The master of camouflage Id: Amorphoscelis(a form of praying mantis) Usually seen on the bark of the tree, these are master of camouflage, not like octopus where they change colour, but to blend in with the surroundings ode to the body structure and colour (CMF 🙂) Additionally, the swift movement aids in just escaping our sight, making it even more difficult to spot them #canonindia #canon100mm #canon100mmmacro #naturedocumentation #insectdom #keedagiri #inatutalist #summertrails #summertime #warm #dry #mantis #naglablock #naglablock_sgnp #sgnp #natgeoyourshot #natgeowildlife #natgeourbanwildlife @animateness @jagpreetasingh @wildlife___tracker
Nature challenge: Can you spot the insect in this frame These are known to blend well with the surroundings, so well that it's difficult for us to spot once they move off the last seen spot DSLR pic(close up shot) coming by evening #naturetrivia #masterofcamouflage #insectdom #naglablock_sgnp #sgnp #summertime #summertrails #dry #warm #mobileclick #natgeoyourshot #inatutalist
Some athletic posture for the nectar ID: Iridescent Nomia(sweat bees) One of the commonly seen, tiny, bees usually seen around in the garden areas, this particular ones seemed to be feasting on the fresh flower bloom. While observing, realized that the tiny beast first pecked into the base of the flower, to get some fresh nectar, but before leaving would perform this athletic posture, brushing off its its hind limbs, probably to shed off the pollen that can be seen stuck onto its body. It repeated the same procedure while feasting on couple of more, similar, flowers Location: Dattaji Salvi Garden #macronaturelove #macrophotograph #macrophotography #macrophotographylove #macronaturelove #macronaturephotography #naturephotography #naturedocumentation #bee #sweatbee #iridescent #flowers #pollen #gardenphotography #gardenbeauty #gardenbiodiversity #urbanwildlife #urbanbiodiversity #thane #thanekar #insectdom #natgeowild #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeoyourshot #inaturalist
Intimacy along the blades ID: Coromandel marsh dart Spotted few these beauties fluttering around the water reservoir of the garden, while framing few other butterflies, that had started popping out of the damp morning, spotted this couple resting on the blade of the grass, while mating #canon80d #canonindia_official #canon100mmmacro #canonphotography #canoneos #canonedge #canonphotographers #macronaturelove #macromood #macrophotograph #macrophotography #naturedocumentation #naturephotography #naturephotographylover #macronaturephotography #insectdom #insectsphotography #damselfly #dattajisalviudyan #dattajisalvi #thane #thanekar #urbanwildlife #urbanbiodiversity #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife
Hidden demon.... ID: Jumping spider A frame of the jumping spider with its tight web casing, the beauty had selected the bark of a tree as a base for its house, as compared to its size, the webbed casing of a nest seemed too compact. The translucent housing could just about hide the predator from the outer world. #macronaturelove #macrophotos #macrophotography #macrophotografy #naturedocumentation #naturephotographer #naturephotography #macronaturephotography #spiderverse #spiders #spiderworld #spidersoftheworld #web #webbed #predator #arachnid #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife #insectdom #sgnp #manpadatrail
Quenching the midnight thirst ID: Geometrid moth Spotted this tiny beauty feeding itself from the clouts of an acacia plant, almost at the midnight, while we were out for the night trail at Phansad. We could spot it drinking, at the same time disposing off the excess water from the rear. Usually known for its nocturnal activities, it was interesting to document the beauty in action Location: Phansad #macrophotos #macrophotography #macrophotographylove #macrophoto #naturedocumentation #naturephotography #naturediversity #insectsphotography #insectdom #moths #moth #phansad #nighttrail #nighttimephotography #natge #natgeobiodiversity #kqedscience #antlab
The Emergence... ID: Rivetinid Mantis Short breaks can be really fruitful, in this case, not only was it a good way to relax from the humid trail, but also bore a gift in form of this beauty molting out of its old body. Spotted by my colleague Akshay Dere this beauty was perched underneath one of the leaf, amongst the bushes and was dangling upside down. #canon80d #canonindia_official #canonphotography #canon100mmmacro #canonedge #canon_photos #macrophotos #macrophotograph #macrophotography #macroworld #macronaturephotography #naturedocumentation #naturephotography #naturediversity #naturetrailsofmumbai #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife #inaturalist #insectdom #sgnp #naglablock_sgnp
Happy Yoga day from Nature ID: Lobster moth caterpillar One of the defense pose of this unique caterpillar, the lobster moth caterpillar, known for its 'creepy' yet distinctive crustacean type appearance, these tend to get into this posture once it detects any danger in its proximity. Location: Nagla block #macronaturelove #macrophotos #macroclique #macrophotograph #macroworld #lobstermothcaterpillar #caterpillar #insectdom #insectsphotography #insectsofworld #moth #inaturalist #canon80d #canonindia_official #canonphotography #canon100mmmacro #naturedocumentation #naturephotography #naturelove #yoga #natureyoga #yoganature #yogaday #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeoyourshot
Under the highest level protection ID: Crab spider(Thomisidae) over its egg(sac?) Spotted this beauty perched inside a curled up leaf/blade of the bamboo shoot. On close observation released that it seemed to be protecting the egg(sac?) that it had carefully laid inside. The parent didnt even move when we approached to frame it, but once we moved away, not sure if to be cautious, it surveyed the surrounding and cautiously headed back to the same position. The way its eyes popped out, while inside the curled blade was very interesting and almost resembled an octopus Location: Nagla block #canon80d #canonphotography #canon100mmmacro #canonedge #canonphotography #canonindia #macronaturelove #macrophotograph #macrophotography #macroworld #insectdom #spiders #thomisidae #crabspider #octopus #naturedocumentation #naturephotography #naturesbeauty #naturediversity #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeoyourshot #sgnp #naglablock_sgnp #radiantdiffuser
The clubbed Eyes ID: Owlfly One of the most noticeable part of the owlfly, these club type antennae of the owlfly standout. Apart from the bulging, complex eyes these knobby/clubbed tips of the antennae stands apart and help us spotting the same in the surroundings. Similar to the closely resembling dragonflies, these are almost similarly ferocious predators, but their flight nd usual activities doesnt tend to be so ferocious, rather resembling a timid behavior and slow flight #canon80d #canon100mmmacro #raynox250 #canon #canonindia_official #canonphotography #canonedge #macronaturelove #macrophotos #macroworld #macrophotography #macroabstract #macronaturephotography #macronature #naturedocumentation #naturephotographer #naturephotography #naturesbeauty #natureart #interesting #insectdom #insectsphotography #insectsofinstagram #owlfly #sgnp #naglablock_sgnp #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife
Wonders of nature ID: Polyrhachis rastellata(a type of ant) Stumbled upon this beautiful specimen, that seemed to be traversing the lengths of the bamboo growth, though at a lethargic speed, allowing us to frame the exquisitely glossly body, the colour and the gloss almost reminded me of the jamun(Java plum). I guess this is the first time I had encountered such a unique life form of the insectdom Location: Nagla #macronaturelove #macromood #macrophotos #macrophotograph #macroworld #macrophotography #insectsofworld #insectdom #insectsphotography #naturedocumentation #naturephotography #glossy #ants #antlab #canon80d #canon #canonphotography #canonindia_official #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeoyourshot
The life amongst the dead ID: Crambidae(moth sp.) While traversing the summer, dried up, trail, witnessed something flying off a twig that was disturbed due to my movement. Luckily it settled down few feet away from me, on the dried leaves' littered floor, blending in well with the foliage. The level of camouflage was so good that it was almost invisible, despite witnessing it sitting on the leaves. Location: Nagla trail #macronaturelove #macromood #macrophotos #macrophotograph #macroworld #macrophotography #naturedocumentation #naturephotography #naturelove #moth #mothsofindia #insectdom #insectsofinstagram #sgnp #naglablock_sgnp #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeoyourshot #antlab #kqedscience
The mighty Mite ID: Mite on Two striped telemonia One of the usual sight during the monsoon season, was surprising for me to witness a healthy telemonia being evaded by the mite. While returning from the hot and humid trail, me and Akshay stumbled upon this beauty, though initially missed on the invader, later tried experimenting with shallow DOF to keep the parasite in frame on the mighty predator. Location: Nagla trail #canon80d #canonindia_official #canon100mmmacro #macrophotos #macro_vision #macronaturelove #macronaturephotography #macrophotography #insectsofworld #insectdom #naglablock_sgnp #sgnp #sanjaygandhinationalpark #summertime #hotandhumid #naturedocumentation #naturetrails #mite #spiders #spiderverse #natgeowild #antlab #kqedscience
Quenching the thirst ID: Common Hedge Blue One of the common visitor in the society garden, this beauty seemed fluttering around a particular portion of the garden, only to sit down along the space between the tiles. Curious to know the strange location, on framing it and closely observing realized it was trying to suckle out water from the wet gaps. It spent a long time over the spot and eventually disappeared in the thick bushes. #canon80d #canon55250 #canonindia_official #canonphotography #canonedge #macronaturelove #macromood #macrophotos #macronaturephotography #macrophotograph #macroworld #macrophotography #naturephotographer #naturephotography #naturedocumentation #insectdom #insectsofworld #insectsofinstagram #insectsoftheworld #butterflies #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeoyourshot
Breakfast's ready ID: Lynx spider with Moth catch Spotted this beauty fleeing off, on the bed of dried leaves, with a hefty moth catch. The precious morning catch seemed to be more important for it, letting us ample time to frame the beauty and its catch Location: Nagla #macronaturelove #macromood #macrophotos #macrophotograph #macroworld #macrophotography #insectdom #spiderverse #spiders #spiderworld #spidersoftheworld #spidersofinstagram #lynx #lynxspider #moth #moths #breakfast #dryseason #dryfoliage #driedleaves #sgnp #naglablock_sgnp #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeoyourshot #yourlens
Not the usual crab ID: Crab spider (specific id appreciated) One of the variety of crab spiders spotted along the trail, this beauty, slightly different from the usual ones, had selected an unusual spot, tip of the leaf, instead of the usual flower bud. Also slightly different was the behaviour of the same, where this one seemed to be a bit more lethargic than the usual ones, aiding us to frame the beauty Location: Nagla trail #macronaturelove #macrophotos #macrophotograph #macrophotography #macrophotographylove #insectsofworld #insectdom #spiderverse #spidersofinstagram #spidersoftheworld #naglablock_sgnp #sngp #naturedocumentation #naturelove #naturephotography #naturetrails #mumbai #trailsofthane #trailsofmumbai #canon80d #canonphotography #canon100mmmacro #radiantdiffuser
Synthetic life... ID: Paper wasp This particular one seemed to be relying on the nylon strands as raw material for its nest. While approaching the wasp that had made one of the show plant's pot as a base for the nest, witnessed that it was hopping off for the materials and within few moments returned back, in curiosity to check the source of the raw material, I tried tracking it, realizing that it hardly flew 10m onto the clothesline to pick its raw materials. Location: Thokkottu, Karnataka #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #canonkitlens #canonphotography #extensiontube #macronaturelove #macrophotos #macrophotograph #macrophotography #macroworld #insectdom #insectsofworld #wasps #nylon #synthetic #naturedocumentation #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity
Attack mode ON!!! ID: Weaver ant While photographing a rarely sighted Brettus, perched on the bamboo shoots, the neighboring branch of the same bamboo growth had the house of the weaver ants. Though initially could spot 4-5 of them working on building a new nest, within a moment of framing, could spot several of them turning out of the WIP nest, almost completely engulfing the leaf and few already on the attack stance, intimidating to sho-off the intruder, no matter what size that intruder is. Here is one of them aggressively posing with its mandibles wide open, ready to bite onto anything that approaches too close to the new nest. Had to be extra cautious not to accidentally getting too close to it, for the mutual benefit, for me to avoid the nasty bite, for them to avoid causing any further damage. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/10 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 500 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Nagla trail #macrophotos #macrophotograph #macrophotography #insects #insectdom #ants #weaverant #nature #naturedocumentation #naturephotography #naturelove #aggression #canon80d #canonindia_official #canonphotography #canonedge #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeoyourshot #naturalbehavior #naglablock_sgnp #sgnp #radiantdiffuser
The messy beast ID: Spitting spider This one is one of those instances when, irrespective of how many encounters or experiences you have, but out of nowhere you get the surprise, an unusual curve ball. While I could spot the spitting spider, hanging off the leaf, it took me a good 4-5 shots to decipher the sight, that was in front of me, as initially I thought the beauty was actually hanging off a dried part of the leaf and is, probably, covered with tiny off springs, as it seemed to shrug off a few that were venturing onto its eyes, only after getting closer and framing the beauty realized that it had caught a mighty moth, which was actually hanging onto the tip of the leaf, held by the web laid/anchored by the spidey and this one was feasting on the catch, struggling with sight due to the dispersal of the tiny, feather like, elements from the wing of the moth, which actually had engulfed onto the limbs and almost whole body of the predator. It was also surprising how the colour of the prey and the predator blended so well. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro+ Raynox F/16 Shutterspeed 1/320 ISO 320 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Nagla trail #macronaturelove #macrophotography #macrophoto #macrophotograph #macronaturephotography #macronature #insectdom #sgnp #sanjaygandhinationalpark #naglablock_sgnp #naglablock #nagla #spidey #spidersofinstagram #natgeowild #natgeoyourshot #natgeobiodiversity #yourlens #radiantdiffuser
The hidden cricket ID: Cricket? While traversing the winter kissed, transitional, phase of seasons, could spot a few leaves that seemed to have closed in, almost as if hugging itself in the cold morning. But on close observation, realized that these were closed in/ held in by some or the other means by insects that have taken refuge, to hide themselves from the external world. Unsure if this particular one was done by a spider or naturally, due to intertwining of stems, there seemed to be a cricket that had kept itself deep inside the darkness of the leaves, almost still and, probably, keeping a tab on the external world through its, unusually, long antenna, which extended all the way out of the leaves. Either it was lethargic due to absence of sun’s heat, or it seemed to rest for the day time, considering their nocturnal behavior, this helped me to frame the beauty in this unique location EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/10 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 800 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Nagla Block #macronaturelove #macromood #macrophotos #macrophotograph #macrophotographylove #macrophotography #macronaturephotography #macronature #insectdom #insectsofworld #insectsofinstagram #cricket #naturedocumentation #naturalbehavior #naturephotography #naturetrailsofthane #naturetrailsofmumbai #naturetrails #sgnp #naglablock_sgnp #winter #wintersession #leaves #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeourbandiversity
The bug collector ID: Lacewing larvae One of the most ferocious larvae in the insect world, the lacewing larvae is infamous for feasting on the prey and carrying the dead bodies of them, and other waste stuffs, onto their bodies, making them blend well in the dry foliage. Here is one instance where the larva was seen feasting on a freshly caught midge, probably later turning into the decoration on its back. Considered as biological control agents by few agriculturalists and gardeners, due to its capabilities to chomp onto innumerable aphids and other tiny pests, these are reared to protect the farms as well as gardens. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro + Raynox F/16 Shutterspeed 1/320 ISO 400 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Nagla trail #macronaturelove #macromood #macrophotos #macrophotograph #macroworld #macrophotography #macronaturephotography #macronature #macronatura #naturedocumentation #naturephotographer #naturephotography #naturelove #naturesbeauty #naturalbehaviour #naturelove #naturetrails #insectdom #sgnp #naglablock_sgnp #nagla #naglablock #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife
The hair raising beauty ID: Monkey Orb weaver(Neoscona Sp.) Usually seen in this posture along the trails, these nocturnal spiders can be spotted resting in the daytime, making it easy to frame them. These typically can be seen in this Padmasana type posture, almost making it missed out due to the hairy/thorny legs and abdomen, for amateur sight. Known to be active in the night time/after sunset, it would be interesting to observe them in action in the darker part of the day. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro +Raynox F/14 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 400 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Nagla trail #macromood #macrophotos #macrophotograph #macroworld #macrophotography #macronaturephotography #macronature #macronaturelove #naturedocumentation #naturephotography #naturelove #naturetrails #naglablock_sgnp #nagla #naglablock #sgnp #insectsofinstagram #insectdom #insectsofworld #monkeyorbweaver #orbweaver #padmasana #postmonsoon
Resting time ID: BiColoured Leafcutter While traversing the fresh monsoon drenched trail, and attempting to capture the rare(not sighted much, by me, in Thane) and elusive Picture winged Dragonfly, stumbled upon this massive beauty that seemed to be taking a break from the usual flight, unsure why at the mid of the day. The beauty, with its bright and vibrant hind side, stood out in the green surroundings and was least bothering by me approaching it, nor by the occasional rain drops that kept falling on it. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/11 Shutterspeed 1/320 ISO 500 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Thane #macrophotos #macrophotography #macrophotograph #macroworld #macronaturephotography #macronature #naturedocumentation #naturephotography #naturetrailsofthane #naturelove #monsoonphotography #monsoonseason #monsoondiaries #insectdom #insects #insectsofworld #sleepy #vibrant #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeobiodiversity
Death amongst the bloom ID: Crab spider with butterfly catch While traversing the trail, looking out for butterflies, was surprised to see a skipper feeding on the flowers, and to top it off, it hardly was getting bothered with me approaching to frame it, too comfortable to be true. That’s when, on close observations, realized that the butterfly was fallen prey to the well camouflaged crab spider. Only on approaching the butterfly from other side the spider could be seen clearly, showcasing its capability to utilize its surrounding to blend in them EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/13 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 500 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Nagla trail #macrophotos #macrophotograph #macrophotography #macronaturephotography #macronature #sgnp #naglablock_sgnp #naglablock #insectdom #camouflage #blendingin #spiderworld #butterflies #flowers #naturedocumentation #naturephotographer #radiantdiffuser #yourlens #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity
Feasting on the last lump ID: Long legged fly with remains of tiny fly A frame of the most commonly spotted, vibrant fly, the Long-legged fly, that seemed to have swiftly caught a tiny fly which was hovering over the Jasmine crepe flowers. Though a common sight in any of the garden areas, these are hyperactive and usually fly off in case of any unnatural movement around its proximity, and almost a nightmare for photographers like us, as they just vanish off once the focus is locked onto them. This one, similarly, gave a lot of chases, eventually could frame it when the fresh catch had been reduced to soggy, unrecognizable lump. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/10 Shutterspeed 1/250 ISO 400 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #macromood #macrophotos #macro_vision #macrophotograph #macroworld #macrophotography #macronaturephotography #macronature #naturedocumentation #naturephotographer #naturephotography #naturelove #naturethane #thane #insectdom #entomology #kqedscience #antfarm #urbanscape #urbanbiodiversity #urbandiversity #urbangarden #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeobiodiversity #yourlens #sanctuaryasia
Cleaning time… ID: Mantis(creobroter/flower mantis) One of the most beautiful and photogenic specimens I came across while traversing the trail, this particular beauty had perched itself on the crepe ginger plant, and though initially curious about the intruding elements, in form of the macro set up, later though it turned back to its self-maintenance and surveying the surroundings. The strength of its eyesight could be experienced when it caught sight of an ant that was exploring another flower on the corresponding stem and though it didn’t seem to stalk it, but it kept on keeping an eye on it and getting back to keeping its limbs free EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/13 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 640 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Nagla #mantis #mantisofinstagram #macrophotos #macrophotograph #macroworld #macrophotography #macronaturephotography #macronature #naturedocumentation #naturephotographer #naturephotography #insectdom #insectsofinstagram #naglablock_sgnp #naglablock #sgnp #monsoonphotography #monsoonseason #monsoondiaries #urbanwildlife #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeobiodiversity #radiantdiffuser
Busy feeding ID: Angled pierrot feeding on Bushkiller Initially spotted a beautiful Angled pierrot and few other insects feeding off the fresh nectar of the freshly bloomed flowers of bushkiller, but by the time I approached to frame it, could spot another beautiful Pierrot flew in to wade off the earlier pierrot and after a brief fight. Eventually though, both settled down onto the same bunch of flowers, probably as other flowers had already transformed into fruit. These could be seen enjoying the nectar and eventually flew off, probably leaving it for the future. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/11 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 500 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Nagla block #bigbutterflymonth #butterflies #butterfliesofinstagram #angledpierrot #pierrot #insectsofworld #insectsofinstagram #insectdom #macromood #macrophotograph #macrophotography #macrophotos #macroworld #naglablock_sgnp #sgnp #naturephotography #naturelove #naturetrails #natgeoyourshot #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbandiversity
Resting for the night ID: Chalky percher One of the two common varieties of dragonflies spotted in societies garden, these tend to spend the night, resting, in the garden area, few, like this one, on the tip of the flowers or onto the concrete walls. The location of its resting place was so unique that I got pulled towards it and wanted to try some unique ways to frame the beauty. To capture the veins structure and the 4 translucent tips on each of its wings I tried with some backlighting, to get this different frame. Usually known as an asset for the urban environment, these ‘helicopters’ are usually ruthless in nature and go to the extent of feeding on its own type, but what aids to the urban environment is its ability to feast on mosquitoes, even in the larval stages. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/8 Shutterspeed 1/25 ISO 500 Tripod mounted, Headlamp used for backlighting Location: Thane #macrophotograph #macrophotograph #macrophotography #macroworld #macro #macronaturephotography #macronature #canon80d #canonindia_official #canonphotography #canonedge #canon100mmmacro #naturephotographer #naturephotography #naturelove #gardendiversity #gardenphotography #gardenbiodiversity #urbanwildlife #urbanbiodiversity #dragonfly #insectdom #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeobiodiversity
The thorn between the thorns ID: Eggplant horned planthopper One of the most interesting form of planthoppers, this triple thorned beauty is usually seen around in the nature trails in and around Mumbai. The peculiar specimen had placed itself between the thorns of the plant, almost in the middle, almost resembling (may be a stretch) the thorns of the plant. Unlike other planthoppers, which almost mimics the leaves of the plant, these tend to mimic the thorns of the plant, a good way to get distracted and could be an effective way to wade of predators too. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/10 Shutterspeed 1/250 ISO 500 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Thane #macromood #macrophotograph #macrophotography #macroworld #macro #macronaturephotography #macronature #insects #insectdom #insectsofinstagram #planthopper #thorns #naturedocumentation #naturephotography #naturelove #naturetrails #biodiversity #monsoon #monsoonvibrance #kqedscience #antlab #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeobiodiversity
The yellow and blue stripped beauty ID: Chondracris bengalensis One of the regular sighting one can encounter while traversing the trail cum road, these hulk of a grasshopper, though in its juvenile stage, can be seen along the bushes, though spotting or identifying them is very difficult due to the way it blends to the fresh bloom of the trail. What stands out of this beauty is these stripes that it possesses beneath its eyes, and another peculiar stripe that it has on its back (a hint of it can be seen in the frame). Usually a very shy specimen, and tend to hop off into oblivion, this particular one was brave enough to stay kaput for a moment, long enough to get some close frames, later hopped off, though just onto the next blade of grass. A fully grown adult seems to grow as big as 64 to 85mm long, though this particular one was slightly smaller than the adult and due to the absence of wings make them hop around rather than flying off from danger. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/13 Shutterspeed 1/250 ISO 400 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #macrophotograph #macrophotography #macroworld #macro #macronaturephotography #macronature #canon80d #canon80d #canonindia_official #canonphotography #canonedge #insectdom #insectsofworld #insects #grasshopper #giant #hulk #stripes #naturedocumentation #naturephotography #naturelove #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeobiodiversity
Caught in the act ID: Chalcidoid wasp Named after its copper-ish body colour, this tiny beauty, hardly 3-4mm across, was seen busy laying its eggs into some unknown egg clusters, identification of those egg clusters would be helpful, which were laid underneath the leaf. Though it seemed not so obvious due to the tiny size, almost feeling like any tiny leafhopper feeding on the leaf’s liquid, on close observation, post framing it, I could see the ovipositor dug inside the soft tissue of the egg cluster and continued to do so for a long time, enough to frame the same in close distance. Interesting to see this behaviour, where these infamous wasps tend to lay its eggs inside other insects’ eggs, which in turn feast on the source eggs, eventually killing them off. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/11 Shutterspeed 1/250 ISO 400 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #macrophotograph #macrophotography #macroworld #macroworks #macro #insectdom #wasps #layingegg #naturedocumentation #naturalbehavior #naturephotography #naturelove #naturetrails #kqedscience #antlab #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbandiversity #canon80d
The velvet beauty ID: Velvet ant(male) One of the most exclusive beauty (atleast in my case), was spotted at the start of the trail, almost having a face off with a jumping spider. The jumping spider luckily hopped off the plant, leading this beauty to roam around the leaf, oscillating its antennae almost like thumping the leaf, probably to locate some prey. Also known as a cow killer, due to the lethal sting that it can give, as a defensive mechanism, these are infamous for the extremely painful stings. These beauties have a very tough exoskeleton, a key asset for invading its preys’ nests and another major characteristic being that the male seem to possess the capability to fly, while the female tend to be wingless and, as per the limited encounters, much smaller in size. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/6.3 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 400 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Nagla trail #macrophotography #macrophotograph #macro #macronaturephotography #macronature #insectdom #velvetant #wasps #waspsofinstagram #velvet #naturephotographer #naturephotography #naturelove #naturetrails #naturetrailsofmumbai #monsoon #monsoonvibrance #monsoondiaries #naglablock #sgnp #sanjaygandhinationalpark #urbanbiodiversity #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity
The wonders of nature ID: Tortoise shell beetle larvae The most neglected world, the insect world, or like what Shardul Bajikarji says, the ‘insectdom’, is such a wonderful treasure trove and we can learn so much from them. One such wonder are these tortoise shell beetle’s larvae, accidentally spotted them along the wild growth of monsoon. These wonderfully creepy looking wonders shud be the examples of using waste stuffs(well not literally, coz…). The creepy looking hair like structures, on the back, works as the best way to keep themselves, and its soft and developing shells, from the outer world, and interestingly these petrifying structures are essentially their poop that has been strategically placed to avoid getting easily detected or attacked by predators, and to some extent keeping humans too away, due to the creepy feel. Settled on the Bush morning glory plant(flower is the background of the image), these, close to 8 of them, seem to be busy gobbling up on the few left out leaves of the plant, without any hindrance, until I noticed them EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/14 Shutterspeed 1/250 ISO 250 Built in flash fired, Handheld Location: Thane #macroworld #macrophoto #macrophotography #nature #naturelove #amazingnature #naturephotography #insectsofworld #insectdom #tortoiseshellbeetle #tortoiseshellbeetlelarvae #wasteusage #recycling #creepy #petrifying #beautiful #creaturesofnature #evolution #protection #oddballs #kqedscience #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity
Slender monster feasting on the bloom ID: Thread waisted sand wasp The bushkiller(Probably: Cayratia Japonica), is one of the best nectaring plant that butterflies and all winged insects love to feast upon during the initial days of monsoon. These also turn out to be a boon for naturalists like us to document the complete ecosystem, with its, varied, visitors and the beautifully camouflaged predators (not seen in this particular instance). This particular beast seemed to be one of the odd ball visitors that had decided to show up to the nectar party, which was, until then, being enjoyed by the sweat bees, flies and sand loving wasps. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/14 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 400 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Ovalekarwadi Butterfly Garden #macromood #macro_vision #macroworld #macroworks #macrophotography #insects #insectdom #insectsofworld #wasps #slender #bushkiller #monsoon #monsoonbloom #nectaring #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #canonphotography #canon100mmmacro #canonedge #natgeoyourshot #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbandiversity #ovalekarwadi #ovalekarwadibutterflygarden
The way of communication ID: Weaver ants One of the most common and ferocious insects that can be seen in any of the backyard, these weaver ants are known for roaming around and being busy picking up the wastes or food items to be filled up in the houses built by stitching/weaving several leaves together. While communication is said to be the key aspect for any team, these ants showcase best practices to communicate with others in the way of touch or pheromones. If it detects any intruder near its nest, the soldiers tend to come out with the most aggressive attitude to wade off the danger, even going to the extent of biting it off. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/14 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 400 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Ovalekarwadi Butterfly Garden #macromood #macro_vision #macroworld #macrophotography #macrophoto #macroworld #insectdom #insects #insectsofworld #ants #weaverant #canon80d #canonindia_official #canonedge #canon100mmmacro #canonindia_official #ovalekarwadi #ovalekarwadibutterflygarden #communicationskills #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeourbanwildlife #naturalbehavior
The bewhiskered beauty ID: Checkered beetle(Hydnocerinae/cleridae family) Spotted this beauty resting on the bristle-y bit of the shrub, probably asleep in the morning, almost still. The hairy growth on, probably juvenile, beetle seemed as if its part of the bush that it had taken refuge on, a peculiar characteristic of these beetles. Unlike the other beetles, these seem to have, comparatively, smaller antennae. Usually feasting on other beetles, these predators prey on bark and boring beetles, though would have to wait longer to document such an encounter. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/10 SHutterspeed 1/125 ISO 320 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Nagla trail Date: 6th March #macromood #macroclique #macroworld #macroworks #macronaturephotography #macronature #naturephotographer #naturephotography #naturelove #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #canon100mmmacro #insectdom #insectsofinstagram #insect #insectsoftheworld #beetle #kqedscience #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity
Slumbering for the evolution ID: Tailless jumping spider One of the regular sighting at this particular portion of the garden, especially this particular plant, these tailless jumping spiders are usually seen slumbering in the cozy enclosure of their, almost invisible webbed housing. Usually seen almost in translucent phase, this surprisingly had some colours evolving on its abdomen. Its interesting how a similar species prefer this particular plant, especially the under side of its leaf for evolving into the next phase of its life cycle. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/13 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 320 Handheld, external flash fired + LED light for back lighting the leaf Location: Thane #macromood #macroworld #macrophotography #macronaturephotography #macronature #macro_vision #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #canonphotography #canon100mmmacro #insectdom #spiders #spidersofinstagram #greens #naturephotography #naturalbehavior #natureharmony #nature #naturelove #gardening #gardendiversity #urbanwildlife #urbanwildlife #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeobiodiversity
The one with the exquisite antenna ID: Non biting midge(male) An extreme close up shot of the non biting midge, spotted resting on the shrub, next to a water body. On frame it with extreme magnification, one can witness and admire the beautiful antennae that the male species possess. Almost resembling a mosquito, sans the penetrating proboscis, these wonders are usually misunderstood to be a mosquito and, atleast in the urban areas, killed. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro + Raynox F/14 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 500 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Thane #macroworld #macroworks #macrophotography #macrophoto #macro #canon80d #canonindia_official #canonphotography #canonedge #raynox #raynox250 #insectdom #insectsofinstagram #midges #beautiful #beautiesofnature #antena #naturephotography #naturelove #unseennature #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbandiversity
The fascinating lifer ID: Gasteruptiidae(a type pf wasp) While traversing the trail, after a whole long year, accidentally stumbled upon this beauty on the dried-up twig. What fascinated us was the unusual shape of the beauty, and even more intriguing was the presence of several more which almost blended into the dried plant. Spotted this particular one seated upside down, hence had to turn the DSLR upside down to get a clear and well-lit shot of the beauty. The white tip, on the edge of its tail, though out of focus, stood out and gave a unique feel to the slender body of the wasp. Hoping to know more details about this beauty, from the experts. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/7.1 Shuterspeed 1/125 ISO 500 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Nagla trail #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #canonedge #canonindia #macroworks #macromood #macrophotography #macronaturephotography #naturephotography #naturelove #insectdom #insectsofinstagram #wasps #waspsofinstagram #sgnp #naglablock #nagla #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife
An unexpected guest ID: Odontomantis sp While plucking off the jasmine from the window’s flowerpot, was surprised to spot a tiny little ant mimicking mantis on the flower. What’s shocking was the fact that there wasn’t a single mantis egg case on the plant, nor is the plant accessible from any neighboring plant [as it’s a single plant in the window(on 14th floor) with no other plants or trees in any of the other floors] The tiny(8-10mm long), black beauty kept on moving around the flower and later the plant, shying away from the intruding camera gear. Its good to have the company of such a beautiful specimen right in the comfort of home, hoping to keep on capturing the later stages of this beauty, in the spare time. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/10 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 200 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Thane #macrophotography #macro #macronaturephotography #macroclique #macroworld #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #canonedge #canonindia #insectdom #mantis #jasmine #jasmineflower #homegarden #windowplant #mystery #guest #natgeoyourshot #natgeoindia #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeourban
The pseudo worker ID: Yellow crazy ant carrying dead stink bug While resting for a while, after spending ample time traversing the trail in the mid day heat, we spotted this interesting sight of the ants carrying a dead stink bug. The ants were trying to traverse a precarious terrain, which had loads of dead twigs on its way leading to stalling the movement, aiding us to get closer shot of the beauties at work. But what interested me was this sight of few ants that had sat over the body of the bug, with no connection with the ground or the twigs, and were attempting to pull it off. Probably just a superficial effort being put in, reminding me of one of the scenes in legendary Charlie Chaplin’s, or the one that is usually ripped of in any of the animation videos. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro + Raynox F/16 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 500 Handheld, built in flash fired Location: Nagla trail #macrophotography #macro #macronaturephotography #macronature #ants #crazyants #hunters #insectdom #pseudo #pseudoworker #behaviour #naturalbehavior #naturephotography #naturetrails #sgnp #naglablock #nagla #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canonindia_official #canon #canonedge #canonindia #raynox250 #raynoxdcr250 #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity
Taking refuge from the intruder ID: Jumping spider After a long time (one whole year), finally got the chance to explore the summer kissed trail of Nagla, and while trying to look out for some interesting stuffs at the usual spots, came across this beauty that was keeping an eye out for a prey. Unfortunately, though it got distracted in between, probably spotted me approaching it, and it momentarily disappeared. On close observation though realized that it had taken refuge in the deeper grooves on the bark of the tree, with its darker complexion aiding it to stay away from my eyesight, due to the almost perfect camouflage. It stayed in this particular deeper patch for quiet a long time, and probably with us moving on to look out for the next subject, it would have come out and continued with its quest to catch a prey. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/11 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 500 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Nagla trail #macroworks #macrophotography #macronaturephotography #macro #macronature #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #canonedge #spider #spiders #spidersofinstagram #jumpingspider #insectdom #sgnp #nagla #naglablock #naturetrails #summertime #dry #camouflage #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourban #natgeourbanwildlife
The angel ID: Yellow Peach moth This particular spot of the trail had surprising amount of yellow peach moths resting on or underneath the leaves. Being early in the morning, during the winter season, the cold mornings could have made these winged beauties a bit lethargic to fly off, giving me the opportunity to frame this particular one, which almost resembled and angel, especially with the holy glow kind of feel it exuded due to the angle and the fall of light, from the flash. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/11 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 320 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #macroworks #macromood #macrophotography #macro #macronaturephotography #naturephotography #naturelove #naturetrails #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #canonphotography #canonedge #moth #mothsofindia #moths #insectdom #angel #peach #yellowpeach #natgeoyourshot #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourban #natgeourbanwildlife
Shrek caterpillar or a Hulk slug??? ID: Indian Sunbeam Butterfly caterpillar An interesting encounter while traversing the new trail, this beauty was well camouflaged in the semi-curled green leaf. The shape of the beauty put us in a tizzy, confusing us if it was some sort of a slug or a caterpillar or a cross breed of both. As none of us had encountered anything of such sort earlier, this lifer was one of the unique sightings that we came across in this isolated and thankfully deserted location. With those two tube like protrusions, almost resembling the ones that slugs have, they, abstractly, resembled a shy, green bunny(rabbit) EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/6.3 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 320 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Outskirts of Thane #canonindia_official #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canon #canonphotography #macrophotography #macro #macrophoto #macroworld #insectsofinstagram #insectdom #caterpillar #lifer #sunbeam #butterfly #hulk #shrek #slug #nature #naturephotography #naturesbeauty #wintersession #interstingsight #biodiversity #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity
The shy pollinator ID: Bee A usual contributor to the pollination cycle of nature, these bees are regularly seen drenched in tiny pollens, at some instances they get so much of them onto themselves that they take a break to clean themselves up as they tend to get bogged down by the extra stuffs on them. Here though there was a very interesting sight, where this bee got scared away by the tiny ant that seemed to have entered/climbed onto the flower. The bee flew off and though it attempted several times to get back onto the flower for the tasty treat, it just couldn’t stand off with the tiny ant and eventually decided to hop onto the neighbouring flower, probably a less fruitful one, as it, after a short moment, went off to search for a better flower EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/11 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 400 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #macrophotography #macrophoto #macroworld #insectdom #insects #bee #canonindia_official #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #shy #pollinator #pollinators #natgeoyourshot #natgeobiodiversity #natgeourbanwildlife
The nature’s darth Maul- Sith Lord, I mean the S #it lord ID: Commander butterfly caterpillar One of the devilish beauties of nature, these have a very close resemblance to the Star Wars’ Sith Lord’s appearance, especially that reddish protrusions and the spikes on the back of its head. But what’s so special of this caterpillar? Well they are the master of camouflage, blending well in to the dried up and chomped up leaves of its host plants. But what makes that camouflage work superbly well, on the green leaves, are the excreta that this caterpillar leaves behind, a ton of them, when its busy feasting on the leaves for its growth, and these excreta, along with the silk produced by it, exactly resembles the overall shape of the caterpillar, confusing an untrained eye or the unsuspecting predator to be the caterpillar itself, probably a way to wade off getting noticed easily. A masterful use of excreta to keep itself away from getting noticed on first sight, usually the whole host plant will be filled with such decoys, and the caterpillar itself shapes itself to awkward shape, making it even more difficult to identify, while it senses any form of motion around it. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro + Raynox F/13 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO640 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Outskirts of Mumbai suburbs #canonindia_official #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #raynox250 #raynoxdcr250 #macrophotography #macro #macrophoto #macroworld #insectdom #caterpillar #caterpillars #darthmaul #sith #sithlord #starwars #commander #naturephotography #naturesbeauty #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild #natgeobiodiversity
The way it drinks. ID: Stink bug A close up shot of the, pretty big, stink bug, that seemed to have taken refuge on the garden tree sucking out the essential liquid matter for its survival. Infamous for their nasty stinking discharge, which they release, when under threat, these have a unique and dry-ish texture on its back, making it very difficult to spot amongst the bark of trees. It was interesting to observe the way its proboscis in work with the internal element (would be helpful if anyone knows the term for that part of the proboscis) curled out towards the front side, almost resembling some sort of awkward growth. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/11 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 500 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #macro #macrophotography #macrophoto #macroworld #macroclique #insectdom #insectsofinstagram #stinkbugs #canonindia_official #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #naturalbehavior #natgeoyourshot #naturephotography #naturelove #gardenphotography #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeourban
Maintaining an arm’s length, social distancing of Insectdom ID: Non Biting midge Usually seen, atleast in my case, next to the mangrove areas, these non-biting midges seem to follow the new norm of social distancing, maintaining an arm’s length distance from each other. These midges seemed to be picking up the underside of the leaves to rest out, and for some reason these two had selected this leaf for resting, eventually though, the other midge moved out and flew off. Usually confused with the nasty mosquitos, these pale beauties are generally hated and mostly killed off while they venture into the homes surrounding the mangrove areas, even though the name literally suggests them to be non-biting ones, but less awareness lead to killing of these beauties EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/11 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 400 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canonphotography #canonindia #canonindia_official #macro #macrophoto #macrophotography #macroworld #insectdom #insects #insectsofinstagram #midges #nonbiting #innocent #beautiful #nature #socialdistancing #newnorm #2021 #naturalbehaviour #thane #naturewalk #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeourban
Leaving the past behind… ID: Mayfly 2020 has been a tough year for all, I guess apart from the elite class, and something that most would like to forget and may be evolve from it, just like this mayfly, that just freshly molted out of the past and hopes to endure onto the fresh start. Hoping that all of us do the same, evolve into a greater human beings and exercise upon the worthy lessons that we experienced thru, for a brighter and a healthy future. Wishing all for a brighter 2021. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/9 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 320 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #mayfly #macrophotography #macro #macroworld #macromood #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canon #canonphotography #insectsofinstagram #insectdom #nature #naturephotography #naturalbehavior #naturalhistory #natgeoyourshot #natgeo #natgeowild #natgeourban #natgeourbanwildlife #2020 #2021
A sleeping beauty ID: Cuckoo bee In a typical festive mood, this beauty seemed to be in a very lazy mood, sleeping thru the wintery cold mornings. Spotted on the tip of a twig, this bee seemed to be snoozing thru the early morning, probably waiting for the sun light to bask-in and heating up itself to flutter around for some fresh nectar. The bee was so deep in sleep that it was hardly bothered when accidentally one of the twigs lashed onto the twig on which it was sleeping, and it kept on in the death grip stance of it, aiding me to get this frame. Cold mornings seem to be in favour of us, the early morning photographers. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/9 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 320 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #macro #macrophoto #macrophotography #insectdom #insectsofinstagram #insect #insects #insectsofworld #bee #beesofinstagram #sleepy #sleeping #sleepingbeauty #festive #festivevibes #festiveseason #naturephotography #nature #naturelove #naturetrails #winter #wintersession #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeourban
Peachy location for rest ID: Yellow peach moth with a tiny spider in the base Spotted this beauty perched underneath the leaf, probably resting, or sleeping, as it hardly moved when I tried framing the beauty. Though while framing, and getting closer, I realized that the moth was perched on the top of the webbed nest of the tiny spider, almost as if protecting the tiny predator from the forces of nature. Its so interesting to witness the way such diverse species share the same ecosystem without any agitation or dispute EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/10 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 500 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Ovalekarwadi Butterfly garden #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canon #canonindia #canonphotography #macro #macrophoto #macrophotography #macroworld #diversity #biodiversity #moth #moths #indianmoths #mothsofindia #leopard #unity #urbandiversity #urbanwildlife #insectdom #insectsofworld #nature #natureharmony #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild #natgeourbanwildlife
The golden weaver ID: Orb weaver spider One of the most common spiders, mostly tiny ones, could be seen along the walking area, along the wild shrubs that had popped up during the monsoon session. With the location and the early morning light, these webs would display a precious sheen, almost mimicking a golden hue and the spiders themselves, ode to the tiny size, would shimmer as the pendant. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/5 Shutterspeed 1/320 ISO 400 Handheld, no flash fired Location: Thane #macro #macrophoto #macrophotography #insectdom #spiders #spidersofinstagram #spiderworld #goldenhue #golden #goldensheen #sheen #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canonphotography #canonindia #canon #urbanbiodiversity #urbandiversity #natgeoyourshot #natgeourbanwildlife #natgeourban #walkingtrack #nature #life #naturalphenomenon
Sneaky, patient pose… ID: Crab spider Spotted few white bean flowers, along the trail, and could see some deformation at the tip of one of the flower. On close observation though realized that the deformation was nothing but a crab spider that had camouflaged very well with the flower’s colour and could easily fool any unsuspecting bug or fly, i.e., any of its prey. The beauty was patient and wasn’t much bothered by the presence of us in its vicinity, though it seemed it was also basking in the sun, probably to heat itself up, in the cold wintery morning. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/10 Shutterspeed 1/ 160 ISO 100 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Thane #macrophotography #macrophoto #macro #macroworld #insectdom #insects #spider #crabspider #naturephotography #nature #naturelove #naturelover #canonindia #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canon #naturetrails #whitebean #pose #camouflage #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild
A celebrated visitor A grand, but weathered visitor at in laws' terrace garden, this beauty seemed to enjoy the heat of the bulb that was lit up in the evening. Surprisingly the Diwali lights put up, along the periphery, seemed to compliment the frame, adding interest in the background EXIF: Mobile click F/1.75 Shutter speed 1/50 ISO 498 Location: Hubli, Karnataka #insectdom #macro #macrophoto #macrophotography #mobilephotography #mobilephoto #mobileclick #snapseed #diwali #diwalicelebrations #diwalilighting #naturelove #naturephotography #karnataka #natgeoyourshot #natgeo
The hidden predator ID: orb weaver with moth catch While traversing the trail, spotted this dead moth entangled in the web of a spider, and intrigued with the way the moth was consumed and just the wings and some fur was left behind, decided to frame it. To my surprise, while getting closer to the subject, realized the presence of the predator who had left the moth in such shambles. The tiny spider blended well along the wing area and seemed to be feeding on something EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/11 Shutterspeed 1/125 ISO 125 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Thane #canonindia #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canon #macrophotography #macro #macrophoto #insectdom #insect #insects #insectsofinstagram #spider #moth #web #nature #naturephotography #naturelove #urban #urbandiversity #natgeoyourshot #natgeo #natgeourban #natgeourbanwildlife
The pollen master ID: Pumpkin beetle With loads of wild pumpkin plants along the path and several bright flowers blooming around, we could spot loads of pumpkin beetles all around, feasting on their favourite blooms. One such beast was this tiny beauty that was covered right from the antenna with even tinier pollens, though usually very shy creatures, this particular one, for some reason, was least worried with me approaching and encroaching into its space, trying to frame it, helping me to get a pretty close shot of the beauty. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro+Raynox F/13 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 320 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #macrophotography #macrophoto #macrolife #macroworld #insectworld #insects #insectdom #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #canon100mmmacro #raynox #yellow #pumpkinflowers #pumpkinbeetle #pumpkin #pumpkinfever #naturephotography #thane #urbanwildlife #urbanbiodiversity #natgeoyourshot #natgeourban #natgeourbanwildlife
A cliché-d mantis frame ID: Mantis Accidentally spotted this beauty underneath the plant along the trail, early in the morning, along with the rising sun in the background, couldn’t keep myself framing both of them. Though the location and the terrain, especially the upside down pose, was adding loads of challenge, coupled with crowd moving around adding to the disturbance for both he subject and the intruder(me). Eventually though managed to get this one, with slightly narrower DOF, and eventual crop to get it closer to the frame that I had planned to capture, any further attempts of framing the beauties went kaput as the mantis preferred to stay away. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/10 Shutterspeed 1/125 ISO 250 Handheld External flash fired Location: Thane #macrophotography #macrophoto #macroworld #macrolife #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #canon100mmmacro #insectdom #insects #mantis #sunrise #sun #naturephotography #naturelove #nature #thane #natgeoyourshot #natgeourban #natgeourbanwildlife
The ghost town ID: Ghost ants on pumpkin flower One of the most intriguing form of ant, these seem to have covered/invaded all around, be it the open, natural spaces or the urban spaces(home). Seen wandering in groups, feeding on any form of waste or left over things at home, in this particular encounter could spot a whole group of them busy, probably, feasting on the pumpkin flower, along the trail. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro + Raynox 250 F/13 Shutterspeed 1/125 ISO 250 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #macrophotography #macrolife #macroworld #insectdom #insectphotography #insectworld #ants #antsofinstagram #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #canon100mmmacro #raynox #ghost #halloween #pumpkinflowers #thane #naturephotography #naturelove #natgeoyourshot #natgeourban #natgeourbanwildlife
Entangled off life ID: mayfly Spotted this unfortunate beauty all tangled in the web of an orb weaver, though the spider wasn’t visible on it, the location and the extended body of the fly seemed very intriguing and interesting. It was interesting to note/observe the entangled prey, especially with its elongated tail that fluttered with he light breeze, and the length of it, in comparison to its body length, was too long, almost more than its extended length EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/ 9 Shutter speed 1/200 ISO 320 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #macrophotography #macrophoto #macroworld #insectdom #insectphotography #insectphoto #mayfly #naturephotography #naturelove #naturetrailsofmumbai #web #caught #entangled #canon80d #canon #canon100mmmacro #natgeoyourshot #natgeourban #natgeourbanwildlife
The stealth’s resting time ID: Rice swift Spotted few of these ones fluttering around the trail, eventually flying off due to the disturbance of the people or the vehicle passing thru, this particular one seemed to defying all and rather had a priority to heat itself up and could be see, basking in the sun, typically with its wings opened up. Due to its preference to sun bask, could manage to approach this beauty, perched inbetween other grassy foliage, and get a few frames of it, as seen, with its proboscis all coiled up, probably eagerly awaiting to warm up to optimum temperature to flutter around swiftly, out of our and any predator’s sight EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/11 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 250 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #canon80d #canonindia_official #canon #canon100mmmacro #macrolife #macroworld #macrophotography #insectsofinstagram #insectdom #butterflies #butterfly #greens #greenery #monsoonphotography #naturephotography #naturetrail #urbanbiodiversity #natgeoyourshot #natgeourban #natgeourbanwildlife
In the globe of their own ID: Pumpkin beetle and snail inside a pumpkin flower An interesting frame of these two specimen spending some time inside this massive pumpkin flower, though none of them seemed to be feeding on it, both seemed to be attempting to get out of the flower, but not sure as there was hardly much movement amongst the two. The globular stigma of the flower had a unique characteristic and, along with the texture of the flower, brought in a different form of drama to the whole frame EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/9 Shutterspeed 1/125 ISO 250 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Thane #macrolife #macroworld #macrophotography # #canon80d #canonindia_official #canon100mmmacro #insectdom #macrohabitat #habitatshot #insectsofinstagram #snail #pumpkinbeetle #pumpkinflowers #naturetrail #naturephotography #naturelove #thane #thanekar #natgeoyourshot #natgeourban #natgeourbanwildlife
The hairy catch ID: Lynx spider with moth catch Spotted this beauty with a massive(compared to the predator) catch of a moth, somehow the predator and the prey had a similar colour(almost) confusing us while spotting it at a distance. On close observation, wading through the green patches, we realized that it was a spider with the kill. Somehow the spider had held onto the prey right at the edge of the leaf, and luckily for us, it never hopped off or ran away from the spot, abandoning the prey. On a closer look, while framing it, realized that most of the hairy bit from the moth’s body was clouding the spider and its theory legs. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/10 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 250 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Thane #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #canon100mmmacro #macrophotography #macroworld #macro #macrophoto #insectdom #insectsofinstagram #spiders #lynxspider #moths #mothcatch #naturephotography #naturelove #naturetrail #naturetrailsofmumbai #natgeoyourshot #natgeourbanwildlife
The dragon of the globe ID: Moth caterpillar feasting on flower Spotted by my colleague, off the trail, this beauty was seen feasting on the beautiful flower. All engulfed in the middle of the flower, the beauty seemed to keep on gobble onto the precious meal, an essential bit of its life cycle to consume enough to grow big and charged up for the long metamorphosis process, eventually turning into an even more beautiful angel. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/11 Shutterspeed 1/250 ISO 200 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Thane #canon80d #canon #canonindia_official #macrolife #macroworld #macrophotography #insectdom #insects #insectsofinstagram #naturephotography #naturelove #feeding #caterpillar #flora #cycleoflife #metamorphosis #natgeoyourshot #natgeourbanwildlife
The hulk Id: Chondracris rosea(large grasshopper) A beautiful specimen that we encountered while traversing the trail, perched on the leaf of the plant, almost a 4.5-5inch beast, it had a unique presence and luckily supportive enough to stay still even while framing it in mobile EXIF Mobile cam F/1.75 Shutterspeed 1/143 ISO 112 #mobilephotography #mobileclick #mobile #naturephotography #naturelove #nature #naturetrailsofmumbai #greens #greenery #grasshopper #largegrasshopper #mammoth #hulk #macrolife #insects #insectsofinstagram #insectdom #natgeoyourshot #natgeo #natgeourban
Enjoying the feast Id: Pumpkin beetle A frame of the beauty that was least bothered with the intrusion and rather decided to continue feasting on the wild flower that was blooming along the pathway. With loads of bloom of these flowers could spot huge amount of these beetles all along the pathway. It was interesting to note that this particular one was missing one of the antenna and had pollen all over its body. EXIF: Canon80D Canon100mm macro F/8 Shutterspeed 1/125 ISO 160 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Thane #macrophotography #macros #macroworld #macro #macrolife #insectdom #insects #canon80d #canon100mmmacro #canon #canonindia_official #naturephotography #naturelove #nature #yellow #pumpkin #vibrance #naturalbehavior #feasting #pollens #flora #flowers #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild
The resting predator ID: Chalky percher A frame of the beautiful and a potent predator, this ‘dragonfly’ was seen resting on the blade of the grass, surprisingly, almost still and wasn’t much disturbed by my approach towards it for framing it. Ode to this could experiment with different angles and eventually get this frontal view of the beauty. Few droplets on the grass blade aided in getting some drama, complemented with the bright day light. EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/8 Shutterspeed 1/125 ISO160 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Kolshet, Thane #macrolife #macroworld #macro photography #macrophotography #canon80d #canon #canon100mmmacro #canonindia_official #insectdom #chalkypercher #dragonfly #beast #predator #resting #thane #kolshet #naturephotography #naturelove #nature #greenery #greens #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild
The gassious clay ID: Stink bug An evening visitor resting over 150ft from the ground, against the dark urbanscape EXIF: Mobile click F/1.75 Shutterspeed 1/33 ISO 664 Handheld, external LED light used Snapseed edited #insectdom #insectsofinstagram #stinkbug #highelevation #insectsathome #eveningphotography #mobilephotography #ledlights #snapseed #nightsky #urbanskyline #urbanscape #warmandcold #natgeoyourshot #urbanwildlife #urbanbiodiversity
Face off with the meteoric predator of the shadows ID: Huntsman spider Not so easily spotted, these huntsman spiders, like the cineverse edition, like to stay in the shadows, away from the direct sight and swiftly catches its prey, later devouring over it. These giants have a really high speed pace making it even more difficult to catch a sight of them, unless these are a bit lethargic, like in this case where it preferred feasting on the early morning catch, hidden behind the mud that seemed to be stuck to the body of the prey. It was interesting to note that once it had devoured the catch, it just disappeared in the dry foliage almost impossible to be traced back EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/13 Shutterspeed 1/160 ISO 400 Handheld, External flash fired Location: Nagla trail(B.C.) #macrophotography #macroworld #macrolife #macro #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canon #insectsofinstagram #insectdom #spidersofinstagram #spiders #huntsmanspider #huntsman #meteoric #predator #undertheshadows #sgnp #naglatrail #precovid #beforelockdown #naturetrail #nature #naturephotography
The garden poser ID: Chalky percher Home bound since the lockdown, exploring nature and framing the beauties of it, especially when nature blooms during that phase of the year, i.e., the monsoon season. Though venturing out of the comfort zone is a risky move, especially when we are surrounded by exemplar of irresponsible homo sapiens, thought of capturing the beauties in our society’s garden area. One of the beauty that seemed to be enjoying the undisturbed garden area was one of the chalky perchers that seemed to take perch on the wild herbs that seemed to pop out along the lawn area. Though framing this one was difficult, despite the late time of the day and overcast weather, but eventually managed to get this frame, where it seemed posing for the frame EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/5.6 Shutterspeed1/125 ISO 640 Handheld, external flash fired location: Thane #macrophotography #macroworld #macrolife #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #insectdom #insectsofinstagram #dragonfly #chalkypercher #gardenphotography #greens #dreamy #poser #monsoon #monsoonbloom #lockdown #lockdownexperiments #exploringsafely #exploring #quenching #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild
The itchy guest One of the monsoon visitor at our home, this tiny(comparatively) beetle seemed to manage to sneak through the sliding rails and posed pretty graciously, just below the tube light. Though it seemed to stay frozen at a place for long moments, on close observation, could spot it keep on itching/cleaning its limbs and its body. The velvety texture on the body made it feel very unique and fresh, especially with the hard and almost armour like outer wing (elytra) EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/14 Shutterspeed 1/125 ISO 250 Handheld, external flash fired Location: Thane #macrophotography #macroworld #macro #cano #canon80d #canonindia_official #insectsofinstagram #insectdom #beetle #longhornbeetle #guestsathome #nightphotography #textures #contrast #diydiffuser #monsoon #lockdowninfinity #stevecorino
The visionary pose ID: pierrot butterfly A frame from the last nature walk, before the pandemic hit us all, the beauty was seated at the tip of the leaf, upside down, probably on a look out for the heat of the early morning sun, to warm it up so as to be ready to flutter around. Being cold and rigid, that gave me an opportunity to frame the winged angel face first, giving a unique feel to the whole frame EXIF: Canon 80D Canon 100mm macro F/10 Shutterspeed 1/200 ISO 400 Handheld, external flash fired location: Nagla trail #macroworld #macrophotography #canon100mmmacro #canon80d #canon #naturephotography #naturelove #nature #butterfliesofinstagram #butterfly #insectdom #sgnp #beforepandemic #naturetrail #naturetrailsofmumbai #stevecorino #waitingforopportunity #natgeoyourshot #natgeowild