Close encounter with a forest master beetle

Meet Trypocopris vernalis, also known as the spring dor beetle — one of the true “masters” of the forest floor. Yesterday, while exploring a beautiful larch and pine forest near Rijen and Oosterhout (the Surea area) with my wife, I spotted this little armored worker quietly making its way through the moss. The day was grey and moody, but a brief ray of sunlight broke through — just enough to bring out that deep black sheen that makes these beetles so mesmerizing up close.

This shot was taken with my Canon 7D Mark II and the Canon MP-E 65mm super macro lens at 5× magnification — a lens that truly lets you dive into another world. At this distance, even a beetle’s face feels monumental. You can see the fine texture of its exoskeleton, this time no grains of forest soil clinging to it, and even the subtle reflection of the forest canopy above.

Scientifically speaking, Trypocopris vernalis plays a vital role in the ecosystem. It’s a dung beetle — recycling nutrients, aerating soil, and quite literally keeping the forest clean. A quiet little hero beneath our feet.

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Stepping into the world of ultra macro photography feels like opening a hidden door to another universe. With my Canon 5DsR paired with the Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens, I captured details so small that they often escape the naked eye — a baby snail so tiny it looks almost transparent, the intricate compound structure of a woodlouse’s eye, and the delicate links of a jewelry chain that suddenly appear monumental at this scale.

Some images transform the ordinary into the extraordinary: abstract bursts of color created from everyday objects under special lighting, or the cellular structure of a leaf, each “room” glowing like stained glass. I challenge you to guess which objects became these mysterious landscapes — share your thoughts in the comments!

Macro photography sits at the intersection of science and art. It reveals biological structures with near-microscopic precision, but it also creates dreamlike imagery that sparks imagination. To me, this is what makes it so magical: it’s both a tool of discovery and a form of creative expression.

This journey is only the beginning. The more I experiment, the more I realize how limitless this world is. Each millimeter holds a story — and I can’t wait to share more of them with you.

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Tiny Guardians of the Garden: 22-Spot Ladybirds in Arboretum Kalmthout

During a delightful visit to Arboretum Kalmthout with my son, an aspiring botanist, and a close friend I've mentored in photography, we encountered the charming 22-spot ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata), known in Dutch as the "citroenlieveheersbeestje." These petite beetles, measuring just 3–5 mm, are easily recognized by their bright yellow elytra adorned with 22 distinct black spots.

Unlike their aphid-eating relatives, these ladybirds have a unique diet: they feed on powdery mildew fungi, making them valuable allies in maintaining plant health.

Capturing them with my Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens was a rewarding challenge. This lens lacks a focus ring, requiring me to adjust focus by moving the camera—and myself—closer or farther from the subject. With the ladybirds and their perch swaying in the breeze, patience and steady hands were essential.

I prefer to embrace these natural challenges rather than manipulate the scene. The result: two images—one at maximum zoom out and another at maximum zoom in—highlighting the intricate details of these beneficial insects.

#PsylloboraVigintiduopunctata #22SpotLadybird #Citroenlieveheersbeestje #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #InsectPhotography #ArboretumKalmthout #BelgiumNature #MacroWorld #NaturePhotography #BeneficialInsects #GardenAllies #PowderyMildewEaters #TinyGuardians #InsectMacro #NatureLovers #MacroChallenge #WildlifePhotography #NaturalPestControl

A Day of Discovery at Arboretum Kalmthout

Embarking on a photographic adventure with my son and a close friend, we explored the vibrant Arboretum Kalmthout in Belgium. Armed with my Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, we delved into the intricate world of pollinators and blossoms.

Among our subjects was the Episyrphus balteatus, or snorzweefvlieg, a common hoverfly known for its distinctive orange and black bands. This species plays a crucial role in pollination and aphid control.

We also encountered the Apis mellifera carnica, or Krainer bij, a subspecies of the Western honeybee. Native to Central Europe, these bees are favored by beekeepers for their gentle nature and efficient foraging.

The arboretum's array of purple-hued flowers provided a stunning backdrop, enhancing the visual appeal of our subjects. With over 500 photos taken, this is just the beginning of sharing our day's discoveries.

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Shades of Pink: Using my Canon 5D Mark III paired with the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, I delved into the intricate details of pink botanical wonders.

Thalictrum aquilegifolium (Akeleiruit)

The first subject, Thalictrum aquilegifolium, commonly known as Akeleiruit, showcased its ethereal lilac-pink flowers. Native to Europe and Asia, this perennial thrives in moist, humus-rich soils, often found in woodland settings. Its feathery blooms, comprised of numerous stamens, create a soft, cloud-like appearance, attracting various pollinators.

Saxifraga hypnoides (Mossteenbreek)

Next, the Saxifraga hypnoides, or Mossteenbreek, presented a contrast with its compact growth and delicate white flowers tinged with pink hues. This alpine plant prefers shaded, rocky environments and is known for its moss-like foliage, which provides a lush green carpet punctuated by its star-shaped blossoms.

Unidentified Pink-Flowering Plant

The final subject remains a mystery—a tall, slender plant adorned with clusters of tiny pink flowers. Initially resembling Lythrum salicaria (kattenstaart), its more compact floral arrangement and elongated stems suggest otherwise.

Capturing these plants required patience and precision, especially given the shallow depth of field inherent to macro photography. Each image reveals the intricate structures and subtle color variations that often go unnoticed.

#ThalictrumAquilegifolium #Akeleiruit #SaxifragaHypnoides #Mossteenbreek #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #FlowerMacro #BotanicalPhotography #PlantIdentification #Wildflowers #NatureLovers #MacroWorld #InsectPollinated #PinkFlowers #WildflowerWednesday #NaturePhotography #MacroMagic #GardenInspiration #FieldBotany #NatureExploration #CloseUpNature #PlantLife #BloomingBeauty #FloralPatterns #NaturePerfection

Macro Marvel: The Intriguing Scorpionfly of Kampina

While exploring the Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the fascinating Common Scorpionfly (Panorpa communis), or "beenschorpioenvlieg" in Dutch. Drawn by its distinctive patterned wings and the male's curved, red-tipped abdomen—resembling a scorpion's tail—I was compelled to capture its unique features. Utilizing my Canon 5D Mark III with the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, I managed to photograph this elusive insect, despite its tendency to fly off before I could get close.

Scorpionflies are harmless insects belonging to the ancient order Mecoptera, dating back over 250 million years. The male's "tail" is actually a pair of claspers used during mating, not a stinger. These insects are scavengers, feeding on dead insects and sometimes stealing prey from spider webs. Their mating rituals are particularly intriguing; males present females with nuptial gifts, such as dead insects or saliva masses, to increase mating success.

Capturing this image was a rewarding challenge, highlighting the intricate beauty of this often-overlooked insect.

#PanorpaCommunis #Scorpionfly #Beenschorpioenvlieg #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #InsectPhotography #WildlifePhotography #Mecoptera #NatureLovers #Entomology #MacroWorld #InsectMacro #FieldPhotography #NatureExploration #Biodiversity

Macro Magic: Dimorphotheca ecklonis in Detail

While experimenting with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens at the Coppelmans garden center in Oisterwijk, I captured the intricate beauty of the Dimorphotheca ecklonis, commonly known as the Cape Marguerite or "de Spaanse margriet" in Dutch. This evergreen perennial, native to South Africa, boasts daisy-like flowers with white to purple petals and a dark central disc.

The macro perspective reveals individual pollen grains clinging to the stamens, with the contrasting yellow and black hues creating a striking visual. These flowers are not only ornamental but also attract pollinators, making them valuable in garden ecosystems.

Capturing such detail underscores the fascinating complexity of plant structures and the capabilities of macro photography.

#DimorphothecaEcklonis #SpaanseMargriet #CapeMarguerite #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #GardenPhotography #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #FlowerMacro #PollinatorFriendly #BotanicalBeauty #NatureLovers #FloralDetails

Geranium phaeum – The Dusky Cranesbill of Kampina

While exploring the serene Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the captivating Geranium phaeum, commonly known as the Dusky Cranesbill or "de donkere ooievaarsbek" in Dutch. This herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and thrives in woodland settings, preferring moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade.

The plant features deeply lobed, soft green leaves often marked with maroon blotches. Its distinctive deep maroon-purple flowers, approximately 2 cm across, bloom from late spring to early summer, providing an early nectar pollinator source.

Photographed with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, this close-up reveals the intricate details of the flower's reflexed petals and the crane-like shape of its seed heads, which inspired the genus name "Geranium," derived from the Greek word for crane.

Capturing this plant in its natural habitat underscores the rich biodiversity of Noord-Brabant's woodlands.

#GeraniumPhaeum #DuskyCranesbill #DonkereOoievaarsbek #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #WildflowerPhotography #WoodlandPlants #PollinatorFriendly #NatureLovers #BotanicalPhotography

Honeybee at Work – Kampina's Buzzing Pollinator

While exploring the diverse landscapes of the Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I captured a Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) diligently foraging among the wildflowers. This species plays a crucial role in pollinating a wide variety of plants, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the area. The Kampina's mix of heathlands, forests, and wetlands provides an ideal habitat for these industrious insects. Photographed with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens, this close-up reveals the intricate details of the honeybee's anatomy and its vital work in our ecosystems.

#Honeybee #ApisMellifera #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #NaturePhotography #WildlifePhotography #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #Pollinators #BeePhotography #InsectPhotography #NatureLovers

Coppery Mesemb – A Vibrant Touch in Tilburg

While exploring my garden in Tilburg, I captured the radiant beauty of the Coppery Mesemb (Malephora crocea) through the lens of my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens. This resilient succulent, native to Southern Africa, is renowned for its dazzling orange to red blooms and its ability to thrive in arid conditions. Its fleshy, triangular leaves store water, allowing it to flourish with minimal care. Beyond its visual appeal, the Coppery Mesemb serves as a valuable groundcover, aiding in erosion control and providing nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Capturing its intricate details up close reveals the delicate structures that contribute to its hardiness and charm.

#CopperyMesemb #MalephoraCrocea #SucculentLove #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #GardenPhotography #TilburgGardens #NoordBrabantNature #SucculentBloom #NatureLovers #PlantPerfection #MacroMagic #SucculentWorld #GardenInspiration