At ultra-high resolution, here is an intimate look at the creepy crawlies that will inhabit homes this winter, including the renowned daddy long-legs spider, red admiral, and common clothes moth.
Conservation charity Buglife teamed up with Sony in its “Hidden World of Bugs and Insects” report, a photo series showcasing 10 everyday bugs and insects living in homes this winter. The extreme close-up images were captured by United Kingdom-based photographer Mikael Buck.
Buglife conservation campaigns officer Vanessa Amaral-Rogers mourned that these little creatures are typically deemed as pests or vermin, and are hardly recognized for their huge ecological function.
“The amazing detail that is captured in the picture series reveals how magnificent and beautiful these common bugs and insects truly are, instead of simply seeing them as creepy-crawlies,” she said.
She pointed out that the cold season can be specifically difficult for bugs and insects, which rely on the sun’s heat for their everyday goings-on. This explains their movement to indoor spaces, such as the porch or attic.
“[L]adybirds can often number in the thousands when they find spaces to hibernate in,” Amaral-Rogers shared.
Announced back in June, Sony’s 42.4-million-pixel A7R II camera boasts what the brand touted as the first back-illuminated full-frame sensor in the world.
The top 10 bugs and insects people will likely be sharing their homes with this season are the house spider, European earwig, red admiral, common green lacewing, bluebottle fly, common clothes moth, seven-spot ladybird, silverfish, common woodlouse, and daddy long-legs spider.
More likely to be found running across the carpet and other parts of the home is the house spider, which stays indoors year round but is most conspicuous as the temperature drops. Here is how to work out whether one is a male or female spider: the former has a smaller body but longer legs than the latter.
A gardening favorite, the seven-spot ladybird is a cute tiny beetle that helps keep aphids under control. As it gets cold, they move indoors to hibernate and often stay together in clusters for warmth. They are dwindling in numbers, so it is recommended to leave them along in the house to get ready for spring.
The European earwig is believed to have a habit of climbing into human ears, although their name more likely originated from their ear-shaped wings. Contrary to a fearful reputation, they score high in caring and affection: the females are staunch defenders of their young, and they lick their eggs to keep them mold-free.
Learn more about Buglife and their conservation work and campaigns at www.BugLife.org.uk.
