I don't know the name of this species which are found in marshy areas in Norfolk, but may well be found elsewhere. They are very small, about 1/2" overall. They look as if they are wearing a full suit of armour. They inhabit very dark places so full flash is the only option hence the reflections even though a well diffused flash was used.
Panasonic DMC GM3. Super Takumar 100mm Macro lens. Diffused Flash. Hand held.
David
Is this the old pentax takumar 100mm ? If it is I still have one and was always my favourite for insects etc.,
Know a few beetles but not seen this one. Shot of the back atr all. mean looking critter !
John.
Hi John. Yes it's the Pentax lens. Still have it but am using the Canon 100mm nowadays. This is from a couple of years ago when I was using Micro 4/3 cameras. I mounted it with an adapter. Must try and find out what this beetle is.
David
Hi David I find small beetles can sometimes be very obliging so whenever possible I use daylight and a tripod. I too would suggest not going in so close, I think the flash has bounced off the greens and imparted a colour cast to the beetle, the head and eye look yellowish to me. Keep them coming I always enjoy images of beetles. Purely a matter of personal taste but I would suggest a black border may have looked a little more formal/standard in this particular image if you see what I mean.
I like the image, especially the RP with bg greens toned down. Face is obscured because it is preening, making this an action image. It's a species in the family Chrysomelidae (leaf beetle); one can clearly see the 4 tarsi on each leg (tarsal formula 4-4-4). IDK the species, it's out of my home range (SW US).