A True Bug
A pair of Assassin Bugs (also known as Wheel Bugs because of the cog-shaped thorax), that have coupled. The female is carrying the male, and will, until they h...
Read more
A pair of Assassin Bugs (also known as Wheel Bugs because of the cog-shaped thorax), that have coupled. The female is carrying the male, and will, until they have mated, at which time one would see the male off to the side. Once they have mated, the female will kill the male. Be aware of their red beaks though, if stung, the pain is said to be 10x worse than that of a bee. The sting can not kill a human, but could affect a person from days up to months.
Read less
Read less
Jun, 2016Views
455
Likes
Awards
Winner in Something Strange Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Top Choice
Top Ranks
Top 30 rankTop 20 rank week 2Top 10 rank week 1Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Discover more photos See all
Behind The Lens
Location
I captured this lovely couple, on an evening stroll, on the back steps of my house. I almost stepped on them as I was coming out the back door, to put supper on the grill. I set the food down next to the grill and immediately went back into the house to grab my camera.Time
These bugs are really scary to see when you almost step on them. They are pretty hard to miss as the female (on the bottom) was about 1 1/2 inches in length. This is the first and last time that I have seen them, as they are not native to where I live. This image was captured on September 24, 2009 at 6:24p.m.Lighting
At this time of the day, the sun is on the other side of my house, so the lighting was a little dark. I had the back porch light on, but it just wasn't enough light. I used an aperture of f/19 and the flash on the camera, along with getting as close as I could to brighten up the area as mush as possible.Equipment
I used my FujiFilm FinePix S2Pro, with an 18-55mm Sigma lens, and the on-camera flash.Inspiration
I had to take a picture of these strange bugs that I had never seen before. They looked like they were out of the Jurassic period. Because they aren't native to where I live, I had to have proof of what I saw so when I told people about them, they would believe me. It's a good thing that I did, as no one I have spoken to about them has seen anything like them, and every one I have shown this picture to, is glad that they haven't seen them. For me, this was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.Editing
There was a small amount of post-processing done on this image. I brought the exposure and contrast up a little so more detail was shown, such as the male's (on the top) proboscis.In my camera bag
Every hike I take, I make sure my bag has my Fuji FinePix S2 Pro with a Nikon 70-300mm, 4-5.6 lens and Nikon 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 lens for waterfalls and nature shots that require patience or long exposure. In my hand, I carry my Fuji FinePix S9950W Fixed, 50x zoom lens, for capturing images in the moment. And in my back pocket, I have my Samsung S8+, for those perfect selfies letting everyone on social media in on my adventures as they happen :)Feedback
Always look around you, and always have your camera available. Sometimes the treasure you seek is in your own back yard.
