Grasshoppers aren't the most attractive insects and can cause quite a bit of plant damage, but they really do have some cool textures. #insects #Illinois #nature #macro #photography #wildlifephotography #photographylovers

Most of the pollinators have packed it in for the year. However, the autumn meadowhawk dragonflies have been putting on a show. I even coaxed a female to land on my hand! #dragonfly #Odonata #Illinois #nature #macro #photography #wildlifephotography #photographylovers

A beautiful female monarch on tall boneset during my morning walk. #butterfly #butterflies #Lepidoptera #nativeplants #Illinois #nature #photography #SaveTheMonarch #photographylovers #wildlifephotography

A gorgeous common buckeye butterfly (Junonia coenia) on another summer-like day. #butterflies #Lepidoptera #Illinois #nature #photography #photographylovers #wildlifephotography

The first monarch this October is another female on the Mexican sunflowers. #butterfly #butterflies #Lepidoptera #flowers #Illinois #nature #photography #SaveTheMonarch #photographylovers #wildlifephotography

A male silver-spotted skipper butterfly (Epargyreus clarus) in the front yard garden this morning. I know it's a male by its behavior: they will chase dragonflies, birds, and even humans to defend their territory. #butterflies #Lepidoptera #photography #wildlifephotography

A black saddlebags dragonfly (Tramea lacerata) in the front yard garden this morning. #dragonfly #dragonflies #Odonata #Illinois #nature #macro #photography #wildlifephotography #photographylovers

Another gorgeous female monarch on the Mexican sunflowers today! #butterfly #butterflies #Lepidoptera #Illinois #nature #photography #SaveTheMonarch #photographylovers #wildlifephotography