is right up my alley! Yeah! I'll find some good ones.

michellescribmac

08-03-2008, 11:30 AM

It's a cicada shell Tacey! neato. They are one of my favorite bugs!! :girlears: They are pretty noisy. I'm betting you've heard them up in the trees. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicada

I love cicadas! They are the bugs you hear buzzing in the trees on hot summer days. Because insects have exoskeletons, they sometimes go through several instars (phases) beyond the 4 insect stages we often hear about -- and burst out of their skeleton.

You can often find these exoskeletons under trees.

Great photo, Tacey.

michellescribmac

08-03-2008, 11:38 AM

Here's a blue morpho butterfly who came to visit me when I was doing research on butterfly behavior about two years ago.

Came and sat right on my data sheet to see what I was writing about her.....

Simba001

08-03-2008, 12:03 PM

A male Polyphemus moth!!! ......and your spider shot is great Simba. I'm really loving all these bug photos! :girlears:
So that is what he is!
I did a little reading about this guy after you mentioned what he is. This was the first time I had seen one. If I see another, I hope to see him with his wings open.

Simba001

08-03-2008, 12:05 PM

Here's a blue morpho butterfly who came to visit me when I was doing research on butterfly behavior about two years ago.

Came and sat right on my data sheet to see what I was writing about her.....

Michelle - That is one beautiful butterfly!

starzneyes4Mickey

08-03-2008, 12:17 PM

Nice shots, everyone!!! I especially loved Flik and his gang- too cute!!

Now that I am home, I can actually post some photos!!

Out to find me some bugs!!!

PixiePrincess

08-03-2008, 12:44 PM

Sorry....:? Though the bugs & creepy crawlies is a hint to what might appear, I did worn to be afraid, be very afraid, before the month started and the posting began....

(Not as bad as the spider, but cover your eyes if you don't like big bugs)

This guy totally amazed me! His wings stood about 4" tall. Not sure what the wing span was when opened, as I only saw him like this.
http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/DSC02417.JPG

dear goodness, that looks like a spider with wings :fainting:

I see I'll have to avoid this thread for the next month. Gives me the creeps!
:bolt:

DizzneeMomma

08-03-2008, 01:36 PM

My spider.....don't know what kind it is.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_7537-1.jpg

....and a bumble bee. I wish I knew what kind of flower he's hanging from. The bush is covered with these yellow flowers and bees just love it.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_7172.jpg

Big Red

08-03-2008, 06:00 PM

I love these threads but don't participate because believe me I am not a photographer. I just don't have the eye for seeing things but I thought hey I can take a picture of a bug. So today was such a beautiful day in NJ I thought I would take John's camera and head out into the yard. Here is what I found.

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa286/wdwnj/insects/IMG_3208-1.jpg
According to Google he or she is a Colorada Potato Beetle - in NJ no less..LOL

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa286/wdwnj/insects/IMG_3213.jpg

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa286/wdwnj/insects/IMG_3217-1.jpg

This guy was very photogenic. He kept coming back and posing for me. Google says he is a Blue Dasher Dragonfly.

DizzneeMomma

08-03-2008, 07:43 PM

According to Google he or she is a Colorada Potato Beetle - in NJ no less..LOL

Google says he is a Blue Dasher Dragonfly.

was able to get a good look at him and did some research - here he is - or rather he "was" ;) photo was googled. First time I've seen a bug like this and now I know what flew in when Scamp took the dog out earlier - a webworm moth -

I am sooooo curious to know how you google a photo of a bug you know nothing about. Can you tell me?!?! This would be so very cool to do.
Thanks! :girlears:

Big Red

08-03-2008, 08:11 PM

I am sooooo curious to know how you google a photo of a bug you know nothing about. Can you tell me?!?! This would be so very cool to do.
Thanks! :girlears:

I used Google Images and typed in Stripped Beetle and Blue Dragonfly.

DizzneeMomma

08-03-2008, 10:05 PM

Ok. I'm stupid. :blink: Thank you very much!! :girlears:

Ursulinda

08-04-2008, 05:28 AM

Diznemama, using Cathy's strategy, I think your yellow flowered shrub is a Hypericum
http://www.mooseyscountrygarden.com/shrubs/hypericum.html

TominPok

08-07-2008, 09:37 AM

A beetle and a bud:

http://www.pbase.com/tominpok/image/101332082/medium.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/tominpok/image/101332082)

EgExperiment626

08-07-2008, 09:59 AM

Are there any rules for the Photo assignment of the month? Does it have to be a current photo? If we already have one that fits from months past can we use it? I have some good bug pics from a few summers ago that I could post.

I'm big into photography and would love to join in on these. I'm currently doing a modified version of Project 365 on my blog and just picked up a brand new camera yesterday I'm itching to start using. This is a great site for photography inspiration!

WDWNJ

08-07-2008, 10:11 AM

Hi April - the idea of the monthly assigment is supposed to be to get us to go out and be creative. BUT - please do not let that stop you from sharing photos! We all love to look at each others pics, and everyone posts old ones.

BTW - welcome to the site and I look forward to seeing your pictures. Please share the link to your photo blog!

EgExperiment626

08-07-2008, 10:20 AM

EgExperiment626

08-07-2008, 10:12 PM

I'm thinking it's a grasshopper, but I've never seen one that big. He was at least 4" if not 5!

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m111/Egexperiment626/bug.jpg

TominPok

08-08-2008, 05:14 AM

I'm thinking it's a grasshopper, but I've never seen one that big. He was at least 4" if not 5!
Nice shot, April. Sure looks like a grasshopper to me! Did you find this guy in CT? I don't think I've seen a grasshopper that big in the Northeast.

Here's a soggy bumblebee I encountered after a rainstorm:

http://www.pbase.com/tominpok/image/101332297/medium.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/tominpok/image/101332297)

Timon

08-08-2008, 06:18 AM

I'm thinking it's a grasshopper, but I've never seen one that big. He was at least 4" if not 5!

Great capture April. I think it's grasshopper related, but not a grasshopper. My thought is that it's a locust. michellescribmac where are you so you can set us straight?

DizzneeMomma

08-08-2008, 08:39 AM

Looks like a locust that ran into an 8 year-old little boy....that pulled off his back legs! and snapped off an antenna.

EgExperiment626

08-08-2008, 09:23 AM

Nice shot, April. Sure looks like a grasshopper to me! Did you find this guy in CT? I don't think I've seen a grasshopper that big in the Northeast.

He was sitting on the side of my house when I got home from work! And I live in a fairly urban area, so I was surprise to see something like that.

Locust, huh? That's kinda icky. Don't they normally travel in packs?

Cruiser

08-08-2008, 10:45 AM

Have you ever seen pollen?

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb177/zakerdog/Garys%20Folder/P9090001b.jpg

DizzneeMomma

08-08-2008, 01:57 PM

Lepidoterans (non-native species) displayed in an antique seed case.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_7942.jpg

EgExperiment626

08-11-2008, 12:05 AM

Here is another bug picture I took.

http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m111/Egexperiment626/bee.jpg

Barrie

08-13-2008, 05:21 PM

Hi everyone - missing you! What great bug photos. I haven't had much time for photos while I'm here in Michigan, but I've collected a few. I get home on Saturday so I'll try to get some posted next week.

EgExperiment626 - welcome to Tagrel and especially to the photography board!

DizzneeMomma

08-14-2008, 12:48 PM

Yesterday, I captured this Tiger Swallowtail on my butterfly bush.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_8250-1.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_8258-1.jpg

Simba001

08-16-2008, 11:06 AM

Here's my praying friend that was in the back area of the Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland. This is an outdoor counter service restaurant that is next to the Rivers of America. It has a large amount of seating and most people don't go to the back area. We like going to the back area to visit the kitty clan that lives around there. One year I was even able to pet one of the cats.
http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/IMG_0849.JPG

Simba001

08-19-2008, 11:53 PM

Warning to those who are not fond of S-P-I-D-E-R-S... (though this is a little one)

Close your eyes.....

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/IMG_0025.JPG

Caught this guy (on camera) as he was making his way out my backdoor.

Not going to stop him.. .he can keep on going :lol:

DizzneeMomma

08-20-2008, 01:39 PM

I'm loving all the buggy, crawly photos.....and having a great time trying to get good buggy shots.

I found this spider a couple nights ago, but after numerous attempts was unable to get even one good photo. I returned last night though and have these to share now!

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_8511-1.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_8512-1.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_8520-1.jpg

Simba001

08-20-2008, 11:18 PM

I found this spider a couple nights ago, but after numerous attempts was unable to get even one good photo. I returned last night though and have these to share now!

Like your spider friend (must be a friend if you are getting that close to take their picture).

I think my neighbors think I am crazy. They are watching me go hunting outside with my camera :lol: I keep looking for more creepy crawlers....

Where are they when you want them :confused:

DizzneeMomma

08-20-2008, 11:27 PM

I was just telling my BF that the neighbors must think I'm a nut outside flashing away with my camera into a bush!!!

If I could get away from the house without the kids for just a few minutes, I'd love to go walking through a nearby corn or bean field to see what critters I could find. I loved bugs and was fascinated with them at an early age. This assignment has caused that fascination to resurface.

Simba001

08-24-2008, 11:52 AM

My DH & DS keep laughing at me... I am running to get the camera..... "Don't let that bug/moth/spider/ creepy crawly get away.... I want to take its picture!"

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/DSC02437.JPG

Cruiser

08-24-2008, 05:16 PM

Here's one . . . a Praying Mantis landed on our front window this afternoon.

You don't often see a picture of a Mantis' belly!

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb177/zakerdog/Garys%20Folder/Mantis002.jpg

Simba001

08-24-2008, 09:39 PM

Here's one . . . a Praying Mantis landed on our front window this afternoon.You don't often see a picture of a Mantis' belly!

I didn't know what a Mantis' belly looked like... now I do :)

DizzneeMomma

08-24-2008, 10:05 PM

I didn't know what a Mantis' belly looked like... now I do :)

Except I think it's a katydid on the window. Cool photo. And I love the brown striped beetle. I've never seen one like that. It's pretty.

Simba001

08-25-2008, 08:52 AM

I didn't know what a Mantis' belly looked like... now I do :)

Except I think it's a katydid on the window. Cool photo.

So... maybe I don't know what a Mantis' belly looks like... :confused:

Cruiser

08-25-2008, 05:23 PM

So... maybe I don't know what a Mantis' belly looks like... :confused:

Nope . . . you don't, DM is correct, it's a Katydid!

My bad!

Simba001

08-25-2008, 11:01 PM

Nope . . . you don't, DM is correct, it's a Katydid!

My bad!

Hakuna Matata

Its still a cute little ol' belly and one I hadn't seen before:lol:

Timon

08-26-2008, 05:59 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2797620671_52a97a4a1e.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/20697893@N03/2797620671/)

Simba001

08-26-2008, 08:57 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2797620671_52a97a4a1e.jpg (http://flickr.com/photos/20697893@N03/2797620671/)

He is kind of creepy and crawling.....

Does this lovely gastropod mollusk reside at your home, Timon?

Timon

08-26-2008, 12:53 PM

He is kind of creepy and crawling.....

Does this lovely gastropod mollusk reside at your home, Timon?
Reside? No :no:
Resided? Yes :yes:

Simba001

08-27-2008, 12:45 AM

Reside? No :no:
Resided? Yes :yes:

Oh, goodness....:cry:

DizzneeMomma

08-27-2008, 07:40 PM

"Shell-Bee" is mad as a hornet in the bumblebee costume I put on her.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii300/LAdania01/August%20Photo%20Assignment/100_8689-1.jpg

Barrie

08-29-2008, 08:00 PM

Great bug photos! Here are some that I got while in Michigan.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2809992980_ecff29460b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fodw/2809992980/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2809145149_453b71a2e3.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2809145405_48b1a4f15f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fodw/2809145405/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2809993814_1e0194ae45.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fodw/2809993814/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/2809160163_b65901d305.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fodw/2809160163/)

Now these next few are really interesting I think. This bug looks like a piece of lint crawling around on my tent.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2004/2809993608_26993df67e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fodw/2809993608/)

Here's another view.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2809993478_0abc2c6222.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fodw/2809993478/in/photostream)

And if you look really close, you can see his tiny little legs!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2809145605_21bb6f386b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fodw/2809145605/in/photostream)

And now for a really BIG bug!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/2809144965_0dd09c2f38.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fodw/2809144965/)

Lady

08-29-2008, 10:13 PM

What in the world is that little round bug - he actually looks cute like maybe you'd want him for a pet - it also made me wonder where I put that Star Trek Epsiode regarding the Tribbles :confused:

Don't know how I'll follow your act (great btw) but with just a few days left and I hate bugs so I wasn't going after them - but as we were pulling out to go to the market Scamp mentioned the grasshopper on the hood of our car - love the cloud reflection one! He was a hood ornament for a little while and I went slow - he was cute didn't want to harm him - he jumped off finally. Grasshoppers and Praying Mantis and that cute little round ball in the last post - all cute - it's those nasty black/brown ones I can't stand!!! BTW we named this guy Legs :)

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/08-29-08_1337.jpg

This one looks like he's on the edge of the world :)

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/08-29-08_1338.jpg

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/08-29-08_1339.jpg

Here's Legs as a hood ornament

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/08-29-08_1340.jpg

TominPok

09-02-2008, 10:31 PM

I finally got a chance to go looking for some bugs this weekend, and all I could find was a couple of bumblebees trying to elbow each other off of a flower:

http://www.pbase.com/image/102580089/medium.jpg (http://www.pbase.com/image/102580089/)

Simba001

09-16-2008, 11:13 PM

This bug looks like a piece of lint crawling around on my tent.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2004/2809993608_26993df67e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fodw/2809993608/)

And now for a really BIG bug!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/2809144965_0dd09c2f38.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fodw/2809144965/)

The little lint ball is wild!
How big was the BIG bug?

stand!!! BTW we named this guy Legs :)

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/500/08-29-08_1338.jpg

Love this shot!

Though it is now September, this little guy - "LT" , entertained us as we ate lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern on August 29.

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/2/IMG_0165_edit.jpg

Boy do these guys run fast! He isn't very creepy or crawly, but I thought he should make his presence on this thread...:)

Barrie

09-17-2008, 10:17 AM

The little lint ball is wild!
How big was the BIG bug?

Love this shot!

Though it is now September, this little guy - "LT" , entertained us as we ate lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern on August 29.

http://tagrel.com/photopost/data/2/IMG_0165_edit.jpg

Boy do these guys run fast! He isn't very creepy or crawly, but I thought he should make his presence on this thread...:)

It was about 3' across I guess.

I think your salamander fits perfectly here. They really aare fast. Freaked me out first time I saw one!