strange little backyard bug..

[arlon]

Anyone have a clue what this might be? It was only a few mm long. I also posted on bugguide.net so maybe someone will know what it is.



For a larger view CLICK_HERE>

[rjlittlefield]

Looks like a lady beetle pupa.

See also http://www.photomacrography1.net/forum/ ... php?t=5055, especially the montage near the bottom, for more info on emergence of the beetle.

The shed skin shows really well in this picture -- that's the spiky part near the attachment, in foreground.

--Rik

[Bruce Williams]

Really excellent image Arlon.

I'm amazed that I've never seen one of these as during the spring and summer months I spend at least an hour a day peering closely at grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees looking for insects to photograph.

...and thanks for the link Rik

Bruce

[beetleman]

A great picture arlon. Very nice focus and DOF. Bruce, I see most of these in mid to late summer. I think what happens is, the adults overwinter ( thats why you get those mass grouping of ladybird beetles that congragate your homes), they lay their eggs in the spring and you see the pupae in the late summer.

[arlon]

Thank for the comments. He was on the under side of a leaf I had turned over. Would never have notice him if I wasn't turning leaves.. The one linked above sure looks like this one. I'll assume that's what he is.

[Ken Ramos]

Great shot, I have never seen one like this before.