Catasarcus ashphaltinus, Common red-legged weevil

Swan Coastal Plain, Perth, Western Australia

These large beetles can often be found on Jacksonia (stinkwood) shrubs in Banksia woodland. Once the beetle suspects capture is imminent it drops down from its perch and once in the undergrowth is often safe, I often turn this habit to my advantage by placing my insect net under the weevil before approaching it from above.

Photographed for the Meet Your Neighbours international nature photography project in Perth, Western Australia.

Canon EOS 7D with Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro lens; 1/250s at f/16 ISO 250, flash fired: from hand.