— A couple of weeks ago, while on a photo walk with a couple of friends, we spent a couple of hours at Berry Springs Park and Preserve, in Georgetown, Texas, just a few miles north of Austin. I must admit that although there were not a lot of bugs for macro photographs, it was a very productive day. For starters, besides the great conversation the three of us had, I was also lucky to photograph a Monarch butterfly at that park. I would have been happy just with that.
On the other hand, I was able to stalk this ladybug as it quickly was trying to hide from me on a White-Mouth Dayflower. I have made several macros of that flower, but this is the first time I am posting a couple here. A White-Mouth Dayflower (Commelina erecta) is also known by other names, including Widow’s Tears. Sometimes they are hard to spot because they may lie directly on the ground unless they are supported by other plants. It must also be noted that they are very small. They are only one inch (2.5 cm) across. What makes it easier to see them is that they often appear in large quantities. Their blue color is quite striking. Another fact about White-Mouth Dayflowers is that they only bloom for a day. So, if you see one, do not miss your chance to look at it and photograph it. That is precisely what happened to me. The next photo you see was made right here in my backyard.
I was ecstatic when I spotted this beauty near our Turks Cap plant. I can only thank the pollinators that have visited our backyard for bringing this flower’s seed. I hope there’ll be more surprises and other flowers that will appear in our backyard.
Just like this White-Mouth Dayflower, the same happened last year with Evening Primroses (some people like to call them Pink Ladies). I had never planted them before in our yard. Nevertheless, a small patch appeared on the south side of the house. The location could not have been better. That area gets the afternoon sun and leads to beautiful warm colors at the end of the day. This spring, the patch grew a little more and began spreading. Here are two photos from last year’s display (including a Katydid).
Today’s post is in response to the Lens-Artist Challenge #252: What’s Bugging You? In her blog, Wind Kisses, Donna writes:
This week, I am hosting the Lens-Artist Challenge with a focus on, What’s Bugging You? I think the true challenge here, is that encounters are rarely purposeful, and bugs are never willing participants.
That is so true what she says about bugs not being “willing participants.” In my experience, when it’s not the bugs, it’s the wind. Nevertheless, no matter how many photos we make, if we get one good result, it is worth the time you spend trying. In my case, what makes it even better is the friends I am with when I go on these photo walks. They make the experience even more rewarding.
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Wind Kisses
Love your post Egidio. I especially love the contrast of the ladybug on the Dayflower. So pretty. I think I would have missed the katydid on th primrose if you hadn’t told us to look. Almost blends in. I love primos as well and am always amazed at the pollinators they bring. Thanks for coming along. Donna
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Donna, for your comments and detailed note.
JohnRH
GREAT ladybug shot. Excellent.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks, John.
I. J. Khanewala
Beautiful. Is that a thrip on the dayflower? I haven’t spotted one for a while now.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much for the compliment. I think it’s only a blemish on the flower petal and not a thrip.
sustainabilitea
Lovely insect shots, Egidio.
janet
Egídio Leitão
I’m glad you liked the photos. Thanks for the compliment, Janet.
Sofia Alves
It’s such a lovely feeling to see new plants growing when you least expect them. Great photos, I particularly like the last one, great colours and composition.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the feedback and kind words.
philosophy through photography
Love the lady bug.
Lovely examples!
Egídio Leitão
Thank you for your comment.
philosophy through photography
You are welcome, Egídio Leitão
Philo
Love the lady bug and the colour contrast!
Egídio Leitão
You are so right. One can’t go wrong with the color contrast. Thanks for the feedback.
Amy
Beautiful post, Egidio! Love the photos of ladybugs on blue flower.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much for your kind words, Amy. I appreciated that.
Tina Schell
Beautiful Egidio, loved the flowers as well as the bugs.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Tina. It was very thoughtful of you to write. I appreciated it.