Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Here is another set of pictures. To start, can you find the camouflaged moth in this picture? It is in plain sight. The only reason I saw it was because it had moved. Try to not give its location away so someone else can have a search.
Spot the moth! by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Next up are some pictures of a broad headed bug nymph (Alydus eurinus), posed against the sky to look all dramatic. These Hemipterans are seed feeders, I think favoring the seeds on whatever this particular plant is since that is where I find them. The nymphs are great ant mimics, and like ants they are very erratic and darty in their movements as well. This species resembles our local carpenter ant.
Broad headed bug by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Broad headed bug by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Mating bee-mimicking robber flies (Laphria sp.) are shown next. During much of the summer I see many of these sitting on low growing plants in the woods, and I usually don’t bother taking pictures now.
Robber flies by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

The tiny insect shown next is another of those male minnow mayflies (Callibaetis sp.), with their very weird compound eyes. These were taken as a couple short focus stacks on the ‘ol dining room table.
Minnow mayfly by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Minnow mayfly by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Finally, here is that same camouflaged moth again, up close so you can see what you were looking for in the first picture. This is a walnut sphinx moth (Amorpha juglandis), and one expects that most of them escape notice.
Walnut sphinx moth by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Thanks for looking!

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

Very well done set, excellent detail.
The minnow mayfly shot’s are particularly well done. :
I did spot the moth after using the last image for assistance. The legs let me know it was him or her.
(Pointing at about 8 o clock)

Terrymac Loc: LONDON U.K.

All great shots Mark. I am struggling to find the moth. Can't wait for someone to point it out. Thanks.

wjones8637 Loc: Burleson, TX

Found it before I saw the last image. Now that I have seen it I can't unsee it.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Mark I really enjoyed your photos. Well done. I did spot the moth, roughly center right, after enlarging the photo.
I have to admit there were several candidates that took some close looking.

Dennis

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

Beautiful photography Mark, I think the Minnow Mayfly shots are fascinating.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Great set. I did find the moth.

RLSprouse Loc: Encinitas CA (near Sandy Eggo)

Wonderful set, Mark. You've really got your macro technique mastered. The detail in these is amazing!

Thanks for sharing these. Keep up the great work!

~ Russ

Mr. B Loc: eastern Connecticut

I found it but had to enlarge the photo to look for antennae!

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

#4 Mating? No, the Robber Flies are refueling. Check out SpaceX programs, refueling is important to the Mars mission... many of our ideas come from nature. SpaceX will have the rockets "mate" end to end just like these Robber Flies!!

Mark, your work shared with us here is excellent.

I see you live in Grand Blanc. When I lived in Grand Blank the "city" population was 900, the rest of us lived in the "Township" area. My dad and I built, every nail, the house at 2404 E Maple Ave in 48-49 and it is still standing.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Thank you, everybody!

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

Thanks for sharing!

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Awesome in every way..! A true Masterclass job.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Every time I start feeling good about my close up/macro you do another post. Do you do "wild shots" or are they specimens? Focus stacked obviously. What equipment do you use for focus stacks? I have so many other questions but this is probably not the time and place for them

Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

Excellent! All superb & yes I saw the moth after a download.