Likely Apatides fortis from the Bostrichidae family

 3.5x, f5.6, 63 steps, 89 micron
0.5 sec, ISO 160

Likely Apatides fortis from the Bostrichidae family

 5x, f5.6, 110 steps, 58 micron step,
0.5 sec, ISO 100

Purple is one of the least common colors in nature. This beetles color is likely due to the complexity and rarity of molecules that create the color purple/blue color, as well as the fact that the pigments that form purple/blue are found more in high saline-alkaline environments. These alkaline environments are difficult for most organisms to thrive in, so there are fewer numbers of animals that actually can be purple/blue. Pleasing fungus beetles lose their bright hue shortly after death, so apparently pigments are what produce their purple/blue hue. https://www.rainforestexpeditions.com/purple-pleasing-fungus-beetle/

The name Pleasing Fungus Beetle came from the food they eat and are generally found where various fungi are present. “The pleasing fungus beetle is found locally in stands of Ponderosa pine,  (the largest Ponderosa pine stand is in northern Arizona) and aspen, especially near bracket fungi that grow on rotting logs. Adult beetles lay their eggs and once hatched, the larvae feast on the bracket fungi. Adult beetles are shiny black with blue or purple elytra (hardened wing covers) with black dots. This shiny cuticle or exoskeleton is waterproof thanks to the components of this natural composite...” (Genius of Place Report, City of Boulder OSMP) 

Purple is one of the least common colors in nature. This beetles color is likely due to the complexity and rarity of molecules that create the color purple/blue color, as well as the fact that the pigments that form purple/blue are found more in high saline-alkaline environments. These alkaline environments are difficult for most organisms to thrive in, so there are fewer numbers of animals that actually can be purple/blue. Pleasing fungus beetles lose their bright hue shortly after death, so apparently pigments are what produce their purple/blue hue. https://www.rainforestexpeditions.com/purple-pleasing-fungus-beetle/

The name Pleasing Fungus Beetle came from the food they eat and are generally found where various fungi are present. “The pleasing fungus beetle is found locally in stands of Ponderosa pine,  (the largest Ponderosa pine stand is in northern Arizona) and aspen, especially near bracket fungi that grow on rotting logs. Adult beetles lay their eggs and once hatched, the larvae feast on the bracket fungi. Adult beetles are shiny black with blue or purple elytra (hardened wing covers) with black dots. This shiny cuticle or exoskeleton is waterproof thanks to the components of this natural composite...” (Genius of Place Report, City of Boulder OSMP) 

Very flat beetle about 5mm long.

This was from an acquired collection which originated either from Ukraine and or Madagascar.

1.  # of shots=32

2. 50mm +36+20+12 (68mm)    total mm=118mm

3. Magnification=2.36x

4. Prime lens magnification 1 :1.4

5. Shutter Speed=1/30

6. ISO=400

7.  f-stop- 5.6

8. Continuous             

9. Soft box, sparkle backdrop

104 shots

This was from an acquired collection which originated either from Ukraine and or Madagascar.

61 shots

This was from an acquired collection which originated either from Ukraine and or Madagascar.

From an acquired collection either from Madagascar or Ukraine. Numerical Aperture 0.17, Effective Aperture f11.7, 4x, ISO 100,
1/8 sec, 291 steps at 18µm/step

74 shots

39 shots- This specimen was over 10 years old

39 shots- This specimen was over 10 years old

The Palo Verde Root Borer gets its name because of the roots it eats. As grubs they like the roots of trees and bushes particularly the Palo Verde roots, hence their name. They also eat citrus, mulberry, and elm trees. They can survive for long periods of time without much food at all.

These black and brown beetles reach about 6-9 cm. They have long antennae. with hard shell exoskeletons.

In the early evening they fly looking for a mate. They then lay their eggs in the soil around a plant. Once these eggs hatch into grubs, they live in the ground for as long as 3 years before ever coming to the surface living off the juices of the plant root.

Motorcycle riders beware. Getting hit in the face by one of these (they are attracted to lights) at 50 miles per hour can cause some damage.

Found this one under my front porch light. 

1. 50mm with 12mm extension tube

2. four desk lights and 1 LED light

Pulled up to the gas pump in Pine, Arizona. Reached for the pump handle and there it was waiting for me. Grant's is the largest of the USA rhinoceros beetles with a record of 3.25 inches! 

Is a carniferous predator of caterpillars and other small insects and hunt usually at night

Is a carniferous predator of caterpillars and other small insects and hunt usually at night

Note the fake eye spots.

14 shots at 5x

43 shots at 2.5x

49 shots 2.5x

From Ukraine

63 shots 3x

From Ukraine

Giraffe Weevil or Trachelophorus giraffa

Madagascar 72 shots

Often called Darkling or Clown beetles. Called clown or stink beetle because when threatened, they lower their head and point their rear up in the air. This allows them to squirt a foul smelling chemical towards predators. Predator's such as rodents can bypass the beetle defense by eating the head first. This beetle eats dead plants, seeds and carrion.

Often called Darkling or Clown beetles. Called clown or stink beetle because when threatened, they lower their head and point their rear up in the air. This allows them to squirt a foul smelling chemical towards predators. Predator's such as rodents can bypass the beetle defense by eating the head first. This beetle eats dead plants, seeds and carrion.

Often called Darkling or stink beetle because when threatened, they lower their head and point their rear up in the air. This allows them to squirt a foul smelling chemical towards predators. Predator's such as rodents can bypass the beetle defense by eating the head first. This beetle eats dead plants, seeds and carrion.

10mm from Ukraine or Madagascar

107 shots stacks of beetle acquired from Ukraine or Madagascar

32 shots stacks of beetle acquired from Ukraine or Madagascar

Acquired from a Ukraine collection

Acquired from a Ukraine collection

Green Scarab or
Protaetia cuprea
f5.6 ISO160 1/20s 1x 487 mic 16 steps

Acquired from a Ukraine collection

Green Scarab or
Protaetia cuprea
f5.6 ISO160 1/20s 1x 495 mic 16 steps

Acquired from a Ukraine collection

Bumblebee Scarab beetle or Eulasia pareyssei
f2.8, 4.5X ISO200, 1 sec 20um 78 steps

1X, f8, .1/4 sec, ISO 100, 450u at 45 steps
A gift from Stephanie

A collection from Ukraine or Madagascar
f3.5, 1/6 sec, 100 ISO, 1.75X, 40 steps at 66 microns