Tiny Guardians of the Garden: 22-Spot Ladybirds in Arboretum Kalmthout

During a delightful visit to Arboretum Kalmthout with my son, an aspiring botanist, and a close friend I've mentored in photography, we encountered the charming 22-spot ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata), known in Dutch as the "citroenlieveheersbeestje." These petite beetles, measuring just 3–5 mm, are easily recognized by their bright yellow elytra adorned with 22 distinct black spots.

Unlike their aphid-eating relatives, these ladybirds have a unique diet: they feed on powdery mildew fungi, making them valuable allies in maintaining plant health.

Capturing them with my Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens was a rewarding challenge. This lens lacks a focus ring, requiring me to adjust focus by moving the camera—and myself—closer or farther from the subject. With the ladybirds and their perch swaying in the breeze, patience and steady hands were essential.

I prefer to embrace these natural challenges rather than manipulate the scene. The result: two images—one at maximum zoom out and another at maximum zoom in—highlighting the intricate details of these beneficial insects.

#PsylloboraVigintiduopunctata #22SpotLadybird #Citroenlieveheersbeestje #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #InsectPhotography #ArboretumKalmthout #BelgiumNature #MacroWorld #NaturePhotography #BeneficialInsects #GardenAllies #PowderyMildewEaters #TinyGuardians #InsectMacro #NatureLovers #MacroChallenge #WildlifePhotography #NaturalPestControl

A Day of Discovery at Arboretum Kalmthout

Embarking on a photographic adventure with my son and a close friend, we explored the vibrant Arboretum Kalmthout in Belgium. Armed with my Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, we delved into the intricate world of pollinators and blossoms.

Among our subjects was the Episyrphus balteatus, or snorzweefvlieg, a common hoverfly known for its distinctive orange and black bands. This species plays a crucial role in pollination and aphid control.

We also encountered the Apis mellifera carnica, or Krainer bij, a subspecies of the Western honeybee. Native to Central Europe, these bees are favored by beekeepers for their gentle nature and efficient foraging.

The arboretum's array of purple-hued flowers provided a stunning backdrop, enhancing the visual appeal of our subjects. With over 500 photos taken, this is just the beginning of sharing our day's discoveries.

#EpisyrphusBalteatus #Snorzweefvlieg #ApisMelliferaCarnica #KrainerBij #ArboretumKalmthout #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #Pollinators #Hoverfly #Honeybee #InsectPhotography #PurpleFlowers #BotanicalGarden #NaturePhotography #BelgiumNature #WildlifeMacro #FloralMacro #InsectMacro #NatureLovers #MacroWorld #BeePhotography #HoverflyLove #GardenExploration #NatureWalks #FloralBeauty #InsectCloseUp #MacroMagic #NatureInDetail #PollinatorGarden #WildlifePhotography #MacroLens #FlowerPhotography #InsectWorld #NaturePerfection #MacroShot #FloralPatterns #NatureBrilliance #MacroNature #InsectEncounters #NatureCaptured

Jewel of the Stream: The Beautiful Demoiselle in Kampina

While exploring the serene Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the enchanting Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo), or "bosbeekjuffer" in Dutch. This damselfly is renowned for its metallic blue-green body and shimmering wings, making it a captivating subject for nature enthusiasts.

The Beautiful Demoiselle thrives along unpolluted, fast-flowing streams with sandy or gravelly beds, often bordered by lush vegetation. Males are territorial, perching on bankside plants to defend their domain and attract females. Their presence indicates a healthy aquatic ecosystem, as they are sensitive to water quality and habitat changes.

Capturing this delicate insect with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm lens was a rewarding challenge. Its graceful flight and vibrant colors highlight the rich biodiversity of Kampina. Moments like these underscore the importance of preserving our natural habitats for future generations to appreciate.

#CalopteryxVirgo #Bosbeekjuffer #BeautifulDemoiselle #Damselfly #Odonata #MacroPhotography #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #WildlifePhotography #NatureLovers #InsectPhotography #RiverLife #FreshwaterEcosystem #Biodiversity #Conservation #NaturePerfection #MacroNature #InsectMacro #FieldPhotography #NatureExploration #Dragonfly #DamselflyLove #NatureInDetail #WildlifeMacro #MacroWorld #InsectOfTheDay #NatureBrilliance #MacroMagic #CloseUpNature #InsectPerfection #NatureSpotlight #WildlifeInFocus #MacroBeauty #InsectEncounters #NaturePhotography #MacroShot #NatureHighlight

Macro Marvel: The Intriguing Scorpionfly of Kampina

While exploring the Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the fascinating Common Scorpionfly (Panorpa communis), or "beenschorpioenvlieg" in Dutch. Drawn by its distinctive patterned wings and the male's curved, red-tipped abdomen—resembling a scorpion's tail—I was compelled to capture its unique features. Utilizing my Canon 5D Mark III with the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, I managed to photograph this elusive insect, despite its tendency to fly off before I could get close.

Scorpionflies are harmless insects belonging to the ancient order Mecoptera, dating back over 250 million years. The male's "tail" is actually a pair of claspers used during mating, not a stinger. These insects are scavengers, feeding on dead insects and sometimes stealing prey from spider webs. Their mating rituals are particularly intriguing; males present females with nuptial gifts, such as dead insects or saliva masses, to increase mating success.

Capturing this image was a rewarding challenge, highlighting the intricate beauty of this often-overlooked insect.

#PanorpaCommunis #Scorpionfly #Beenschorpioenvlieg #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #InsectPhotography #WildlifePhotography #Mecoptera #NatureLovers #Entomology #MacroWorld #InsectMacro #FieldPhotography #NatureExploration #Biodiversity

#Pissenlit #Dandelion #FleurDePissenlit #WildFlowers #PlanteMédicinale #HerbalMedicine #NatureSauvage #WildNature #JardinageNaturel #NaturalGardening #Herboristerie #Herbalism #FleursSauvages #WildFlowers #PlantesComestibles
#Macrophotographie #MacroPhotography #PhotoMacro #MacroShot #CloseUp #GrosPlan #NatureMacro #MacroNature #InsectMacro #MacroInsect #FleurMacro #MacroFlower #ArtMacro #MacroArt

#Macro #MacroPhotography #ExtremeMacro #NatureMacro #MacroAddicts #InsectMacro #FloralMacro #CloseUp #MacroLovers #MacroMonday #WildlifeMacro #MacroHour #MacroShot #MonochromeMacro #CloseUpPhotography #DetailedShot
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Schillernd wie ein Juwel und dennoch ein echter Parasit – diese Goldwespe nutzt fremde Nester, um ihren Nachwuchs großzuziehen. Statt selbst zu bauen, legt sie ihre Eier bei anderen Wespen- oder Bienenarten ab. Die Larve frisst dann die Wirtslarve und deren Vorräte – ziemlich clever, wenn auch ein bisschen fies.

#macro #makrofotografie #insektenliebe #insektenfotografie #wildlifephotography #insectmacro #chrysididae #goldwespe #pentax #pentaxk3mkiii #pentaxk3iii #macro_perfection #closeupshot #naturelovers #naturfotografie #bokeh #macroinsect #macro_captures #pentaxphotography #colorfulinsects

A delicate moment in nature – a dragonfly resting on a fragile stem, shimmering in the sunlight. Nature's tiny wonders never cease to amaze.

northern white-faced darter (Leucorrhinia rubicunda)

#Dragonfly #MacroPhotography #NatureLovers #Wildlife #InsectPhotography #CloseUpShot #BokehBackground #NaturePerfection #MacroMagic #WildlifePhotography #NatureShot #DragonfliesOfInstagram #Bugslife #InsectMacro #BeautifulNature

Grasshopper.

#macrophotography #insectphotography #insectmacro