Romance In The Wilderness - A Beetle Love Story --- a photo essay

I'd gone up to the Badger Creek Wilderness to see how the Ball Point Wildfire had affected the area.

On the way back to my car something flew right in front of my face. It was some sort of beetle. I went over to the tree it landed on to see what was going on. Call me a voyuer, but what I saw next was a very special moment... 

She was a plain beetle, but with a good heart. She dreamed of someday having a family.

He was a dashing beetle with rugged good looks, on the hunt for for a healthy looking mate.

I'd like to say it was a romantic relationship. Love at first sight. But, quite frankly, I'm not sure she even saw him sneaking up from behind...

But, that didn't stop this six-legged Don Juan. He held her in his arms...

She reached back and gently stroked his leg, letting him know she approved.

Soon they were both satisfied. But, being a typical guy, he wandered off into the sunset.

But, she still had work to do. She drilled into the bark of the tree to place her eggs.

And that is the end of my touching tale of romance in the wilderness. I hope you enjoyed it...

If you did, you might also like Breakfast For A Crab Spider