How many times have I looked at Green June Bug? Well, I would guess thousands of times. Furthermore I often stopped to look at them. However I did not really look until now.
The way I usually look at them.
Opening the elytra (the hard outer protective wing-cases for the hindwings underneath) was not easy. In fact for two reasons. The beetle was so slick it was like trying to hold an ice cube. As I tried to grasp them, they would slip from my fingers. And the second reason; even though it was dead it took some prying to lift the elytra. And they were slick too. LOL.
Finally I did get the elytra up to reveal the hind wings folded beneath.
Each wing had a joint that allows them to be tucked safely under the elytra.
Fully open with the red arrow showing the joint.
Another view.
The elytra had hairs on the outer edge.
Ahh, what a cool face. Until today I had never noticed the forehead’s horn!
Side view of the protruding parts
Then right at the base between the head and thorax another protuberance. I wonder what that does?
Taking another look at the familiar and you too may see new and beautiful details! I certainly did, even on most familiar Green June Beetle!
The more you know, the more you see and the more you see, the more you know
7 Comments
Wow how neat. Yep seen them a lot of times and don’t pay much mind. Thanks for showing us up close. The hinged wings is really interesting. Love all the hairs too.
Good to know about the legs. But i was afraid the legs would break off. Plus while trying to pry the elytra open I had to hold it on the slippery side to pry under them.
Wow how neat. Yep seen them a lot of times and don’t pay much mind. Thanks for showing us up close. The hinged wings is really interesting. Love all the hairs too.
I don’t why but the hair always surprises me because when you look normally the hairs don’t really jump out. 🤷🏻♀️
Wow never noticed the horn either or the slippery! I usually grasp the dead ones by the spiny legs bill have to keep an eye out.
Good to know about the legs. But i was afraid the legs would break off. Plus while trying to pry the elytra open I had to hold it on the slippery side to pry under them.
Wow! I never would have guessed about the hinged wings. Thats so cool. Thanks
Buggy exploration is so much fun – super photos – and what a wonderful face! Looks like it was sprinkled with gold dust.
Fascinating views of something we think we know so well.