― Yann Arthus-Bertrand
Spring Green Preserve
To find the Splendid Tiger Beetle, you must first traverse the torrid desert. Fear not, for there will be much beauty to observe and admire during your arduous hike. It's late August, so look for patches of liatris. Be mindful that the temperature here is generally 5 to 10 degrees warmer than reported at nearby towns and villages.
Eventually you'll come to the shadow jungle's door, where both sides of the sandy trail are punctuated with poisonous plants. Blood-thirsty insects will also take turns feeding upon your flesh, drawing out life's essential solution ― give thanks you remembered to pack water and repellent. But keep alert, for there are far more dangerous things than mosquitoes here.
Now beyond the jungle's deadly grasp, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the valley below. Do note when you look below, other travelers may appear as tiny insects. In comparison, the Splendid Tiger Beetle will appear more of a monstrosity when viewed via the macro lens.
The tiger beetles of the bluff hunt on the rocky outcroppings. When approaching these geological structures, always inspect and listen before getting too close. If silence pervades, you may begin the final quest and reward –– a biological treasure of emerald and sangria.
And then you spot one of the micro-monsters of the rock!
Splendid Tiger Beetle
And portraiture truly begins ...
And what's this? A bonus bug: Common Claybank Tiger Beetle!
Common Claybank Tiger Beetle
That was unexpected, but within the realm of possibility.
Splendid Tiger Beetle
This puts me at 14 Wisconsin tiger beetles for the 2020 season, which is a tie for my life list. Of the 16 total species in the state, I still have yet to photograph Cow Path and Boreal Long-lipped Tiger Beetles. I have observed Cow Path on my uncle's farm in Pittsville many decades ago, but have yet to encounter this species with camera and lens in hand. Boreal Long-lipped means a 4 to 5 hour drive to the northern corners of Wisconsin. Naturally, I wouldn't be the first to get all 16 species in a single season, but it may still be worth the attempt. On the other hand, I like the idea of something saved ― perpetually left to see and discover down the road of adventure.
Thrilled with my collection of beetle portraits, I made my way back down the bluff to the desert trails below. Since there were scads of scutellaris about the path, I decided to study a couple of them and appreciate their diversity. Note the first one is less hairy and possesses smaller maculations (markings), while the second one is quite the stunner. The Festive Tiger Beetles of Spring Green come in a variety of colors, these two happen to be very purple ― green and brown ones were also present on this day.
Festive Tiger Beetle
All images © 2020 Mike McDowell