I <HEART> You

[best appreciated at full size against black]

Wandering around in one of our meadows on a bright and sunny day, I discovered this busy little ladybug making its way up and down stems and leaves. I was so busy trying to get a picture that I didn't even notice the heart-shaped spot until I saw the image on my computer! And nope, I did not alter this in Photoshop to create this shape! :D

Did you know that the orange and black spotted part of a ladybug is called the "Elytra"? I thought it was a carapace but I was wrong! :D You may know this already but the Elytra is not a ladybug's wings. It is a hard case which is lifted up prior to flight to expose the much more delicate wings underneath, which are then unfolded and put into action! If you would like to know more about ladybug anatomy with lots of pictures and easy to understand information, I found a great page here: www.ladybug-life-cycle.com/ladybug-anatomy.html (there are also links from there for everything you ever wanted to know about ladybugs!)

I've uploaded two other pictures today and I hope you'll visit them too!

Thanks to all of you who have visited and have left comments and favorites! I try to go to all of your pages within a day or two and is a highlight for me to see your beautiful photography! :)

NOTE! I have finally updated my profile and I hope you'll take a look to find out a little more about me and how important all of you are to my experience here on Flickr!
www.flickr.com/people/sfhipchick/

This image was taken in March, 2012.