The Lonely Leaf

A leaf lit directly by the sun providing a perfect black background.

Note: Click on the image for a larger version. The reduced thumbnail version does not do justice to the level of sharpness this image displays.

Grasshoppers & Mediterranean Praying Mantid

This grasshopper's eye is reminiscent of the tiger's-eye gemstone.




I prefer Mediterranean "Preying" Mantis. I understand that officially it is a Mediterranean "Praying" Mantis, but I am not quite sure how a bug can be religious.

Beelieve It!

A female worker bee pollinates the autumn blossom of the South American Pink Silk Floss Tree. As she collects the pollen, she stores it with her pollen basket.

I have posted these images near full resolution. Click on the image you would like to enlarge. These are an absolute must for viewing in full resolution!

Colors

Updated: 10/13/2006

Various plants that had intense, yet pleasing colors to the eye.

Ceratostigma Abyssinicum


Paddle Plant (Kalanchoe Thyrisflora)


South African Honeysuckle (Turraea Obtusifolia)

Harvest Moon

Click on the image for full resolution.

Fiery Skipper - Fighter Butterfly

The Fiery Skipper butterfly is named for the resemblence of its wing to the appearance of flames. The slightly curved "tail wing" also bears a striking resemblance to the dual vertical stabilizers of an F-14 fighter plane (pictured below).

F-14 - Images courtesy of United States Air Force.


The Fiery Skipper shows off his tongue. Butterfly tongues are really a hollow tube, like a straw. The flower responsible for all the beautiful purple is a Verbena Bonariensis which all insects alike seem to enjoy.


The Fiery Skipper begins a mid-flight refuel.