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
https://www.kuvaajankulma.com/valokuvaaja

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