Chocolate bug

Every year about this time, we begin to find leaf-footed bugs near the doors and windows, as they come in looking for a warm place to sleep over the winter. Every year, I take photos.

I love these bugs, even though they have killed a couple of our young evergreens. They are calm, patient critters, as curious as cats, sociable and co-operative. And so elegant! And so, each year, I try to capture some of that personality on camera, with variable success.

Here's this year's attempt.

They're always neat, in their formal coat with its inset of chocolate pleated silk, and a short cape for warmth on the shoulders.

See what I mean by "co-operative"? He's perfectly willing to sit still for long photo sessions, unrestrained, on whatever background I choose for him, under hot lights, only occasionally swinging an antenna my way, as if to ask, "Almost done?"

The hind part of the forewings reminds me of those chocolates we get at Christmas.

The sides, belly, and legs are marked in a checkerboard pattern in vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate tones.

And on the back of his head, he wears a regal crown.

Two-toned antennae bases , and a sprinkling of gold dust over all. Ready to go!

His curiosity got the better of him. He left his assigned place and came to look at the camera.

And crawled up over the lens. End of this photography session!

Now he's waiting in a pill bottle until I find a companion for him. I won't put him outside in the cold, but he's not allowed to hole up in my furniture or carpets, either.