Sunday, August 30, 2009

Whimsy in the Garden...

Through observation, little gifts of joy appear, and I have realized that inspiration and whimsy can present themselves in many forms. You just have to open your eyes to see them. The other day, JP rushed in looking for the camera, and I quickly left my work behind to catch a glimpse of his discovery. And there, clinging to the exterior of our home was the sweetest little bug! Painted in a fuzzy red coat, he was covered in an array of whimsical black dots. As I grabbed the camera from JP, he plucked a stick out of the yard and coaxed the little fella to climb aboard. Gingerly we carried him around, and I snapped a cluster of photos, trying to capture the character and detail of this whimsical insect. (Hopefully the neighbors are used to our odd behavior by now!) I was so truly charmed by his illustrative appearance and his fanciful feelers that it was difficult to let him go, but we lowered him into the garden and off he went on his vast outdoor journey. So, now you must be curious what this 6-legged character looked like... Take a peek below to see for yourself, and let me know if you have seen one too!
~ Johanna
UPDATE: My friend Beverly searched and discovered that this is a Red Milkweed Beetle!

Gripping-beetle
* With all 6 legs, this little fella grasps a garden stick, striking the perfect pose...

Sideways-beetle
* He hovers over a sea of green leaves creating a lush contrast of color....

Climbing-beetle
* And off he goes up and over a rock and onto a salvia leaf... Bye bye sweet little beetle bug... You are a miniature marvel to me...

12 comments:

Sharyn Sowell said...

Hi Johanna, If I'd been there I would be right alongside you on this. How adorable is this little guy!?!? Give JP a giant handclap from me, he did a spectacular job of spotting this fun bug. What a wonderful thing to share. Here's to many more interesting glimpses. What perfect inspiration...

Dawn said...

Nope, can't say I' ve seen this bug but what great photos!

susanc said...

What a cute bug! Isn't it amazing what is right under our noses if we are observant? Great photos!

magikalseasons said...

Now that is an amazing and magical bug! Thanks for sharing!

William Bezek said...

He looks like he is dressed up for Halloween! I bet there is a beetle bug sculpture coming our way from Ms. Johanna Parker!

Beverly said...

I think that's a Red Milkweed Beetle. After doing a short search, I found this page http://www.cirrusimage.com/beetles_red_milkweed.htm

Such a unique bug! Never seen one myself, but I love it's coloring and design. :)

Johanna Parker said...

Thanks Beverly! You must be right! I tried searching online but with no luck, so now we know.... yay :) Thanks for the link - it looks like the same guy....

Glad everyone likes my little beetle pics.... CUTE!

~ Johanna

Chicken Lips said...

Great shots Johanna! Did you use a macro lens?

Johanna Parker said...

No macro lens just yet David..... Still saving my pennies for that!.... I just used the lens that my camera came with and manually focused the image. I had to crop out most of the photo as I cannot get that close to the tiny subject with my existing lens.... But, it's amazing how clear it can capture it as is....

Theresa MacNaughton said...

He's perfect. Looks like he's ready for Halloween himself! Theresa

Jennifer MacNeill said...

I love taking pictures of bugs. The top picture is amazing!

Laume said...

Ooooh, he's adorable to be sure! I have lots of milkweed in my garden, I should keep my eyes open for one of his kind. I have seen orange and black beetles in my garden, and even taken macro photos of them as well (ditto on the neighbors probably used to our strange behavior) but hey were tiny and not so fanciful.