A successful 50:50 division of sky and ground; way to go when you can't decide which way to apply the rule of thirds haha.

The "leaf plates" don't seem very spikey - is this a characteristic of this species or is spikiness a bit seasonal? Nice how the tones vary on the one plant. I like the sky too.

Agree, colour would have best conveyed their presence/impact.

Maybe they're getting their beetle juice from the stem?

invasion!

nicely captured image ... these aren't those lantern beetles are they? they are colorful but highly damaging to the plants and trees.

I wonder if the plant is a Lily? There is some sort of little red beetle that infects them. Quite a busy little cluster indeed.

solid black and white. Wonderful tonal range and highlight control.

I love how they all work together.

lovely memories