During a recent, early morning stroll on the local, natural Missouri prairie, I discovered this interesting insect, the Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus), content to sit atop a Helianthus wildflower:
The common name (Wheel bug) is inspired, as you can probably guess, by the gear-like back of this interesting insect, making it look like a cogged wheel. It’s normal range is east of the Rocky Mountains, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast. The wheel bug feeds on caterpillars, beetle larvae, and other insects.
Photographic Equipment Used:
- Canon 5D Mark 3 body
- Canon EF 180mm f/3.5 macro lens
- Vanguard Alta Pro 283CT carbon fiber tripod, with Graff Studioball ballhead
- ISO 400
- Aperture f/8
- Shutter 1/40 sec.