A ladybird

Aynia · Post by **Aynia** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 8:56 am

I've been waiting for ladybirds for a good few weeks and they haven't arrived in any great numbers (only 2 seven spots, and about four 22 spots), so here is an old one of mine.

And I used autofocus...

Wouldn't have got the shot otherwise.

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:55 pm

I have never been fortunate enough to capture one like this.

Lucky you and a really nice shot!

DaveW · Post by **DaveW** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 10:50 pm

Great shot Aynia. Not the best of designs are ladybirds for flight. I am sure those wing cases must act like air brakes in flight and need more muscle power to overcome their drag. Or do they fold down again after the wings are out?

DaveW

Aynia · Post by **Aynia** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 4:15 am

Dave, I think the wing cases stay up. When they are flying at eyelevel they go so quick it's hard to tell. This one flew past me and crashed into the house and then landed on the grass. I think a lot of beetles fly the same way. I've seen a few click beetles flying lately.

Perhaps the entomologists could tell us!

lauriek · Post by **lauriek** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 4:21 am

I think ladybirds and in fact beetles in general keep the front wing cases open when flying - it's why most beetles are pretty rubbish at it!!

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 4:47 pm

a real action shot. I try to get shots like this also but have not captured anything half as good.

rovebeetle · Post by **rovebeetle** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 10:46 pm

Excellent shot, Aynia! Very dynamic moment.

lauriek wrote:I think ladybirds and in fact beetles in general keep the front wing cases open when flying - it's why most beetles are pretty rubbish at it!!

Not all. The Fruit Chafers (Scarabaeidae-Cetoniinae) keep their elytra closed when flying. Ergo: they are extremely good flyers.

Cheers