Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a seven-spot ladybird in flight
© Power and Syred/Science Photo Library
Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a seven-spot ladybird in flight
With colour enhancement of an image made using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), we get a rare glimpse of the moment when a ladybird has fully extended its wings to take flight. The seven-spot ladybird is found all over Europe and was imported to North America as a form of natural pest control. The bright red beetles’ favourite meal is aphids, a small green louse that is highly destructive to crops. So when you see a seven-spot ladybird in your garden, say “thank you” to the little pest killer.
Pencils on display at Faber-Castell in Stein, Bavaria, Germany
An adult burrowing owl emerges from its burrow at sunset in Davis, California, USA
Little owl (Athene noctua) perched on sunflower, Cádiz, Andalusia, Spain
Nine-spotted moth in Switzerland
Bàu Cá Cái mangrove forest in Quảng Ngãi Province, Vietnam
Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Male southern double-collared sunbird on rocket pincushion flower, Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town, South Africa
Bronze sculpture of child and his grandfather caring for plants and flowers, Cordoba, Spain
