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Harmonia axyridis - Asian Multi-Colored Lady Beetle
Illinois, USA

photograph © Alex Wild 2008

Beetles have evolved a novel arrangement of wings.  The fore wings have become hardened shells serving as protective armor, so that the hardened back of a beetle is not the body at all but highly modified wings. The hind wings assume the role of primary flight machinery.  Here a lady beetle demonstrates the unfolding of the wings prior to takeoff.

 
USA IL Champaign Co.: 
Champaign
40.120 N 88.275 W 230m
1.x.2008

This image is copyrighted by the photographer and cannot be used without permission. To obtain permission to use this image, please email Alex Wild. (alwild (at) myrmecos.net).  Most of the photographs on myrmecos.net are reduced from their original size and compressed for more efficient web transmission.  In some cases, higher quality versions are available.

This image was captured with a Canon EOS 20D, using a Canon 100mm f2.8 macro lens.