Do you have a favorite insect? Although I like dragonflies a lot, my favorite insect is probably the rainbow-colored Handsome Meadow Katydid (Orchelimum pulchellum). I was thrilled to spot this beauty on some colorful vegetation last Saturday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
I remember well the sense of incredulity that I felt when I saw one of these insects for the very first time—I simply could not believe that the bright colors were real. The beautiful curling leaves hide the details of the katydid’s body a little, but add a wonderful artistic element to this image. If want to see the brilliant colors of a Handsome Meadow Katydid on full display, check out this link to a 2013 posting that I entitled Rainbow Grasshopper—it is one of my most popular posts to date with over 315 views.
The vivid colors of this katydid are sure to grab your attention, but you should also be sure to check out its eyes. I am still blown away every time that I see those amazing eyes that seem to be looking deeply into me. Here’s looking at you, kid.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Beautiful photo! The colors truly pop out. (Beetles and butterflies are our favourites)
Wow – she certainly is a looker, and she (he) does seem to be checking you out, Mike.
Bees are my favorite
Thanks for responding. I love bees too and they play a really important role in helping to pollinate flowers. The honey is a nice bonus too. 🙂
That is indeed a very bonnie beastie. If pressed to name a favourite insect, I would have to plump for the Dor Beetle. It’s partly a nostalgia thing as I have adored them since I was a toddler.
That’s a beauty, Mike. Not sure if I have a particular favorite as so many are enjoyable to observe, but the Eastern Green Stink Bug-Chinavia halaris (not that hilarious really) is my favorite regular in the yard.
Don’t know why the link didn’t take. Here’s another try
https://sggphoto.wordpress.com/2014/08/27/08-27-2014-little-stinkers/
That one link works and that is definitely a cool bug. Artistically I really liked the head-on shot that you managed to get, even though it doesn’t show all of the wonderful patterns on this insect’s body. I have seen a number of different stink bugs, but not one like that.
The adults are all green. I’ve had a couple different species here in the yard on our boneset which seems to draw many different species of insects. I’ve never smelled one. They give off the stink when threatened and I guess I am not the threatening type. Thanks for the nice comment on the close up.
Very Nice Mike! Besides Dragonflies and Eagles …. and a few other subjects(!) I like Praying Mantises. And…. I think I just like to photograph what I can find that looks interesting. Also using techniques like panoramas and focus stacking.
Thanks, Reed. It’s tough deciding on a favorite, when there are so many things to like. 🙂
So striking – and yes, what eyes!
There is one I have never seen! I will be looking for it!
I tend to see a lot of them at this time of the year, but am not sure how widespread they actually are.
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