16/05/2025
Diving deep into the "Inside Flower" series, captured entirely on my Pixel 7 Pro in Naxxar, Malta! It's amazing the miniature dramas unfolding right before our eyes. Swipe through to witness:
> ➡️ Image 1: A vibrant red poppy makes a striking backdrop for a goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia). Typically found on yellow or white flowers for camouflage, its bright yellow form pops against the red to our eyes. Perhaps in the ultraviolet spectrum, visible to many insects, the contrast is less obvious, allowing it to remain a stealthy predator.
> ➡️ Image 2: Stepping back to appreciate the bigger picture – a field ablaze with scarlet poppies under a beautiful sky. This wider shot reminds us of the abundance where these tiny interactions take place.
> ➡️ Image 3: Back to the yellow daisies, where a goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia) has successfully caught a fly. This image offers a glimpse into the food chain within these seemingly peaceful flowers.
> ➡️ Image 4: A cheerful yellow daisy-like flower (possibly a corn marigold, Glebionis segetum, or a related species) provides a temporary home for a green caterpillar, munching away at the central disc florets.
> ➡️ Image 5: A delicate pink blossom, possibly from a fruit tree like a peach or almond, hosts a hoverfly (Syrphidae family) busily collecting nectar and pollen. These flies are important pollinators!
> ➡️ Image 6: Nestled within the bright yellow petals of another daisy-like flower, a beetle with a textured, dark shell clings on. It's fascinating to see the different visitors these blooms attract.
> This series has been a joy to capture with my mobile, proving that incredible detail and fascinating stories are all around us, even in the smallest of spaces. The world of insects and flowers is full of surprises!
