Malachius bipustulatus – I occasionally spot these on my local summer walks. They are only a small beetle at around 5-8mm (3/16-5/16in) long, but the bright red spots give them away. Kind of reminds me of that final scene in Jurassic Park. Double-click to enter the staring contest.
Copyright: Peter Hillman
Camera used: Nikon D7200
Date taken: 7th July 2019
Place: Local field, Staffordshire
Nature Journeys 
What I take to be a thistle bud is nice, too. It’s far easier for a beetle to negotiate one of those than it is for us to get through a patch of them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is a thistle. And you are so right, of course 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here’s an unrelated, personal side note. When I was a kid, there were some words I couldn’t pronounce, and ‘thistle’ was one of them. It always came out ‘thith-el.’ I still read it that way sometimes!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ath a child I had a thevere lithp. I can still thpeak like thith even without the keyboard. Personally, I think lisps are cute.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Doesn’t look so tiny up close, does it? 😊 Great colors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The colours are quite something 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Magnificent!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Awesome details on this bug!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Indira 🙂
LikeLike
The staring contest 🤣 the beetle won, for sure! I’m amazed at the detail you are able to capture! Pin sharp. Beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol! 🙂 I bet it was a close call though 😉 Thank you very much, Sandra 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent photos, Pete!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Belinda 🙂 This one took some patience to get 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
One I haven’t seen, possibly with good locale reason. It’s a nice sharp shot, Pete. I especially like the brake lights. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Steve 🙂 It amazes me how nature designs these critters in the way it does.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I spy with my little eye…
LikeLiked by 1 person