Fiery Skipper ~ These small butterflies have been stopping by the lantana plants in the garden outside my patio. I finally got some photos to ID, and believe that they are Fiery Skippers. I think this is a male.
Large Milkweek Bug ~ I just got this milkweed plant, hoping to attract Monarch butterflies, and maybe even have some of their caterpillars to raise and photograph. The morning after I brought the plant home, sure enough I had a Milkweed Bug. Though I'd rather have Monarchs, this bug became my photo subject of the day. For this close-up I used my 100 mm Macro lens, as well as a +1 and +2 diopters, to get extra close.
Large Milkweek Bug ~ I just got this milkweed plant, hoping to attract Monarch butterflies, and maybe even have some of their caterpillars to raise and photograph. The morning after I brought the plant home, sure enough I had a Milkweed Bug. Though I'd rather have Monarchs, this bug became my photo subject of the day.