Steelblue Ladybird

Yes, that is its name. This wee beetle was introduced into New Zealand around 1900 for the control of black scale. Ladybirds are great assets to the garden, gobbling up aphids and other tiny nasties. Sadly they also gobble up Monarch butterfly eggs according to Wikipedia.

I collected  some autumn leaves yesterday to pop in a vase as they were so pretty. They didnt last well in water at all, but as I as about to throw them out this morning, I spotted this little ladybird who had come along for the ride. He has gone off now to start dining  in my garden.

This is the largest I could get the tiny insect, using a macro filter. At last I have something to add to the collection for May Macro Mayhem.