A Wheel Bug

A Wheel Bug (not a mis-pronunciation of "Real Bug") is easily identified by the spiny "wheel" on his back. Being 1 1/4 inches long and unusual in appearance, it can be quite intimidating. However it will make every attempt to avoid human contact. If handled, it may emanate a foul odor (it is in the same family as the stink bug) and try to bite.

The bite is more of a sting because it has a syringe-like beak (that reddish thing folded down under his face) that the bug inserts into its victims. It injects a venom which dissolves its prey's insides. In humans, this venom causes a burning sensation (similar to a bee or wasp sting) that lasts several minutes and leaves a wound that can take several weeks to months to heal.

Don't be too quick to shoo them out of the garden though. They are very beneficial because they eat soft bodied pests like caterpillars, aphids, moths, etc. I even read that they may eat Japanese Beetles!! Since we had an issue with Japanese Beetles this year, these bugs are more than welcome. In fact, my husband wants to look into how to encourage more.

They are a slow moving insect and generally won't land on you just to bite you. If one happens to land on you, gently brush it off. Once you know they have taken up residence, make sure you watch out for them when working in your garden.

Now that you've been educated on this nifty bug, check out all the other macro shoots here.

Dew Drops

We woke up one foggy morning to find the spiders had been very active the night before. There were spider webs everywhere. Perhaps, they are always there, but we just don't notice until the glisten of a dew drop captures our eyes.

Macro Monday is hosted by Lisa at Lisa's Chaos - take a moment to visit the other macro photographers!

Lilac

What's the difference between Lilac & Lavender?

Some think it is the same, but, as seen below, there is a difference.

Lilac is a warmer color, closer to the reds/pinks.

Lavender is a coolor color, closer to the blues.

See all the other macro shooters here.

I also have a posting about the care of lilac bushes on my gardening site.

Oh, and one more shameless plug for my third blog (the one that started it all for me), Life Makes Me Laugh. There is a contest to name the top ten Babes in Babeland. Please visit, and if you like my stories, vote for me :)

Got Rust?

Macro Monday is brought to you by Lisa's Chaos where you can go to get other macro shots.


Tetanus is often associated with rust, especially rusty nails, but this concept is somewhat misleading. Objects that accumulate rust are often found outdoors, or in places that harbor bacteria, but the rust itself does not cause tetanus nor does it contain more of the bacteria that causes tetanus.

The rough surface of a rusty nail merely provides a prime habitat for the tetanus bacteria to reside, and the nail affords a means to puncture skin and deliver the bacteria to the wound.

Just thought you'd like to know. Thanks Wikipedia!

Black Cherry Tomato

Black = Night

Red = Blood

Yellow = Sunshine

Without night, there can be no day. Without day, there can be no sunshine. Without sunshine, there would be no reason to put forth the blood, sweat & tears it takes to get a plant to produce tomatoes (hopefully, you are starting with a tomato plant before you put forth the blood, sweat & tears).


For more Monday Macros, please visit Lisa's Chaos.

Pandora's Box

According to ancient Greek mythology, Pandora was the first woman, created on Zeus’ orders as a punishment for mankind. Her “box” (actually a sort of jar) contained many evil things, such as toil, illness and despair, but it also contained Hope. When the jar was opened, these evils as well as Hope were released into the world.

~The Myth of Pandora's Box (Christopher Minster)

For more Monday Macros, visit Lisa's Chaos!