Nature’s own Cirque du Soleil

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Nature’s own Cirque du Soleil

October 4, 2012 by Mike Powell

Several years ago I saw one of the Cirque du Soleil productions, an event full of dazzling costumes and amazing acrobatic feats. Memories of that unforgettable experience were triggered when I first viewed this photo of another Handsome Meadow Katydid (Orchelimum pulchellum) at Huntley Meadows Park. I have previously posted a number of different images of this very photogenic insect, but this one shows my beautiful friend in action, rather than in a static pose.

Acrobatic Handsome Meadow Katydid

I recall how the acrobats of the Cirque du Soleil were suspended high in mid-air, holding on (often with what seemed to be a single toe) to a trapeze or to a slender rope. My little katydid is not risking his life in that way, but I do find it amazing how he is clinging to the single stalk of grass. His brilliant colors continue to amaze me and the red blotches on his face accentuate the circus-like effect, as you can see in this close-up view of his face.

Close-up view of a Handsome Meadow Katydid

I will be a little sad when I stop seeing my colorful little friends at Huntley Meadows Park, but the memories will remain. Perhaps in the future, some brightly colored object or acrobatic pose will trigger memories of these katydids, nature’s own Cirque du Soleil.

Posted in Bugs, Flowers, Gardening, Insects, Macro Photography, Nature, Photography, wildlife | Tagged acrobatic, Canon 55-250mm zoom lens, Canon Rebel XT, Cirque du Soleil, Handsome Meadow Katydid, Huntley Meadows Park, Orchelimum pulchellum | 6 Comments

6 Responses

on October 4, 2012 at 10:07 am | Reply Sue

Unique pose!
- on October 4, 2012 at 8:30 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  This was a case when I didn’t realize the pose was unusual until I was reviewing my photos a second time and decided to work on that one. For me, unique or “different” is generally a good thing–I’m a bit of a non-conformist.
on October 4, 2012 at 12:03 pm | Reply caleephotography

You really nailed the title & text to these pictures!! I hope the Katydids do a tour in Europe next year 😉
- on October 4, 2012 at 8:28 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks. Once again you show that you are on the same vibe as I am. You seem to “get” my little jokes and word plays and visual associations (and I’ll be sure to let you know if they take the show on the road–I actually think that Handsome Meadow Katydids would work as a name for a rock band).
on October 4, 2012 at 9:01 pm | Reply Dan Proud

Thanks for the welcome back Mike! I like the new setup you’ve got going on here. The photos of the katydid are great!
on October 5, 2012 at 2:58 am | Reply lylekrahn

Great comparison to human endeavours. That’s a lot of appendages for the brain to control.