a plague

[Yawns]

This has to be some sort of cochineal.
Spent many time searching in the web but did not find anything similar.
Anyway it’s a plague infesting the escallonia around my place.
As I don’t have green grass since early June I need to diversify and look for other kind of subjects.

1.6 magnification with EL-Nikkor 50mm 2.8 N



5.1 magnification Nikon E plan achromatic 4x 0.1

[Lou Jost]

Lovely creatures and photos.

[Yawns]

Lovely creatures and photos.

Thank you...
now I'm wondering about those "blades" they have in the body.. looks like a "cooling" system, like the ones found in computer processors

[Ken Ramos]

Lovely creatures and photos.

Thank you...
now I'm wondering about those "blades" they have in the body.. looks like a "cooling" system, like the ones found in computer processors

Anything is possible, they could be some sort of thermoregulatory apparatus but I wouldn't bet on it, then again... I am just wondering what they are as it is. Pretty neat shots

[MarkSturtevant]

I suggest the white projections are waxy plumes, which these sorts of insects often have. The wax plumes are a kind of defense against ants. Odd how symmetrical they are, though.

[Troels]

I tend to agree with Mark. The bugs have just started the wax production. I am quite shure they will be completely covered with white fur after a few days.

Troels