Beetle on forest floor.

Tarpela micans is an example of why macro photography is so much fun. Even lying down in front of this beetle it is difficult to observe the beautiful iridescence on his head, shoulders (known as his pronotum,) and wing covers (elitra.) Yes, you can see it in the viewfinder but you can't really observe and enjoy it until he pauses for a second, the picture is taken, and you have a chance to see it on a screen. Anyway, a lovely beetle is t.micans!

Tarpela micansbeetlemacro photographShenandoah National ParkVirginiaVirginia.