Defense
This Leaf beetle (Chrysolina auripennis) was just moving along just fine. Its antenna has a beaded look.
Then a big ole predator (me) nudged him. Its antenna and legs pulled into a protection mode.
I flipped him and could see how small it had made itself. Pretty cool! I did flip it up right when I left.
This Spotted Cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata) had hitched a ride inside. I freed it to the outdoors.
One type of oyster fossil in our area is known as the Devil’s toenail (Gryphaea arcuata). Our property is on the edge of Ft. Worth prairie or some call it the Grand prairie. The Devil’s toenail can also be found in many places. Look for gravely limestone places.
Keep looking!
Nice shiny beetle!