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by Erik Karits

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Macrostock

by Erik Karits

  • Home
  • Wildlife Photography
  • Wildpix
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European garden spider (Araneus diadematus)
European garden spider (Araneus diadematus)
Download full size image The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a charming butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae, known for its striking appearance and widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. Here's a detailed description: Physical Characteristics: The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is of medium size, with a wingspan typically ranging from 45 to 55 millimeters. It displays a distinctive pattern of bright orange wings bordered by a black band with white spots. The forewings also feature a row of blue crescents near the outer edge, while the hindwings have a series of blue spots and a border of black and yellow. The undersides of the wings are mottled brown, providing effective camouflage when the butterfly is at rest. Habitat and Distribution: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They are distributed across much of Europe, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean region, as well as parts of Asia, such as Siberia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. They are particularly abundant in temperate regions with diverse plant species. Behavior and Life Cycle: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are diurnal and active during the warmer months of the year, especially in spring and summer. They are strong and agile flyers, often seen fluttering among flowers in search of nectar and mates. The females lay eggs singly on the leaves of stinging nettles (Urtica spp.), which serve as the primary larval host plant. The caterpillars hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves of the host plants before pupating and emerging as adult butterflies. Conservation Status: The Small Tortoiseshell is not considered globally threatened and is generally common and widespread throughout its range. However, like many butterfly species, it may face localized threats due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation caused by agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change. Conservation efforts focused on preserving and restoring habitats, protecting larval host plants, and minimizing human disturbance are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic butterfly species. Overall, the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is a beautiful and ecologically important species, valued for its striking appearance, graceful flight, and role in pollination and ecosystem functioning. Its presence adds vibrancy and vitality to natural landscapes and serves as a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the regions where it is found.
Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
Cuckoo wasp (Crysis)
Cuckoo wasp
American Aspen Beetle (Gonioctena viminalis)
American Aspen Beetle (Gonioctena viminalis)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata)
Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
European garden spider (Araneus diadematus)
European garden spider (Araneus diadematus)
Download full size image The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a charming butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae, known for its striking appearance and widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. Here's a detailed description: Physical Characteristics: The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is of medium size, with a wingspan typically ranging from 45 to 55 millimeters. It displays a distinctive pattern of bright orange wings bordered by a black band with white spots. The forewings also feature a row of blue crescents near the outer edge, while the hindwings have a series of blue spots and a border of black and yellow. The undersides of the wings are mottled brown, providing effective camouflage when the butterfly is at rest. Habitat and Distribution: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They are distributed across much of Europe, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean region, as well as parts of Asia, such as Siberia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. They are particularly abundant in temperate regions with diverse plant species. Behavior and Life Cycle: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are diurnal and active during the warmer months of the year, especially in spring and summer. They are strong and agile flyers, often seen fluttering among flowers in search of nectar and mates. The females lay eggs singly on the leaves of stinging nettles (Urtica spp.), which serve as the primary larval host plant. The caterpillars hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves of the host plants before pupating and emerging as adult butterflies. Conservation Status: The Small Tortoiseshell is not considered globally threatened and is generally common and widespread throughout its range. However, like many butterfly species, it may face localized threats due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation caused by agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change. Conservation efforts focused on preserving and restoring habitats, protecting larval host plants, and minimizing human disturbance are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic butterfly species. Overall, the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is a beautiful and ecologically important species, valued for its striking appearance, graceful flight, and role in pollination and ecosystem functioning. Its presence adds vibrancy and vitality to natural landscapes and serves as a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the regions where it is found.
Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
Cuckoo wasp (Crysis)
Cuckoo wasp
American Aspen Beetle (Gonioctena viminalis)
American Aspen Beetle (Gonioctena viminalis)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata)
Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
  • European garden spider (Araneus diadematus)

    European garden spider (Araneus diadematus)

  • Download full size image The Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) is a charming butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae, known for its striking appearance and widespread distribution across Europe and parts of Asia. Here's a detailed description: Physical Characteristics: The Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is of medium size, with a wingspan typically ranging from 45 to 55 millimeters. It displays a distinctive pattern of bright orange wings bordered by a black band with white spots. The forewings also feature a row of blue crescents near the outer edge, while the hindwings have a series of blue spots and a border of black and yellow. The undersides of the wings are mottled brown, providing effective camouflage when the butterfly is at rest. Habitat and Distribution: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are commonly found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They are distributed across much of Europe, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean region, as well as parts of Asia, such as Siberia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. They are particularly abundant in temperate regions with diverse plant species. Behavior and Life Cycle: Small Tortoiseshell butterflies are diurnal and active during the warmer months of the year, especially in spring and summer. They are strong and agile flyers, often seen fluttering among flowers in search of nectar and mates. The females lay eggs singly on the leaves of stinging nettles (Urtica spp.), which serve as the primary larval host plant. The caterpillars hatch from the eggs and feed on the leaves of the host plants before pupating and emerging as adult butterflies. Conservation Status: The Small Tortoiseshell is not considered globally threatened and is generally common and widespread throughout its range. However, like many butterfly species, it may face localized threats due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation caused by agricultural intensification, urbanization, and climate change. Conservation efforts focused on preserving and restoring habitats, protecting larval host plants, and minimizing human disturbance are crucial for ensuring the long-term survival of this iconic butterfly species. Overall, the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly is a beautiful and ecologically important species, valued for its striking appearance, graceful flight, and role in pollination and ecosystem functioning. Its presence adds vibrancy and vitality to natural landscapes and serves as a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the regions where it is found.

    Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)

  • Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

    Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

  • Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

    Lesser marbled fritillary (Brenthis ino)

  • Cuckoo wasp (Crysis)

    Cuckoo wasp

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    Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

    Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

    Read More
    Cuckoo wasp

    Cuckoo wasp

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European nursery web spider (Pisaura mirabilis)
Spider

European nursery web spider (Pisaura mirabilis)

Download image The European Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) is a fascinating and relatively common…

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Oriental garden lizard (Calotes vesicolor)
Lizard

Oriental garden lizard (Calotes vesicolor)

Download full size image The Oriental Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor) is a species of agamid…

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Purple-edged copper (Lycaena hippothoe)
Butterfly

Purple-edged copper (Lycaena hippothoe)

Download image The Purple-edged copper (Lycaena hippothoe) is a striking species of butterfly belonging to…

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Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata)
Fly

Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata)

Download image The Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata) is a widely distributed species of mayfly in…

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Splayed deer fly (Chrysops caecutiens)
Fly

Splayed deer fly (Chrysops caecutiens)

Download image Deep Overview: Splayed Deer Fly (Chrysops caecutiens) The Splayed Deer Fly (Chrysops caecutiens)…

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Rubber root borer (Batocera rubus)
Beetle

Rubber root borer (Batocera rubus)

Download image Rubber Root Borer (Batocera rubus) The Rubber Root Borer, Batocera rubus, is a…

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Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)
Butterfly

Green hairstreak (Callophrys rubi)

Download full size image Green Hairstreak (Callophrys rubi) The Green Hairstreak is a small, jewel-toned…

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Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
Butterfly

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Download image The Old World Swallowtail, scientifically known as Papilio machaon, is a striking and…

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European nursery web spider (Pisaura mirabilis)
Spider

European nursery web spider (Pisaura mirabilis)

Download image The European Nursery Web Spider (Pisaura mirabilis) is a fascinating and relatively common…

Read More
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Butterfly

Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

Download image 🦋 Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) The Common Brimstone is a large, lemon-yellow butterfly…

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Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Butterfly

Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

Download image 🦋 Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia) The Silver-washed Fritillary is a large, strikingly beautiful…

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Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
Butterfly

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Download image The Old World Swallowtail, scientifically known as Papilio machaon, is a striking and…

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Common crab spider (Xysticus cristatus)
Spider

Common crab spider (Xysticus cristatus)

Download image Common Crab Spider (Xysticus cristatus) is a species of spider belonging to the…

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Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Butterfly

Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

Download image 🦋 Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) The Common Brimstone is a large, lemon-yellow butterfly…

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Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Butterfly

Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)

Download image 🦋 Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) The Common Brimstone is a large, lemon-yellow butterfly…

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Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
Butterfly

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Download image The Old World Swallowtail, scientifically known as Papilio machaon, is a striking and…

Read More
Splayed deer fly (Chrysops caecutiens)
Fly

Splayed deer fly (Chrysops caecutiens)

Download image Deep Overview: Splayed Deer Fly (Chrysops caecutiens) The Splayed Deer Fly (Chrysops caecutiens)…

Read More
Splayed deer fly (Chrysops caecutiens)
Fly

Splayed deer fly (Chrysops caecutiens)

Download image Deep Overview: Splayed Deer Fly (Chrysops caecutiens) The Splayed Deer Fly (Chrysops caecutiens)…

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Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Beetle

Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)

Download image Here is a detailed overview of the Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni), a…

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Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)
Butterfly Uncategorized

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Download image 🦋 Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus) – Overview The Mazarine Blue is a charming…

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Posts pagination

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Recent Posts

  • European garden spider (Araneus diadematus)
  • Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae)
  • Cuckoo wasp
  • American Aspen Beetle (Gonioctena viminalis)
  • Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)

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Popular posts:

  • Scarce Heath (Coenonympha hero)
  • Cuckoo wasp
  • Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
  • Cuckoo wasp (Crysis)
  • Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)
  • Orange gull (Cepora judith)
  • Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata)
  • Aspen Leaf-rolling Weevil (Byctiscus populi)
  • Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
  • Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
  • Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
  • Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata)
  • Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
  • Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)
  • ### 🐝 Common Carder Bee (*Bombus pascuorum*) – Overview The **Common Carder Bee** is a widespread species of **bumblebee** found throughout **Europe** and parts of **Asia**. It’s easily recognized by its **gingery-brown fur** and its gentle behavior. As one of the last bumblebees active into autumn, it's a vital late-season pollinator. --- ### 🔍 **Identification** | Feature | Description | | --------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Size** | Workers: 10–14 mmQueens: 15–18 mmMales: 13–15 mm | | **Color** | Ginger-brown thorax; variable abdomen (tan, brown, or dark bands) | | **Hair** | Fluffy, with a soft and “carded” appearance (hence the name) | | **Face** | Long-tongued; adapted for deep flowers | > Similar species include *Bombus muscorum* and *Bombus humilis*, but *B. pascuorum* is more common in gardens and urban settings. --- ### 🌼 **Habitat & Flowers** * Found in **gardens**, **meadows**, **hedgerows**, **roadsides**, and **urban areas**. * Forages from a wide range of flowers, including: * **Red clover**, **vetch**, **dead-nettle**, **knapweed**, **lavender**, and **borage**. --- ### 🐝 **Nesting Behavior** * Nests **above ground** in dense grass, moss, or compost heaps. * The queen uses **moss and grass to "card" and line the nest**, giving the species its name. * Colonies are **relatively small** (50–150 workers). --- ### ♻️ **Life Cycle** 1. **Spring**: Queen emerges and finds a nest site. 2. **Early Summer**: First brood of workers hatches. 3. **Mid–Late Summer**: Male bees and new queens produced. 4. **Autumn**: Males and old queens die; new queens hibernate. --- ### 🧠 **Fun Facts** * Unlike honeybees, bumblebee colonies **do not survive winter** — only **new queens overwinter**. * One of the **last bumblebee species active into October/November**, depending on the region. * Considered a **key pollinator** in both wild and agricultural ecosystems. --- ### 🌱 **How to Help Them** * Grow nectar-rich flowers that bloom from spring to autumn. * Avoid using pesticides, especially neonicotinoids. * Leave areas of unmown grass or log piles for potential nesting sites. --- Would you like a comparison between *Bombus pascuorum* and other common bumblebees in your area (e.g., *Bombus terrestris*, *Bombus lapidarius*)?
  • Common Mayfly (Ephemera vulgata)
  • Hummingbird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellaturum)
  • Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
  • Common crab spider (Xysticus cristatus)
  • Violet Dropwing (Trithemis annulata)

You May Have Missed

Cuckoo wasp (Crysis)

Cuckoo wasp

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon)

Cuckoo wasp

Cuckoo wasp

Hummingbird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellaturum)

Hummingbird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellaturum)

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

Orange Tip Butterfly (Anthocharis cardamines)

Black-shouldered shieldbug (Carpocoris purpureipennis)

Black-shouldered shieldbug (Carpocoris purpureipennis)

Blue glassy tiger (Ideopsis similis)

Blue glassy tiger (Ideopsis similis)

Scarce Heath (Coenonympha hero)

Scarce Heath (Coenonympha hero)

Orange gull (Cepora judith)

Orange gull (Cepora judith)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Mazarine Blue (Cyaniris semiargus)

Copper sun jumper (Heliophanus cupreus)
Copper sun jumper (Heliophanus cupreus)
Copper sun jumper (Heliophanus cupreus)
Copper sun jumper (Heliophanus cupreus)
Copper sun jumper (Heliophanus cupreus)
Copper sun jumper (Heliophanus cupreus)
Copper sun jumper (Heliophanus cupreus)
Copper sun jumper (Heliophanus cupreus)
« ‹ of 3 › »
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Silver-washed Fritillary (Argynnis paphia)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Common Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni)
Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)
Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia fuliginosa)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Comma butterfly (Polygonia c-album)
Scarce Heath (Coenonympha hero)
Scarce Heath (Coenonympha hero)
Scarce Heath (Coenonympha hero)
Scarce Heath (Coenonympha hero)
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Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
https://pixabay.com/photos/entomology-arthropods-beetles-9503055/
https://pixabay.com/photos/entomology-arthropods-beetles-9503055/
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Leaf beetle (Plagiosterna aenea)
Large poplar borer, longhorn beetle (Saperda carcharias)
Large poplar borer, longhorn beetle (Saperda carcharias)
Large poplar borer, longhorn beetle (Saperda carcharias)
Large poplar borer, longhorn beetle (Saperda carcharias)
Large poplar borer, longhorn beetle (Saperda carcharias)
Large poplar borer, longhorn beetle (Saperda carcharias)
Large poplar borer, longhorn beetle (Saperda carcharias)
Large poplar borer, longhorn beetle (Saperda carcharias)
Large poplar borer, longhorn beetle (Saperda carcharias)
Large poplar borer, longhorn beetle (Saperda carcharias)
Large poplar borer, longhorn beetle (Saperda carcharias)
Large poplar borer, longhorn beetle (Saperda carcharias)
Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
Alder Leaf Beetle (Agelastica alni)
« ‹ of 2 › »
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