I usually run with a theme. I am finishing my Enlighten posts for the year this week, with a jaunt into the city to marvel at the Illuminating Mini Beasts.
The Mini Beasts were in our city centre - and in my eyes at least improved the ambiance dramatically. Some of them were huge (up to 4 metres tall). There were four of them and I happily wandered through the centre (not something I can usually say) to track them all down.
Starting with the delightful dawn as I headed off to do my shift on the crisis line and to ogle the mini beasts.
The first I found was the Swallowtail Butterfly, especially common in Queensland.
Then to the Jumping Spider. They are mostly small spiders, with large eyes, brilliant colours and remarkably jumping ability. Our peacock spiders fall into this category.
The Mini Beast was impressive too.
The next beast I found was the Cicada. As an aside it is a long time since I have heard them. They used to be a song of summer, a song which seems to be fading away...
The final Mini Beast was a Neon Cuckoo Bee - something I have never seen for myself. They are apparently common in Sydney and rely on other bees to raise their young by laying their eggs in other species nests.
Fun, aren't they? Next week (and possibly the week after as well) photos from our annual Balloon Spectacular.
No las había visto de tamaño tan grande. Son muy buena su reproducción y en ellas se aprecian bien todos sus detalles.
ReplyDeleteVENTANA DE FOTO: Thank you. They were huge and spectacular and I really enjoyed seeing them.
DeleteJurassic bugs.
ReplyDeleteMike: I suspect some of them have thrived for longer than that.
DeleteLots of imagination and dedicated hard work went into the construction, it is obvious.
ReplyDeleteHave a good week ahead, EC...take care...cuddles to Jazz. :)
Lee: I am amazed at the ingenuity in creating them. Jazz has no vet visits this week which will please him. So far we are managing to conceal the tablets from him - which pleases us. I hope you and the overlords have a great week.
DeleteYes, they are amazing critters. I enjoyed the video of the spiders with all those eyes! :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: Thank you. Some day I hope to see a peacock spider...
DeleteWow EC, what an amazing collection. The butterflies are my favourite, what glorious creatures they are.
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: Weren't they great? I don't think I have a favourite - I loved them all.
DeleteI'm not so keen on the first one but the others are excellent, especially spider. I know cicadas are cyclical but I haven't heard any for years either. In times past they could be deafening.
ReplyDeleteAndrew: Cicadas could indeed be deafening, but I don't remember the last time I heard them. I hope they return.
DeleteAll beautiful. Every one. And I'd much rather encounter them than the real ones.
ReplyDeleteMarty: I like the critters they are based on too.
DeleteWow! these are amazing beasts indeed - astonishingly big ("mini"?) and colourful. I especially like the cicada and the butterfly, but no amount of glamour and pretty lights could ever make me admire a spider!
ReplyDeleteWe have had lots of cicada song this summer, but not as much as usual, which I had put down to the fact that our summer has been cooler and shorter than in recent years.
Looking forward to the balloons! Have a lovely restful and enjoyable week, EC.
Alexia: Our summer was been cooler and damper too, but we didn't hear the cicadas last year either. I am fascinated by spiders and the peacock spider is so small that even my arachnophobic partner makes an exception for them.
DeleteCuanta creatividad!!!Realmente es una belleza! Suerte que son artificiales ajjaja principalmente las arañas porque si fuesen reales y a ese tamaño estriamos todos escapando!!Jajajajaj...Y con respecto a las cigarras es verdad que tienen un canto maravilloso!
ReplyDeleteHijo de elefante he disfrutado de esta entrada, tan llena de color , con tantos detalles para poder apreciar en estas bellas criaturas que hoy nos muestras! Deseo un hermoso fin de semana para ti y agradezco siempre tus visitas a mis espacios. Besos!
eli mendez: I am glad you enjoyed them. I would be wary of critters that size too, but loved the show. Have a wonderful week.
DeleteWow, what an amazing beautiful display of colorful insects. Those structures look huge and so interesting to look at. Your first photo also is beautiful. Such a happy post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your wonderful world of art.
Hugs, Julia
Julia: They were ginormous, but a heap of fun. I am glad that you found this post happy - the beasts made me smile broadly.
DeleteWhat amazing sculptures/structures. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: Weren't they incredible? I am already looking forward to next years wonders...
DeleteWhat a wonderful world of mini-beasts, fabulous art.
ReplyDeleteNatures art was beautiful too, a lovely dawn sight in your first photograph.
Enjoy the remainder of the weekend and have a good week ahead.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: Nature is a spectacular artist, and I loved that she was the inspiration for the giant mini-beasts.
DeleteI hope you and Eddie have a wonderful weekend (and week) too.
wowzer an amazing world of sculptures. xx
ReplyDeleteaussie aNNie: Wowzer is entirely appropriate isn't it?
DeleteLaurie: I am very glad to read that.
ReplyDeleteAdore el atardecer y la cigarra. Te mando un beso
ReplyDeleteJ.P. Alexander: The cicada was special wasn't it? Thank you.
DeleteWonderful display, and thanks for the video.
ReplyDeleteMy selections will be over here.
messymimi: I look forward to your selections - as I do every week. The spider video is lovely isn't it?
DeleteWow, those spiders are fascinating!
ReplyDeletee: They are aren't they? My partner hates spiders but makes an exception for peacock spiders.
DeleteI've never heard of the Neon Cuckoo Bee. The models are truly fabulous. I watched the Peacock Spider video, I've heard of them but never seen one and now I know why. They are so tiny! The size of a grain of rice!
ReplyDeleteRiver: They are tiny aren't they? I am not surprised that they went undiscovered for years, and would love to see one myself.
DeleteThey remind me of Tiffany glass!
ReplyDeleteBut what does the Smaller Person think of the spider!
dinahmow: The people who built them would be very flattered with that comparison. He made an exception for the spider and said it was amazing. He hasn't been into town though and only saw my photos.
DeleteLove them. They are so colorful.
ReplyDeleteOlga Godim: They really improved a very dull shopping mall. I would happily give them a permanent home there.
Deletethanks for sharing your interesting time around Canberra. You might like to know that we had deafening Cicarda calls this summer. I think the rain early in the season allowed them to hatch.
ReplyDeleteAnna: I am glad someone had them. We had rain, but no cicadas.
DeleteBrilliant Spiders Sue adn must have been wonderful to see in person. Now the Peacock Spider's mating display on the video is AMAZING and only the size of a grain of rice. astonishing and so colourful. Thanks for sharing that. I hope you are keeping well and have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: It was lovely to see them in person. I am a huge sucker for peacock spiders and will happily read about them, watch movies...
DeleteI have sharing that video with lots of people of her3e as it is so amazing. Thanks for sharing it.
DeleteMargaret Birding For Pleasure: I am glad. Peacock spiders ARE amazing and there are several U-tube videos of them.
DeleteI love 'em!
ReplyDeleteBill: I did too.
DeleteI like the butterflies, but the other insects seem scary to me, although the artwork is very nice !
ReplyDeletehttps://gattinawritercramps.blogspot.com/2021/03/sunday-selection_28.html
Gattina: One of the reasons the Mini Beasts were built was to show children that insects are not scary. They obviously failed and I am sorry about that.
DeleteHi EC – your dawn photo is amazing … one can imagine a paint brush of bright yellow painted across the sky, then ‘melded’ in with the grey and orange – it really looks as though it’s painted – just staggering. Mind you that view from your home is just wonderful to see.
ReplyDeleteWhile now to the mini-beasts … aren’t they quite extraordinary … no wonder you spent time wandering around looking at them. Love the Swallowtail Butterfly resting … very clever; the peacock spider is extraordinary … I think that programme also had a peacock mantis shrimp – they were all just beautiful. Thanks for including the video … and the mini beast …
The Cicada … once again – staggering … and I’ve read recently by Sir Paul Nurse’s ‘What is Life? – here he states he’s really worried about the loss of insect life … essential to human life.
The Neon Cuckoo Bee is extraordinary … brood parasites always amaze me and there are a surprising number of them.
Gosh – what a glorious range of mini beasts – they are superb … loved seeing them – thank you for showing them to us. The best!! Thank you … Hilary
Hilary Melton- Butcher: Weren't they great? It was admittedly early when I was wandering through but I was surprised (and sad) that no-one else appeared to be interested. We do indeed need to preserve our insects. We need them ( much more than they need us).
DeleteI love the ever changing art in your area and that sunrise was stunning. I also miss the cicadas and haven't heard them since I left Florida in 2012
ReplyDeleteCindi Clarke: I do hope that cicada numbers are not in decline. They seemed to be a feature of every summer when I was growing up...
DeleteBeautiful pic and creative. I followed your blog now. Thx
ReplyDeleteVicky Cahyagi: Welcome and thank you.
DeleteBeautiful images EC.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you - they were a treat to see. I hope you are feeling much, much better.
DeleteAs far apart as our countries are, it's amazing we have the same insects - except for that type of bee. But we sure have cicadas. Boy, do we have cicadas...
ReplyDeleteAlex J. Cavanaugh: Perhaps our cicadas are visiting you?
DeleteThose bugs arewonderful. Cgicadas aer one year here one year not. I thought I was going deaf, but next summer I heard them once again. Lover that spider!!!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte (MotherOwl): It is years since I have heard cicadas. I wish they would return - despite knowing that they can be very, very noisy.
DeleteVery creative indeed. I would have really enjoyed seeing them and I am glad that you took the time to show them to us, Sue. I am sure that the insects are far more appealing than the politicians who also populate the ACT! As for Cicadas we have them here annually, and then there is another species that surfaces once every seventeen years in enormous numbers. It is a food bonanza for every other creature it seems, but the females lay enough eggs during their brief life to assure that it will all happen again.
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: I MUCH prefer the insects to the politicians who visit. A seventeen year cicada? That would make for a noisy bonanza for other critters.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteThe mini beasts that weren't so mini! I bet some people were not fond of the spider one. I think they are fabulous and thank you so much for sharing them.
Best wishes for a good week
Ellie
Ellie Foster: Not mini at all. I also thought they were fabulous despite knowing that some people wouldn't like them.
DeleteI hate insects - and I hate spiders. I can cope with butterlfies though.
ReplyDelete:o)
Cheers
PM
Plastic Mancunian: I am happy to see insects (though I treat some with caution).
DeleteSo many interesting, colorful insects. And they are huge. Wonderful exhibit.
ReplyDeletegigi-hawaii: They were wonderful and I was happy to see that the gallery they were displayed in was a shopping mall. A distinct improvement on the usual ambiance I thought.
DeleteFascinating and such beautiful colors. Love the sunrise photo as well. Have a safe and wonderful week my friend.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you - and a safe, happy and healthy week to you too.
DeleteAmazing insect sculptures.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: I thought they were amazing too. The spider was new this year but we saw the others last year. I am looking forward (already) to seeing next year's display.
DeleteWhat a fantastic exhibition. Nice to appreciate the beauty of earth’s tiny creatures. I appreciate too your dawn photo and the fact that you volunteer to do such important work. Thank you for all of it.
ReplyDeleteMyrna R.: It was wonderful to see - and thank you.
DeleteOnce again I'm late to the party. In my opinion, you saved the very best for last. These are marvelous. That was the most colorful swallowtail I've ever seen. It was beautiful, but very different.
ReplyDeleteI was most impressed with the Cicada. Those gossamer wings were most impressive. We get them in Kansas, too. They have a very distinctive chirp and brighten up the still nights. Overall, this was an amazing festival, but I preferred the Mini Beasts the best of all. Wonderful photos, dear.
Bleubeard and Elizabeth: Thank you. I thought is was a wonderful part of the festival too. And loved that it brightened the city.
DeleteI so envy you your proximity to art, there only being--perhaps, a dozen, mostly nondescript, sculptures of one kind or another here in this metro area of over 300,000.
ReplyDeleteSnowbrush: I am endlessly grateful for the art in my city. There is a new (and permanent) sculpture I noticed last week. I will take photos of it when next I am in town.
DeleteI was totally mesmerized by the video of the Peacock Spider.
ReplyDeleteGranny Annie: Aren't they amazing? I am so grateful for the technology which allows us to all see the wonder.
DeleteThose are spectacular beasts. We have jumping spiders here. The cuckoo bee seems terribly lazy to have their young raised by someone else. Here we are in battle with murder hornets. the cicadas only emerge in the eastern US every 17 years, then in vast numbers. We have some species here I think too.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: David Gascoigne (who lives in Canada) told me about the seventeen year cicadas. I wonder whether we have them. I will have to check.
DeleteThese are spectacular. I like them all. I would put them in my garden if they were mine. :-)
ReplyDeleteI do hope the cicadas come back...I've heard them down under...WOW!!! Like small aeroplanes in the backyard.
neena maiya: The beasts are lovely aren't they? They are a bit big for most yards though. And yes I do hope the cicadas return.
DeleteThe insects are so pretty.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: I thought so too.
DeleteThese bug statues are some of the most amazing artworks I've seen for a long time. I love them.
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe: They are clever aren't they? And interactive too - their lights brighten if you come close and the cicada is supposed to hum (though I haven't heard it).
DeleteAmazing and spectacular! I love all the fascinating things that you find to share with us. :) They look like gigantic Tiffany lamps. Or jewels. I can't decide which. The photo of the dawn is gorgeous as well.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: Dinahmow was also reminded of Tiffany Lamps - which should please the designers. I am so glad that you enjoy the things which tickle my monkey mind.
DeleteIt's always wonderful that you're able to help out at the crisis line. There should be more people like you, and you're making a huge difference. These are good example of beautiful things that are also a little scary.(lol) Hope you're doing well and sending some hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO: I get an immense amount from my volunteering. I am sorry that the Mini-Beasts scared you a little and hope you recovered quickly. Hugs back to you. big ones.
DeleteI love every one of the mini beasts. The jumping spider is amazing becos purple is my favourite colour and he had 4 purple eyes (?). The art is like stained glass in 3 dimension. How do you get to be so lucky to live in such an Artsy state?
ReplyDeletekestrel: I am very, very lucky. I also seek out art and beauty (and find lots of it).
DeleteI like how the translucent colors in the eyes and wing membranes calls to how colors actually refract off the surfaces of real insects. A fine mini detail for some pretty macro beasts!
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: Yes. I am blown away by the imagination, the research and the skill which went into the Mini=Beasts.
DeleteI LOVE those mini beasts EC, and what brilliant artists for honouring them. The other day a guy came to quote on cleaning windows here, I think he wished he hadn't. Just about the first thing he said was that I should spray the spiders. He looked very shocked when I said I'd never spray my spiders, and that the world needs more of them and more insects, not less. And that sprays get the beautiful peacock, jumping, jewell and bird poo spiders too etc and that impacts what the birds can eat... he ran away pretty quickly
ReplyDeleteKim: He would have got a very similar reaction here. I find spiders fascinating and escort any which make their way inside out - gently. Outside they can do what they want/go where they want. Many, many insects are incredibly beautiful in addition to be necessary.
DeleteJumping spiders, you say? Ack! :) I think I am partial to the first set of pics. That butterfly is a beauty.
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: Many of the jumping spiders are tiny beasties. I was glad to see them celebrated, but accept that not everyone feels as I do.
DeleteFascinating beautiful beasties you’ve got here EC The colors are so vibrant and powerful I suspect we need insects as much as bees where we all came from probably who knows?
ReplyDeleteSpacerGuy: We certainly need insects. And they are often beautiful too - but sadly maligned and overlooked.
DeleteThese are all so cool!
ReplyDeleteMartha: Welcome and thank you.
DeleteHello, EC!
ReplyDeleteGini and I hope your new week is going well.
What a terrific collection of beasties! Coincidentally, I just recently obtained my first photographs of both a jumping spider and a Cuckoo Bee. Really neat creatures!
The Cicadas are very seasonal, so perhaps yours are still snug underground and will soon burst forth with buzzing joy.
Take good care!
Wally Jones: Knowing your love of beasties I thought of you as I sought out the mini-beasts. We are going into autumn here so our cicadas have missed the boat.
DeleteI hope that you and Gini have a wonderful week.
Great photos of fantastic artwork
ReplyDeleteThe Blog Fodder: Thank you.
DeleteThese are glorious! Thank you for sharing! i'm catching up out here (again), and this is a delightful find!
ReplyDeleteHere in the eastern US we are about to get our 17 year cicada visit - millions upon millions will emerge and sing! Many people dread this, but i can't wait!
daisyfae: I don't think our cicadas are the same - in years gone by we heard them every year. I would love to hear their noisy songs again.
DeleteThose insects and spiders are gorgeous, what lovely vibrant colours! I wish they were real!
ReplyDeleteOh no, wait a moment, no I don't, that would be terrifying!
Shammickite: I hope that people who are insect phobic take the same attitude and see the beauty. Even my partner who loathes spiders said that the jumping spider sculpture was great.
DeleteThat is a beautiful sunrise you treated us with. The creature sculpture are beautiful too. Thank you for sharing them and also the video on the Peacock Spider, such an incredible little creature. Nature never fails to amaze me and may it be that way my whole life. I will be looking forward to the balloons next week.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. Like you I delight in nature and hope and expect to continue to do so until th end of my days.
DeleteWell, my favorite is definitely the butterfly. But this entire exhibit is amazing. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful glimpse of it!
ReplyDeleteSusan - of every moment: I am so glad that you (and others) enjoyed it as much as I did.
DeleteWow - what wonderful jewels!
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: Aren't they - and isn't it nice to see insects celebrated.
DeleteOh my what a special treat to view these gorgeously designed mini beasts but also the surrounding area, which is lovely too! Serves as a tour for us as well. I look forward to your balloon shots as well, they're always delightful too. Enjoy your week!
ReplyDelete21 Wits: Thank you. I really loved the mini beasts and, as you know, I adore balloons. I took literally hundreds of photos.
DeleteWow, so incredible.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: Just what I think.
DeleteWow! They're spectacular! So much talent and creativity. I enjoyed the video on the peacock spider, too - what fun to see such closeup photos. I generally take a charitable view of spiders, but seeing them up close in all their cute furriness makes me even fonder of them. :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: I am with you. I find spiders interesting anyway but the peacock spiders melt my stony heart.
DeleteI especially love the cicada. I love them in real life, too, such a magnificent jewel green ( I know there are other colours but I've only seen green)
ReplyDeleteThere is research happening to study the fall of the cicada. I forget what the hypothesis was but suffice to say it was one of the usual culprits: habitat loss, pesticide and climate
kylie: I feared those were the reasons for the silencing of their song. And I mourn.
DeleteBellissimi!!!
ReplyDeleteBuona giornata.
Giancarlo: It was beautiful wasn't it?
DeleteWow!! Those are stunning! I feel I could sit and study that butterfly all day! Gorgeous
ReplyDeleteJemi Fraser: I loved them too and was surprised (and a little sad) that the early morning people in the mall showed no interest.
DeleteWauu.. really fantastic art. And beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHugs
orvokki: Thank you. I loved them too. I suspect that next time I go into town they will be gone - and I am very glad to have seen them.
DeleteThese are amazing!! what lovely creatures. Love the cicada!!
ReplyDeletekaren: Aren't they great? I loved them all and hope they reappear next year.
DeleteThese are AMAZING!! WOW!!! Thanks for sharing the video EC! I felt sorry for the one male that got killed. Those male spiders really have to impress the females! LOL! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Thank you. And huge thanks for trawling through my older posts.
Delete