Dogbane: beetle and flower
This year I found this colorful beetle on flowering dogbane:
More catch-up blogging from the summer. This beetle is a tough subject in the same way as cardinal flower. The bright colors overexpose in anything but soft light. I found these in a conservation area not far from my house, I have a community garden plot there. Once I found dogbane there, I went on a beetle watch when I went there to water and weed. By July I was rewarded with a few beetles.
Nature Diary 
You have a wonderful collection of outstanding photos. It was a joy to view. Thank you for taking the time to post them.
Gerry
Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to comment – and such a pleasant surprise to see your comment seconds after I posted.
One of my favorite beetles to photograph too although, as you say, they are a challenge with their metallic elytra., Tom. I love the drop clinging to the beetle in the first image. And what good fortune to have the Dogbane growing by your plot so you can find them annually.
Only six blocks from my house. The surrounding meadows were filled with butterflies as well, I’m going to have to spend more time there.
Dogbane beetles and butterflies….sounds like a slice of heaven.
The first image with that water droplet?? Fantastic! 🙂