The Congregation Revisited by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Their lives are defined by color and silence.
They exist in vast numbers across the European continent. As seasons warm in the months of April and May, Firebug populations gather in vast, ruddy carpets to engage in the rituals of reproduction, though they are somewhat gregarious throughout the year, continually feeding (in clusters) on the seeds of lime and mallow.
In areas where they are common, few notice them.
Among Americans, who know only their less-garish cousins, they are a startling sight.
During mating season, the base of a single tree will support hundreds, if not thousands of them: all gathered in pheromone-enhanced gaggles and clusters.
They are hypnotic.
They are silent.
Though not the largest of insects, they are unforgettable—and perhaps, it is their fashion-sense that renders them so.
At any rate, their lives are defined by color...
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and hopefully you enjoy this gaggle of well dressed insects as much as I enjoyed spending a day with them....

Comments (21)
A mesmerizing capture; your composition is intriguing, drawing my eyes around to the back side where the lines of red glow in the dark...very well done!
Their markings are amazing. Thanks for this view!
They are so beautiful. What markings. Great capture.
They are quite fashionable and also rather primitive looking with that mask on their backs. You capture them well in your photo and prose. CC
Their backs look like decorated shields! Thanks for showing us this...and your written description.
Wow, they look like some kind of abstract art--another amazing foto, with more amazing info!!!
Fantastic shot.
The image - perfect in every way. The narrative - poetry on the ear. Excellent work my friend. :)
Really pretty cool little critters :o) ...I've enjoyed my visit with them Chip ! *** H u g s ***
Wonderful IMAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROBY ;o)
preciosa foto, en spain estos bichos se llaman zapateros,
beautiful little guys...we say ladybugs congregating thus once, in Muir Woods, but by the thousands...grand pix, Chip!
well done 10+
Stunning macro shot, Chip. And a very informative and colorful narrative to accompany the photo.
Wonderful!
SPEECHLESS ;-)
They are awesome animals and you bring them to us in your unique and adorable manner! Well done!
fine shot!
wonderful! The beetles are very interesting....
Excellent capture... Makes me wonder what they really are doing: fighting or love making... Hard to tell but... I love it :)
Splendid shot and... Very excellent title... PERFECT. 5+++++