Multiple Miniature Mating Moment

I was taking some close-ups of this wild flower this morning, and almost missed this group of tiny miniature "mantis-like" insects that encompassed it! (Please view enlarged for better appreciation). It makes me think of Dr. Seuss' story, "Horton Hears a Who" in which the plot tells of Horton the Elephant who, while splashing in a pool located in the Jungle of Nool, hears a small speck of dust talking to him. Horton discovers that the speck of dust is actually a tiny planet! Tiny miracles are waiting to be discovered all around us! The plant is the Guara and, with the help of my 365 friend, Mary ( http://365project.org/m9f9l/profile) I've learned that this picture features a group of stilt bugs (jalysus) on a velvety gaura plant (gaura mollis) (also known as lizard weed, velvetweed, velvet butterfly-weed. See: http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com/tag/mating/ for more info.

[Danette Thompson]

Are several of them mating?? If so, you definitely need to figure out what the plant is!

[Taffy]

Good eye to spot this -- they are almost invisible!

[Janine]

very cool - I love how delicate the insects and the flower appear.

[bkb in the city]

Nice shot

[m9f9l]

I don't remember Dr Suess EVER talking about that!! But maybe Dr Spock will be read soon..... Wonderful shot! Great detail and composition! Fav!

[Dakotaburns]

Tiny miracles indeed. I love the story of Horton. Wonderful shot, and well worth the extra second to view large.

[Linda]

Oh look at that. So many of them too. Well spotted!

[Kareen King]

@danette Not sure, Danette. I need to do a little research. :)

[Kareen King]

@janine3 Thank you, Janine! :)

[Kareen King]

@bkbinthecity Thank you! :)

[Kareen King]

@m9f9l Thanks so much for the fav! Much appreciated. :)

[Kareen King]

@dakotaburns Thanks so much, Donald. :)

[Roxie]

wow that's really cool - wonder what they are!

[Kareen King]

@happysnap Thank you, Linda. :)

[Andrina]

Fabulous shot! What an amazing find!!

[Kareen King]

@andrina Thanks, Andrina. :)

[Malc Bird]

Great in large, what a find :)

[m9f9l]

it is a stilt bug (jalysus) on a velvety gaura plant (gaura mollis) (also known as lizard weed, velvetweed, velvet butterfly-weed...)

[Molly]

Yes I see what you mean. How extraordinary, and a great capture. Talking of insects, there are loads on my computer screen attracted in by the light - it's so hot tonight I can't bear to close the windows.

[Karin Hirsch]

Great capture. I love teh alliteration in your title

[Kareen King]

@malc Thank you! :)

[Kareen King]

@m9f9l Wow - thanks! How did you know all this?? I am impressed! Thanks again. :)

[Kareen King]

@dolphin Thanks, Molly. Gee, sounds like you have a photo op right in your hands! :)

[Kareen King]

@khirsch Thanks, Karin. :)

[Kareen King]

@m9f9l And here's a link that confirms your findings! http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com/tag/mating/

[m9f9l]

I didn't know that... But when people have questions.. I go looking for answers :-)

[Kareen King]

@m9f9l Great to know, Mary! Thanks again. :)

[Lisa Stein]

Fascinating! Thank you for sharing all the information! It's amazing how much we learn on this site! Wonderful capture. It is truly a world onto itself.

[Kareen King]

@pflaume Thanks so much for your positive comments, Lisa. Yes, I am learning a lot!

[Denis]

A great capture Kareen and thanks for the info.....

[Lee]

Well spotted. Interesting shot.

[Kareen King]

@landownunder Thanks, Denis, and you are welcome! :)

[Kareen King]

@gamelee Thanks, Lee. :)