Butterfly and beetle

[billtils]

Small tortoiseshell and cardinal basking on thistles




Yep, basking as in the sunshine - at last.

[Geoff F]

No sunshine here for the past two days, just wind and showers/rain.

Nice composition. Just one thought however. Is that really a Cardinal Beetle or a Common Red Soldier Beetle - Rhagonycha fulva ?

[billtils]

I think/thought that the antennae on the Soldier were smoother than those on the Cardinal and these seem more "cardianalish" but I could be wrong (again )since it doesn't have the 'Cardinal hat shape between head and thorax.

[Geoff F]

Can you zoom in on the original and have a better look? I was going mainly by what appears to be a black tip to the elytra. Both forms of Cardinal (black and read headed) do indeed have well serrated antennae while the Red Soldiers have a smoother although sometimes knobbly antennae.

The Lilly Beetle is also bright red but much broader across the back.

[marlunn]

Must admit going on what I can see I would err to Rhagonycha fulva, the black edge to the elytra as well as the antennae doesn't seem to have the broader more feathery edges of the Cardinal - but a great shot whichever it is

[Shadowman]

Nicely done.

[JBW]

Sunshine, multiple beasties, incredible DOF, does it get any better? I think not

[billtils]

Thanks to everyone for their comments and feedback.

Geoff and Mark: The original composition was all about the butterfly and it wasn't until it was developed it that I saw the beetle. It doesn't occupy much space. Here's a screen grab of a 400x400px crop which in turn was zoomed in by 400%. Wouldn't win any prizes for technical merit but there's enough to suggest/confirm it is a soldier.

[Wavelength]

Nice image

[selig1656]

All in all I nice capture of a wide variety of subjects well focused and with the main subject clearly defined , great composition and DOF .

[Geoff F]

Yes Bill, definitely a Red Soldier.

[billtils]

Thanks for the confirmation Geoff.

[IzzieK]

What a pretty scene there with those two...nice composition.