Christian Photographers Community

I've been dormant on the Christian Photographers Community for awhile and want to get more active. This year I've been concentrating on learning macro photography. I'm using my regular Canon lenses and extension tubes. I have a lot of subjects right in my backyard.

This is a "Milkweed Assassin" and they're native to the Texas coast around Galveston and into Houston.

What a name for a bug!     Glad they're not around here. 

Good to see you back!

Interesting "bug"!  Do they actually destroy the milkweed plant?  That is the sole food of the monarch Butterfly, it would be sad to see them go because of this "bug".

I love the colours of the picture, This creature is nicely centered and the directions of the leaves draw your eyes to the Milkweed Assassin bug.  What a name!!!

Great job!

They're generally considered beneficial. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-06_milkweed_assassin_bug.htm

"Milkweed Assassin Bugs are widespread in the Galveston County area and they are highly beneficial insects. They eat a variety of insects including aphids, armyworms, stink bugs, houseflies, etc. Milkweed Assassin Bugs have a bright red-colored body with long black legs, black wings and long black antenna."

AHA!  So what they assissinate is not the milkweed but it's enemies!   

Great shot.

I have a shot of a bug similar to this and I never knew what it was. I'll have to look it up and compare them.