What is it?

Posted by karla (Omaha, United States) on 7 November 2011 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.

I found this little beetle resting in sunlight on a Viburnum leaf--I presume trying to keep warm, as the air was what I call crispy and the sunlight was welcome. After checking for ID, the closest description to what we see here is the Asian lady beetle, because of the white spots and marking on its head. Does anyone know for sure?

Thank you for visiting! Your comments and suggestions are very much appreciated.

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Comments (12)

Arnd from Basel, Switzerland

What a wonderful find you are showing here!
And yes, this is an Asian lady beetle. Here is a website which shows different color varieties of this interesting creature: http://library.thinkquest.org/03oct/01753/Whatd.htm.

7 Nov 2011 8:24am

@Arnd: Ah, thanks, Arnd, very much for your visit and confirmation. The link was one I had not seen. Thanks for sending it! We have only in recent years begun seeing these. People do get upset with them in their homes. I am surprised they can last through winter.

Twojays from Montana, United States

A little wannabe taxi? Sweet capture and good eye, Karla.

7 Nov 2011 3:43pm

@Twojays: :)))) Looks like something out of Pixar, right? Thanks for the comment and chuckle. Arnd seems to be correct, that it is an Asian lady beetle.

Jac from Alfena, Portugal

gorgeous shot Karla!!! ;)

7 Nov 2011 6:21pm

@Jac: Thanks, Jac. Appreciate your visit and comment. :)

RBL from Oxford, United States

Wonderful clarity, colors and sunlight...beautifully captured!

7 Nov 2011 9:36pm

Kala from United States

Beautiful light, clarity, and selective focus. Fabulous photography.

8 Nov 2011 10:43am

Laur from Clermont-Ferrand, France

Belle prise lumineuse !

8 Nov 2011 12:34pm

Denny Jump Photo from Easton, PA, United States

Karla - First may I say I have been enjoying looking back through your images that I have missed..this is beautiful too ;-) Not sure what this is buit it appeared to me also, to be some sort of "lady bug" or beetle..it figures that it is not a "native"..we have so many plants and bugs from elsewhere that it is difficult to tell....I hope someone can ulitmately identify it for you. All the best - Denny

8 Nov 2011 6:42pm

franz from Baden, Austria

lovely shapes, colors and textures here, and a superb bokeh!!
(i'm quite sure it's what you say, an asian lady beetle.)

8 Nov 2011 9:32pm

Tamara from Aarschot, Belgium

Beautiful lightning here... Excellent work !

18 Nov 2011 8:55am

Julie L. Brown from Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

It is a colorful bug against the dark tones and detail of the leaf. How considerate it was to rest in a spot of sunlight for you!

18 Nov 2011 10:38am

@Julie L. Brown: :)) I had been looking for leaves that would make a pleasing composition and turned around toward the sunlight, and...there it was, waiting....! :D

Jason Politte from Conway, AR, United States

Ah, what a cute ladybug! :-) Wonderful macro here Karla!

19 Nov 2011 12:11am

@Jason Politte: Thank you! Thanks for the visit and comment! Cuteness comes in so many sizes and shapes!

Ronnie 2¢ from Atlantic Shores, United Kingdom

We never need to travel far to see the wonders of Nature - just to the nearest leaf ! A sweet find here.

25 Nov 2011 10:16am

next day →

Nikon D300
1/250 second
F/5.6
ISO 400
300 mm (35mm equiv.)