The babies have EMERGED!!!!!! Argiope aurantia - Black & Yellow Garden Spiders

Check out my label "spider" for pictures of the Mommy & Daddy of these arachnid spiderlings!

(They overwintered in the egg sac shown in another image in this blog.)

Nature Insect Macro Photographs by Carolyn Hietala

"Last MANtis Standing"

Lonely..... silhouette on the ooth.

Nature Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Baby Mantis - Hiding in the shadows..... waiting.

A bright sunny day finds this Chinese Mantid hatchling seeking prey, probably its first insect meal. It is its very first day of life..... not even 24 hours has passed since emerging from the egg case. Please trod carefully in your garden so as to not destroy these tiny works of nature...... so tiny...... so precious ;0)

Nature Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

The Chinese Praying Mantis babies are hatching!

Here's one fleeing from a large predator.....

the scary lens of the Canon Rebel XT!

Nature Photograph of Chinese Preying Mantid nymph by Carolyn Hietala

Nature's Way Of "Attitude Adjustment"

ANT WAR !

Nature Insect Photograph of Fighting Ants by Carolyn Hietala

Don't Throw It Away! ..... Gardening Tip

If you have ever gardened

or done yard cleanup

you might have discovered one of these.

It measures approximately one inch and would have been nestled carefully on a plant or even attached to your home in an out of the way nook.

This egg sac might not look special or precious but inside are miniature versions of that big gorgeous black and yellow Garden Spider (Argiope Aurantia.) The spiderlings will emerge and most likely won't be noticed at all until approaching adulthood. Then the large signature webs constructed by the females are easily seen.

They're not only beautiful to look at but these spiders are a natural alternative to using pesticides!

Check out the labels to the right of this photo

and click on "spider".....

there you may view images of this amazing orb spider ;0)

Nature Arachnid Photographs by Carolyn Hietala

Protect & Preserve - If you find one of these while preparing your garden for planting......

..... Do Not Discard!

It is a Praying Mantis Egg Case that will bring forth ravenous insect carnivores that are very interesting to observe..... a natural environmentally safe pesticide ;0)

Nature Conservation Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Dogwood Silhouette In Symmetry

Simplicity!

Nature Flower Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Dogwoods slowly coming into blossom in Richmond

The petals on this flowering Dogwood tree

are pale green dipped in pink.

In full blossom the green gives way to

glorious white..... to grace the woodland.

Nature Photograph of Virginia State Flower by Carolyn Hietala

Wasp on Granny Smith apple blossom. The pollinators are busy ;0)

Ahhhh..... Spring!!!!!

With help from pollinating insects like this one we just might have our first successful fruiting on this young apple tree. I'll keep my fingers crossed ;0)

Pollination - Backyard Nature Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Freeze action learning with a little help from Mother Squirrel ;0)

I just brought home my first macro lens.....

Yeaaaaaa!

I chose the Sigma 150 and already I can see quite an improvement over the kit lens that came with my digital EOS camera - Canon Rebel XT. Action shots have been a challenge for me as am just learning but with Mommy Gray Squirrel always hopping and jumping about in the backyard I will certainly get plenty of practice shots. Thanks Mom. Here the lens is not set to macro. The shutter speed notably surpasses what I was using.

I am following up verbal gratuity for my unknowing subject with more substantial rewards of peanuts, corn cobs and whatever else her little heart desires. The bird feeder will no longer be her only obsession. A trip to the feed store is on my list! Ok.... Daddy Squirrel can partake too.

Nature Action Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Insect on Granny Smith Apple Blossom

Thank goodness for flowers or we wouldn't have insects!
Hmmmm.....

Thank goodness for insects or we wouldn't have flowers!

Nature Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Fishing Spider has a second home - Right beside our reading chair..... for company ;0)

"Terminator" will be getting an even larger home but for now it suffices. Eating a cricket every other day and fresh water provided, this arachnid is quite content. Don't be alarmed that it isn't getting enough oxygen as the lid is simply resting loosely on top of the pickle jar..... just secure enough to keep it in..... and the cats out. Oddly it has no interest in attempting to escape so must be happy. Terminator will eventually be released to join its own kind in the wetland area of the yard.... and I only hope it doesn't return to our basement EVER AGAIN!!!!!! ;0)

Nature Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

"Introspection of First Morning" - a poem I wrote - about a photo I took

Summer cicadas chanting in unison,
urgently urging, wake up, wake up.

Warm yellow glazes envelope cold places
once held tightly by sticky black spaces.

Shadows of night are secretly slinking,
chased into hiding where they only go.

Still are the crickets as indoor eyes open.
Floor invites touch as coffee does tasting.

Pet paws rush out to dewdrop sample,
odorous leaf beckonings - rotting I reckon.

Thus it begins, another new day
with first morning freshness fading away.

Tomorrow's promise, simple as stated:
If reality favors..... first morning will be ;0)

Nature Photograph & Poem (both copyright protected & all rights reserved) by Carolyn Hietala

Fishing Spider in pickle jar - Aggressive Arachnid

Intimidation Stare ;0)

(click on images to supersize)

Well I've had this "pet" for a few days now and its attitude hasn't improved. I will NOT be removing it from its home to photograph therefore I apologise for images taken through glass. The critter sure relishes crickets!
Nature Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

New pet wants to EAT me ;0( Fearless!

Shown in its temporary home perched on top of a toilet paper roll. Instead of running away this guy goes TOWARD you when getting close to it. Ha.

Absolutely No Fear Here!

Aggressive, very agile & loves devouring crickets. New abode is a large pickle jar so as soon as the transfer is completed (wanna help?) I'll post a picture.

Fishing Spider http://bugguide.net/node/view/1985 Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Daffodil - Miniature Yellow Discard

Trash to treasure!

Living next to a church graveyard can have advantages aside from having "quiet" neighbors. Often seemingly dead potted plants are released from their containers and tossed into the woods. This little Spring blossom is the result of one such discard. Thanks ;0)
Nature Flower Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Periwinkle On Brown

Another Blue Promise..... On A Cold Yet Sunny Day ;0)

Nature Flower Image by Carolyn Hietala

.....come on Spring!

Periwinkle tricked into blooming..... welcome little specks of blue joy ;0)

These delightful flowers are promising

us that Spring will come..... Hurry!

The warm temperatures of the last few days have Robins sunning and searching the lawn for earthworms. Today chilly temperatures return ;0(

Nature Art Photograph by Carolyn Hietala

Sorry for the neglect! Have been busy setting up house on Flickr ;0)

Catbird's Kitten At Mealtime

You may find my images in gallery here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifeoncanvas/
Nature Fantasy Art by Carolyn Hietala

ART - Jewel Tea "Autumn Leaf" China & Yellow English Rose - Still Life Oil Painting by Carolyn Hietala

Not Presently Available

Click on post title for more details
Thank you for your interest in my ART - Carolyn Hietala

Lonesome for SUMMER! So here's one Summer memory.....

Image taken on a very warm, VERY BRIGHT day!

(click on photo to supersize)

Winter please go away! Although..... I probably shouldn't suggest that as a mosquito sneaked in the house through the back door yesterday. Alas! I live in fear of being its next victim. A good suggestion according to our vet: Keep your dogs & cats on heartworm preventative ALL YEAR LONG.

Photograph of Chinese Mantis by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Flecks of brilliant gold dust this rather vocal Summer resident of Richmond, Virginia. See the CURRENT PRICE of Gold here. WOW!

Nature is full of delightful surprises

(don't forget to click on images to supersize)

An oil painting artist must be a keen observer of color in order to produce an accurate representation of a subject. At first glance you might not notice the metallic yellow gold powdered upon this multi-colored fellow. Note: A much closer inspection of even the smallest of creatures we share our existance with can reveal amazing finds. You just have to not only look..... but SEE!
Nature Photograph of Cicada by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Curious About The Current Price Of Gold? See here.....

If you ever spent time outdoors exploring as a child.....

.....you surely would have come upon

this odd impression in the soil.

And if your curiosity had continued to peak.....

.....you might have unearthed this odd little creature.

They are quite harmless as you can see. (click on images to enlarge) Bugguide.net shows more information on this alien looking insect: http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=ant+lion&search=Search

Photos of Ant Lion larva (aka "Doodlebug") Myrmeleon by Carolyn Hietala

Oil Painting Gallery http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Tree Frog in a Pickle Jar

Northern Spring Peeper - Pseudacris crucifer crucifer http://www.dgif.state.va.us/wildlife/information/?s=020071

Ever seen those huge jars of pickles

at your local grocery store?

Why purchase an aquarium when you can repurpose a pickle jar as a terrarium or fishbowl. Just remember to NEVER EVER screw the lid on but just rest it gently on top. But this probably is not the best choice, especially with children in the household. A lid made of window screen held on by wire or a rubber band would work best. NEVER place the jar in direct sunlight..... goes without saying.

This little critter was rescued and will be released as soon as Spring is officially in progress. I have just the spot already picked out..... with plenty of Peeper company ;0)

Nature Art by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

My lame attempt at photographing my Beta "Blue"

I Am Sometimes Shy But.....

I'm Definitely A Pretty Boy.....

With A Very Dashing Silhouette!



You Have GOT To Be ENVIOUS Of My Sex Appeal!

(click on images to supersize)

Photos by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Recycle Those Cappuccino Coffee Cups..... OR - What do millipedes, plants & a Spring Peeper frog all have in common?

Most of us have discarded cups that we have become either tired of or because they have been chipped or cracked. I use these potential throwaways as starter pots to propagate house plants. My millipede terrarium needed cleaning so I seized the opportunity to add some decor..... old chipped or less than perfect china housing greenery. I also included artificial ivy and a worn vintage plate for more interest. The additions effectively conceal from immediate view the food / water dishes and the small fishbowl of substrate where the millipedes hangout during the daylight hours. Sorry no pictures of the millipedes as they are asleep but see my label "millipede" and there they are.

This view of the tank from above shows the Spring Peeper tree frog nestled beside the dish (click on image to supersize) of dog food. Yesterday the little fellow very happily spent the day in the water dish. Just north of the frog is the fishbowl housing the millipedes. I hope this arrangement works well for all inhabitants ;0)

Nature Art by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Donning a peppering of dewdrops, these glistening Mushroom steps.....

..... beckon that adventuresome fairy with a hankerin' to climb ;0) If you believe in fairies that is ;0)

Image by Adrienne Celeste... thanks!

Nature Artist Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Guess what I am ;0)

I apologize.

This IS an easy one for all you Nature Lovers out there ;0)

(click on photograph to supersize)

Just another intricate design by Mother Nature! Thanks Adrienne for sharing this photo with us. These last few weeks I have been researching macro lenses and hope to purchase one very soon for my Canon Rebel XT. I am looking forward to exploring nature even closer..... REAL "upfront & personal." So Exciting!

Nature Art by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

OK I am soooo over Winter! - Dreaming of HOT Summer days that bring forth fragile mushrooms after the rain.

Image taken by Adrienne Celeste.

A multi-talented lady indeed!

Nature Art by Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Regarding REINCARNATION - Why I personally would wish NOT to return as a CAT ;0)

"Don't be rude! I am NOT an exhibitionist.

A little PRIVACY here!"

I honestly would prefer a shower or tub bath. Cat Lovers..... ever gotten a cat hair in your eye? Or mouth? A small annoyance in exchange for all that feline love ;0) Hairballs..... Hmmm. Let's not even go there!

Images by Carolyn Hietala

http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

It's sooooo COLD! OK so..... just rewind to a nice WARM sunny day ;0)

Reminiscing with a little bit of October's glory to warm our souls.

Photo of Bee & Goldenrod by Carolyn Hietala

(click on image to supersize) http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

The first tear of mourning light.....

.....solemnly waits.

Photograph of swan garden sculpture by Carolyn Hietala

http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

Missing Raggs - Mouthing the words "I Love You" or simply a smile would invite a warm purring response.....

.....from this faithful friend.

Infinite tears could not erase the special moments we have shared as they will forever remain in my heart. Thanks for sharing your gentle loving nature so generously with all ;0)

In memory of my cat.....
Photograph by Carolyn Hietala