Tiger Beetle (ハンミョウ 斑猫)

It is possible to take great photographs with any camera, but it's definitely easier with better equipment! I haven't been carrying my DSLR around like I used to, especially since switching to a motorbike (no windows to roll up if it rains, etc.). While the iPhone camera isn't primitive, it puts the challenge back into snapping even acceptable images, and I have yet to capture anything 'great' with it.

On a recent outing, I stopped for a quick dip at a mountain stream 'swimming hole', and found a tiger beetle that must live nearby. It would sit still long enough for me to consider taking a picture, but would run away if I got too close for too long, and then return as soon as I looked away. It also wouldn't let me look it in the face, always turning away... I really wanted to see its sabre teeth!

I finally got one picture that was acceptably focused and exposed:








I found out later that these can live for three years, eat ants and other insects, and 'can bite if mishandled'. The full Latin name is Cicindela chinensis japonica.