Another macro subject from West Papua, this time from Waigeo Island. Sphingnotus mirabilis is a species of beetle belonging to the family Cerambycidae. There are 6 currently listed sub-species that can grow to between 25 and 40 millimetres in length and are noted for their brilliant metallic blue-green colour and transverse whitish bands.
This specimen paused long enough for me to get a photograph using the 100mm macro lens and off-camera flash. The dark background is the result of the flash being used as the dominant light source overpowering the ambient light. Whilst the beetle itself was the attraction, I also liked the shapes of the leaves which I believe add to the composition.
Sphingnotus mirabilis, a species of beetle belonging to the family Cerambycidae.
Today’s image is part of the West Papua 2019 gallery. ~KD.