Bug and Eggs

AstroBoy · Post by **AstroBoy** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 1:07 am

Breezy day, on-board flash diffused with Nikon SU-4 diffuser.

Host plant - Gardenia (underside of leaf)

Image 1 and 2 rotated 90° CW

Nikon D100, Micro Nikkor 3.5/55mm and PK13 extension ring. ISO was set to 800 - hence the 'noise' - unintentional/ oops!

rjlittlefield · Post by **rjlittlefield** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:51 am

AstroBoy, I think think this is your first image post -- welcome aboard!

I'm not familiar with this kind of bug. Are those its own eggs? Is it "standing guard", or does it just happen to be with them?

--Rik

q_hung · Post by **q_hung** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:59 am

It looks like a stink bug

Planapo · Post by **Planapo** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 12:04 pm

Could well be that these are this heteropteran's own eggs. Some of them are known to show such a behaviour of parental care.

--Betty

AstroBoy · Post by **AstroBoy** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 4:56 pm

It appears that Betty is correct. The bug is still shielding the eggs 24hrs later. It became rather protective of the eggs as I attempted to position the lense; so yes Rik, it does appear to be "standing guard"; but I have read that 'eggs, larvae or adults of other invertebrates' also form part of its diet?

I'll keep an eye on the location and see what develops.

AstroBoy · Post by **AstroBoy** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:20 pm

Here's another image taken today.

There has been some activity

Images rotated 90° CW

missgecko · Post by **missgecko** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 7:52 pm

Hey Astroboy - welcome!! Great shots of this bug. The last series shows just how protective she is and the little bugs are so cute. I took a photo of a bug just like this one about two weeks ago and was going to ask if anyone knew what it was. I'll still post it but your photos are brilliant

Cheers

AstroBoy · Post by **AstroBoy** » Mon Oct 19, 2009 11:38 pm

Thanks Sam,

Here is a crop of the next generation.

While I was taking the latest images a bull ant came along; but quickly retreated when challenged by the 'parent'.

Notice the 'red' eyes in this image and the red 'spots' in the earlier images of the 'eggs'.

The image below is the leaf backlit with an off-camera flash.

*later note: 11 days later and bug is still "guarding" the little guys.

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:10 am

Great post and followup pictures. I never knew they were protective like that