Friday, July 16, 2010

Jaws

I found this divine flying creature on the sidewalk.
I almost mistook it for a leaf.

I'm calling it Jaws because I have no idea what it is.
Look at the pincers. Or is it a mighty mandible?

The pattern in the wings is so subtle and beautiful.
It is about three inches long. Any ideas?
See more pictures on flickr.
***
A little update:
thanks to flickr friends 
this is a female dobsonfly!

15 comments:

holly aka golly said...

Someone just identified it for me on flickr ... it is a dobsonfly!

pRiyA said...

If it were bigger it could have been one of those strange, flying creatures seen in movies like Avatar.

Unknown said...

Is this an invader from overseas? Add him to your collection Holly!

Courtney said...

I've never seen anything like that. He looks like he's part ocean creature. A dobsonfly - I'm going to have to keep my eyes open for one.

holly aka golly said...

I was just looking at vials for my little treasures - I need to do a little bug collecting research as my last find - a luna moth was infested with ants and I had to get rid of it.

Totalfeckineejit said...

One person's divine creature is anothers abject squishable horror!!

holly aka golly said...

true very true ; )

Laura said...

he is fearsome whatever he/she is. great find. beautiful in a prehistoric way.

holly aka golly said...

Laura, fearsome, now there's a fabulous word!

blue china studio happy said...

Oh my, insects are very fascinating but if that landed on me I'm not sure what I would do. Probably not something very graceful or charming.

Very very cool specimen for your collection.

Witch Lab said...

oh my god what a lucky find!!!!

Unknown said...

Nature is just so amazing but honestly this makes my skin crawl!
Reckon your interpretation will be everso slightly more charming...

Lynn Lunger said...

Splendid discovery!

holly aka golly said...

Thank you all for stopping by! Have a lovely evening!

Red Ruby Rose said...

Wow, I had to Google a 'dobsonfly' as it's not a critter that has made its way to UK shores. I love the wiki description - that they are named 'the king bug" because of their intimidating tusks and kingly features. Marvellous!