Coleoptera This beetle is snacking on the pollen of a Western Sunflower. Beetles are so "intellectually challenged" that they only go to simple bowl shaped flowers.
Milton, FL Tiger Beetles are among the most hyperactive insects I have ever seen! I found these beetles on the beach in Florida. Even the "amorous" ones could run really fast. I had a hard time catching them being still long enough to get this photo. The third beetle is on the move!
Oak Ridge, TN July 17, 2009 It is not hard to see how this little beetle gets its common name, it really does look like a tiny tortoise or turtle! I found it on a tomato plant leaf while I was picking some herbs on the patio. The two black spots on the lower edge of the photo are its "frass" (a.k.a. "bug poop"). There are several different species of Tortoise beetles, they have very distinctive outer wings that cover their body.
