Flea Beetle
Say hello to reader Earl Goodson’s first submission to InsectPOD, a fantastic photo of what I believe is Asphaera lustrans—the Shining Flea Beetle. It could also be A. abdominalis, which is found in Texas and Arizona (this photograph was taken at The Alamo), but I was unable to find a photo for comparison. Besides, just look how shiny it is.
How shiny is it? Well, if you look close, I think that’s Earl reflected in the carapace there!
Flea beetles are tiny. It’s a testament to Earl’s photography skills that this bug looks like a gigantic scarab. In fact, it’s probably only about 7mm long.
Is it just me, or does that bug look like it should be about the same size as a C-cell battery?
Thanks, Earl, and welcome to InsectPOD!
P.S. Earl Goodson went to The Alamo. And he took pictures of bugs. WIN.
Slowly getting the site back onto an even keel. It's nice to get back into the old posting rhythm.
JFargo said,
March 4, 2008 @ 8:23 am
Earl’s pictures have always amazed me, and I can’t wait to see if he sends in more/gets more put up here!
Awesome picture Earl! What’s that it’s clinging to?
Scott said,
March 4, 2008 @ 12:15 pm
That’s a great picture indeed!
Earl said,
March 4, 2008 @ 10:54 pm
Thanks for the complements. I was looking over the buildings and the lil guy caught my eye glinting in the sun. I always did prefer ecology to history.
Texas has lots of cool arthropods; wish I had my camera when I found that tarantula.
Re. JFargo: It’s clinging to a metal railing.
tceisele said,
March 5, 2008 @ 5:24 am
Someday[1], we will all have cameras permanently mounted, either on the forehead as separate units or taking the feed straight from our enhanced eyeballs. Then we will *never have to miss a cool tarantula picture again!*
[1] Probably shortly after the end of the Robot Wars. Assuming we win, of course.