I’ve done a Google search but have not been able to come up with a story revealing why or how the Brickyard Conservation Area got its name. I’ll keep looking and eventually I will be able to tell you. My guess is that the suspense is not killing anyone. 🙂
Brickyard is where I looked for and found the Monkeys, Deptford Pinks and the Canada Lilies. It is also where I found this dewy intimate.
There were drops clinging to everything and everything seemed attached to everything. Picking out the pattern I wanted to capture was a challenge. It wouldn’t take much to disturb the drops as I gingerly coaxed some of the blades in the background to stay behind other blades to the side until I was done.
Some of you will recognize this:
Well, here is the individual responsible for such artistic bubble creations. While looking around, which is what takes up the most time in a large meadow, I came across this spittle bug.
This is a Diamondback Spittlebug ( Lepyronia quadrangularis) delicately employing surface tension to our delight. I am pretty sure that is a dew drop on its back and not part of the bug’s camo. BTW, up is up. 🙂
And to my surprise, this next one is an Oriental Beetle ( Exomala orientalis). I’ve seen them often with a golden brown pattern. On this day I learned that they can also be black.
I am sure that is enough for now. Thanks for looking.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Fascinating series, Steve.
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Thank you, Bente.
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These are all prettty but I like the blades of grass the most. Beautiful greens with the rain or dew drops.
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Thank you, Yvonne.
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Interesting photos and with great detail. I like the scenes within the dewdrops. We’ve had a lot of spittle bugs around here. Their bubble masses are on many plants.
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Thanks, Jim. Blown up I am within the scene also, but probably better at this size.
I see them in large numbers also, but have never caught one “in the act”.
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Oh Steve, these are great. I’ve never seen anything like it before, that massive balloon of what is it? spit? how fascinating – it reminds me of a fabulously ornate crystal lampshade or vase. And as for the Oriental Beetle, well, I’m speechless. Extraordinary photos. Thank you! 😀
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Although called spit, it really isn’t, Lottie. The bugs secrete bodily fluids which includes waste products as bubbles so the name is a little misleading although it does fit the appearance of the froth. I was really attracted to the prismatic effect in the central drop on the beetle.
Thanks! 🙂
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You gave us the top shot at the top, Steve but a truly impressive series.
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Thanks, Andrew. Guess the top shot belongs on the top, eh? 🙂
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Definitely a top crop. I’m always a sucker for dew drops. I hadn’t seen the Spittle Bug or it’s structure before.
Great set.
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Thanks, Rod. And I am very happy I was able to show some folks, you and Lottie, something they had not seen before. It’s sort of why I do this. 🙂
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Step four to getting a fantastic shot – water droplets. Check
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They certainly do add a lot of appeal to the subject, Lyle. Maybe you should try it with the bears and coyotes.. 🙂
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Good idea. I’ll think I’ll pack a water spray bottle next time I go:)
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Here ya’ go, Lyle. It should do the trick.
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That’s awesome.
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Your phrase “dewy intimate” sounds like a name or a description of something that would be for sale at a lingerie shop. Maybe you could open one and call it Steve’s Secret.
You’ve got excellent clarity, as usual, in all these closeups. Your spittle goblet looks practically crystalline; it’s more appealing than the one that by coincidence I’ve had scheduled for tomorrow.
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I like the description of it as a goblet, although we won’t be able to sell many with the Spittle moniker. I once, many many moons ago, had a lady friend whose last name was Spittle.
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I’m sorry for her. I’ll bet she thought about changing it.
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Nope, she still has it and that was through a career as a school; nurse.. And she’s not the only one. There are actually quite a few folks with that family name….including the owners of a restaurant in Maryland that I noticed many years back when on my way to Assateague Island to see the wild ponies. We didn’t stop although I just read that they were known for great seafood.
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You get me “out in the field” even on days when I’m not feeling up to it, and you do it so beautifully. It is always fun to see a spittle bug, and I confess I don’t always pause to look closely, so thank you for sharing these gorgeous shots!
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I am always very pleased when someone tells me I have taken them with me or shared something they don’t usually see, so thanks very much, Melissa.
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Hey there Stephen … I’m a follower of Steve Schwartman and followed his most recent post here. I am a former resident of Massachusetts who is nearing retirement here in central Pennsylvania and wanting to come back home. You’re beautiful images assure me that there is much to photograph back in my old neck of the woods. I’d be pleased if you swung by my Pairodox blog here at WordPress … http://www.pairoxox.wordpress.com. I’ve just pushed your follow button for tips and for inspiration. D
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There is still plenty to see and experience here, D. I appreciate that you find my images enjoyable.
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Ooops … that’s http://www.pairodox.wordpress.com … sorry, it’s still early.
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I’ve never seen a spittle bug, or its art form. It’s amazing how much your capture resembles the vintage porch and hall lights that were called Bubble glass.
That beetle’s a fine fellow, too. I’m most taken with his fancy antennae. They look like skilled beadwork. Very attractive!
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The antennae are one of the fascinating features of this beetle for me also, Linda. And why I thought it looked familiar despite its different coloration.
That mass of bubbles is the nicest assemblage of Spittle Bug foam I have seen. It is so delicate and you are correct…it does resemble bubble glass, which I forgot.
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That is a great set of images Steve. Very well done, hard to do, and a great story. Thanks for sharing. Your macro work (and other work as well) continues to amaze.
James
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Thanks, James.
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