My theme today is "goldenrod". This is only a small sample of the insect diversity I saw clambering and flying about the goldenrod I passed in my travels this afternoon.
First off, I think this is something called a "wasp beetle", though none of the images I found online sported the profusion of stripes shown by this specimen. I've never seen one of these beasties before.
A bit closer:
I think a wasp of some kind. Afraid I'm not up on the Linnean binomials for any of these.
Another wasp, I'm guessing.
An "emerald bee" as I like to call them. I love the pattern in the eyes. Would this pattern be the result of something similar to that which produces the black dot that "follows" the viewer in the eyes of praying mantis?
The above were all handheld, single images taken with the Sigma 70mm f2.8 macro (not a Sigma 30mm f 1.4 as indicated by EXIF). I haven't tried my hand at stacking yet. I used my K-S2's built in flash with custom made
Starbuck's tall, skim milk pumpkin spice latte diffuser. This was made on location as I had forgotten my usual Pringles tin diffuser. Recycling at its best.