SUMMER WALKS

July is drawing to a close. Summer is in full swing. Stag beetle season (Lucanus cervus) is over, but other Titans of the Oak Forest are doing quite well.

Nature abhors a vacuum, so despite the relentless passage of time, new actors always step onto the stage directed by Mother Nature.

I spend as much time in the forest as I can. The passage of time is evident at every turn – something was, something is gone, something "new" is – so despite the changes, I can't complain about the lack of "models" to photograph.

Last trip – late afternoon, hot and muggy. For me, the conditions are not very comfortable, but for insects - especially those I’m looking for - ideal.

Great capricorn (Cerambyx cerdo)

Firstly, I came across Great capricorns (Cerambyx cerdo) – beautiful, but not particularly cooperative in this temperature.

Very often, after one or two shots, they would fly away – I know - they don't have to like me, but to run away so ostentatiously… it happens.

But, on the other hand, in such a situation… well, perhaps they don't like being watched.😜

More interested in cooperating were the Tanner beetles (Prionus coriarius) – another of the titans – a rather large and even pretty beetle.

Tanner Beetle (Prionus coriarius)

I know! – beauty is relative – I mean – they are beautiful to me.

Sometimes I came across insects whose names I don't even know, but they looked beautiful on flowers and leaves nonetheless.

Once, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye and… nothing?!

After a moment, I realized that STELTH technology isn’t only a human invention – see for yourself. 😂

Hiding in plain sight is a skill.

If it hadn't moved, I would never have noticed him.

The Mourning cloaks (Nymphalis antiopa ) have reappeared, and quite a few slowworms (Anguis fragilis) have been "passing" across the path.

Mourning cloaks (Nymphalis antiopa)

Slowworm (Anguis fragilis)

Despite everything, I kept hoping for a different insect and finally... there it was!

Once rare – today, with the warming climate, present practically throughout Poland – the “femme fatale” of the forest meadows – the common praying mantis (Mantis Religiosa)

A deadly beauty.