Oak Ridge, TN May 2008 This little beetle looks like a 2-spotted ladybug in negative! I was surprised when I learned its name! It was photographed on a leaf of our Dogwood tree.
spp. Taking this photo was quite a challenge. It is nearly impossible to take a photo of a moving target with a macro lens! I had to stand in the water at the edge of the lake to get this photo. These interesting beetles have 2 sets of eyes, one set to see below the water, the other set to see above. They swim rapidly in circles in search of food on the surface of the water.
spp. Oak Ridge, TN June 16, 2008 While hiking at Haw Ridge I saw a small pile of animal scat on the trail and several flies. Suddenly I noticed the scat moved! When I looked more closely I could see three small black beetles under the scat balls. They had to compete with the flies. Notice the flat, shovel-shaped area near the mouth which, along with its flattened front legs, the beetle uses to roll the dung balls. These beetles use animal dung as a nursery and a food source for their larvae. Yum, nothing like poop for baby food! :)
