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Saturday, 21 April 2012

Fascinating Lantern Bugs


It has been over a year since I saw the amazing Lantern Bug (Pyrops candelarius) for the first time (http://hongkongkwildlifephotos.blogspot.com/2010/08/lantern-bug.html). I have been looking for it ever since.

My lucky day came when I saw this one. You can understand why so many people are fascinated by this bug. It is one of my all time favourite bugs too.





Its bright colours and the protruding long mouth make it such a unique creature.




In case you are a bit apprehensive about its appearance, actually the Lantern Bug is harmless to humans.  In fact it is a vegetarian and the strange looking mouth is used for penetrating tree bark to reach the sap, which is its main diet.



Being beautiful has a downside too. This particular species of Lantern Bug is a favourite among collectors, which is very unfortunate for the beautiful insect.




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11 comments:

Giga said...

To okropne, że ludzie zabijają owady, żeby je kolekcjonować. To prawda jest śliczny ( kolory i kształt), ale powinno zdjęcie wystarczyć, aby go podziwiać. Pozdrawiam.
It's terrible that people kill insects to collect them. This truth is beautiful (the color and shape), but the photo should be enough to admire it. Yours.

Chris said...

That's effectively a splendid and fascinating bug... Incredible what anture can produce ;-) Wonderful set of pictures and I understand why you are looking for such an encounter again!

Bonnie K said...

That is crazy. He is so ugly he is cute. Thank you for sharing. I never knew such a creature existed.

Urban Rundström said...

Hi! Congratulations to the spectacular bug. Very fine pictures on it. /Urban

Unknown said...

What a beautiful insect.. Great shots!

Birdy Official said...

Amazing bug indeed!
Never saw such a pretty colors combination and design on any bug.

Andrew said...

My favourite bug :-)

- Yvonaut -
Das sind Raphael und Yvonne
said...

Wowwwww!
This is fantastic!
This really was your lucky day!
They are sooooo cute!
Have a nice weekend
Yvonne & Raphael

Breathtaking said...

This is an incredible looking bug,
I have never seen one before or knew of it's existence.

Your photos are excellent,and I thoughly enjoyed my visit.

Regards.

Dominic Gendron said...

Cool bug i had never seen, very unique and well photographied ;)

Kirsti said...

Kauniita kuvia täällä blogissa.