Talk about a loaded question! There’s a lot about life that bugs me, but I’m sure Donna of Wind Kisses meant strictly nature’s kind when she presented this challenge. When I’m out and about with my camera, all bugs are worthy of a photo, but if they should come into my house, they need permission first.
When I lived in Florida as a child, my mother had a daddy long legs spider living behind a dish in a cabinet. She never killed it and told us to leave it there because it ate other insects and unwanted bugs. We never had bugs in our kitchen.
In one visit to the WPA Rock Garden, Marlene and I (really Marlene) spotted this wonderful and big spider.


Also on this same outing, Marlene spotted a couple of praying mantises. It was amazing that when they feel threatened, they just stay still. The green mantis wasn’t camouflaged on the white flower, but the brown one had a better background on the brown leaves.


On another outing my friend Linda and I went downhill to photograph ladybugs. Unfortunately we had to climb up the muddy steep hill to get back up. It was worth it though.


One insect we always try to capture with our cameras is the dragonfly/damselfly. I honestly can’t tell the difference. Their colors are simply beautiful.


And what would we do without our busy bees. I give them lots of room since I’m allergic to them. I’ve found if you just let them do their work, they will leave you alone. We have an understanding, the bees and I.



I saved the most beautiful for last, the butterfly.


Some bugs are beneficial like some spiders and bees, but they are not welcome in my home. They never ask permission first!
Thank you for responding to my Buildings and Structures challenge last week. I enjoyed seeing all of your responses that were varied, educational and well photographed. And, thank you Donna for letting me reminisce about my mom and her spider. When you respond to this challenge, please remember to link your post to Donna’s and use the Lens-Artists tag.
Next week, our guest host is Brian of Bushboys World. Be sure to look for his post on Fragments.
If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info.
That spider is as big as a Buick… or so it seems! Nice collection, Anne!
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Thanks John!
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I love the story about your mom and her daddy long-leg pet. I wish we could all handle the tolerance of having a bug live in our cupboard.. Impressive capture of the spider and I found the sideways look at its web interesting too. You were pretty lucky to capture an abundance of ladybugs in one place. I agree, it was worth the trek….so we could see too. Love the butterflies, but a favorite this week is the dragonfly/damsel on the red flower. A great gallery Anne.
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Thanks Donna! I’ll have to pay more attention to the little things.
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Beautifully captured bugs Anne
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Thanks Aletta!
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I love them all, Anne. Wonderful collection and such clear, colourful images.
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Thanks Tracy!
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What an interesting and varied selection, and all so well photographed! Thus post is a great reminder of the diversity in the insect world.
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Thanks Sarah!
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Love the spiders and ladybugs.
Great collection!
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Thank you Philo!
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You are welcome, Anne Sandler.
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Love your selections, Anne! I’ve never seen this many ladybugs, what an effort! Dragonflies and butterflies are beautifully captured, so are others.
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Thanks Amy. There’s a special place in Diablo Canyon where they congregate each year I guess to breed.
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These are fantastic. 😊
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Thank you Pepper!
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Great photos. Well done. 👏
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Beautiful! And not just the butterflies. Lovely photos of the mantids, damselflies and the spider: top predators all. And the beetles! Such a swarm.
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Thank you I. J.!
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All so, so beautiful and the variety is impressive too. What a great post, Anne!
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Thanks Sofia!
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Now that I reread your post I need to look deeper into my library. Good sample ese little creatures.
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Thanks Marlene! I think with your eagle eye, you have some fantastic bugs to share.
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Wow – these are amazing!
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Thanks M. B.!
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Beautiful images
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Thank you Karina!
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Beautifully done Anne – loved the ladybugs all gathered together! Great capture.
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Thanks Tina!
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