On the 21st, while photographing the Painted Trilliums I have recently shared, I noticed this little bug on one petal. I sort of identified it, or maybe entirely, as an Evacanthus leafhopper larva. The doubt comes from whether that is the end of the identification tree or whether someone on BugGuide will take it further…there are four species in the genus but I have no idea what it takes to go beyond.
As a bonus this offers a nice detailed look at the reproductive organs of the flower.
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Amazing macro, Steve, love the detail of anthers and pink splash.
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Thanks, Eliza!
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You got excellent clarity in those stamens and pistils.
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Careful focusing and the boon of LiveView with magnification helps.
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If you had not mentioned the tiny bug I would not have noticed it.
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Ha, ha. I did not at the first moment of composing either, Peter. Reviewing for focus revealed it and I then composed to be sure to include it.
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When I first saw this, I assumed the insect was some sort of thrip. The tiny ones can be hard to identify, for sure, but I don’t think thrips have those teeny-tiny antennae. The view of the flower itself is especially nice.
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Here’s the page I found for my tentative ID. I also use iNaturalist and thrips was the first suggestion but as you say, the antennae are wrong.
I think I may have posted a closeup like this previously but not with a little tagalong.
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Just a beautiful closeup of the flower – and, yes, cool with the bug you captured as well.
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Thanks, Otto! Sometimes I wait for some little fly or bug to leave but in this case was very happy that it stuck around for a few frames. Over time I have learned that a perfectly “clean” image, for a portrait or otherwise, isn’t always for the best.
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Nice that the little critter stuck around so you could include him. I think I got something similar once, but it didn’t stick around and I didn’t get a very good shot. You’ve outdone me once again. 😉
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Thanks for the compliment, Dave. That nice for you to say and you post some images that I wish I had taken.
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Beautiful macro, and a bug friend for the same price!
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The bug was unexpected but welcome. Thanks, Pete!
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Very nice Steve! I also likes the little bug on the petal!
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Thanks, Reed. Love those bonus bugs.
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