These are a couple of my hiking buddies from my old stomping grounds...Ft. Ord National Monument. I will be heading back there this week and am looking forward to catching up with them.
I don't know how many times I have tried to photograph lizards and the scurry away right at the last second. This one was very patient with me. Look at those gorgeous scales!
I have always known this as a stink bug but its proper name is Pinacate beetle. There is a healthy population of these beauties in the hills of the Central Coast of California but they are considered a desert insect. I especially like their notched/sectioned antennae and feet.
This is my submission for the #animalphotography contest sponsored by 
Want to join the fun? Check out this link: https://steemit.com/photography/@juliank/happymondaysteemitshareyourfoodandanimalphotography-201801220000016990
