Macro Flower with Insect Surprise Inside
Mar 20, 2019 08:53:30 #
While walking through the yard yesterday evening I noticed a spec of purple among the green. I looked like a tiny Christmas Tree with very tiny purple flowers. I don't have a clue what they are (weeds to many I'm sure) so I cut it off and brought it in to photograph.
It was so small that I used the 4X microscope objective to photograph it (you can see the setup below with one of the purple flowers among the leafs).
When done I was surprised to find an insect nestled in the flower and you can see where it took a bite out of the flowers style. It is super small even at 4X and it is a complete mystery to me.
My first spring flower and insect! Life is great again.
It was so small that I used the 4X microscope objective to photograph it (you can see the setup below with one of the purple flowers among the leafs).
When done I was surprised to find an insect nestled in the flower and you can see where it took a bite out of the flowers style. It is super small even at 4X and it is a complete mystery to me.
My first spring flower and insect! Life is great again.
Mar 20, 2019 08:56:44 #
Mar 20, 2019 09:12:00 #
Mar 20, 2019 11:16:11 #
Mar 20, 2019 14:01:47 #
Mar 20, 2019 15:33:36 #
Wow, Mike that's exactly what it is. I looked it up and compared it to my sample and you assessment is spot-on. Thanks for identifying it for me.
Mar 20, 2019 18:29:12 #
sippyjug104 wrote:
Wow, Mike that's exactly what it is. I looked it up and compared it to my sample and you assessment is spot-on. Thanks for identifying it for me.
That plants is native to Europe, and has become something of a lawn weed in North America. I happened to be at a German macro photographer's site just now, Achim Kluck, and what should I see?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/achimowl/33423819108/in/album-72157661755081246/
Mike
Mar 20, 2019 18:36:53 #
Mar 21, 2019 06:12:08 #
Mar 21, 2019 13:47:58 #
EnglishBrenda wrote:
Oh yes, that is definitely to my taste, a pretty flower in detail.
It is considered a native wildflower throughout the UK, and fossilized evidence of it has been found from the Bronze age in Britain. Some of the common names in the UK include Red dead-nettle, Archangel, and Bumble bee flower. The name "Dead nettle" comes from the fact that while the plant superficially resembles true nettles, it has no "stingers" and is safe to handle.
It can bloom anytime from March through November, so keep your eyes open for it! I have to see it as a weed - you get to see it as a wildflower.
Mike
Mar 21, 2019 14:31:06 #
Blenheim Orange wrote:
It is considered a native wildflower throughout th... (show quote)
That is interesting information Mike, I think I have seen it but I am not sure. I will look out for it now that I know more, yes I would see it as a wildflower, often they are prettier than cultivars.
Mar 21, 2019 14:37:40 #
Nice, and congratulations! I can't make out what the bug might be.
There are several invasives that I consider wildflowers, and many garden weeds I consider ornamentals.
If they flower a long time, and if the natives can hold their own against them, and if they feed the pollinators, they are ok by me.
There are several invasives that I consider wildflowers, and many garden weeds I consider ornamentals.
If they flower a long time, and if the natives can hold their own against them, and if they feed the pollinators, they are ok by me.
Mar 21, 2019 15:00:44 #
My lawn has been a disaster for years and it has more "non-grass" areas than grass. Anyone that cares for their lawn would cringe at the sight of mine.
What's nice about my wild yard is that there are so many tiny wildflowers and clover blooms which attract a variety of insects and provide me with photo opportunities of them and the variety of colors.
What's nice about my wild yard is that there are so many tiny wildflowers and clover blooms which attract a variety of insects and provide me with photo opportunities of them and the variety of colors.
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