Who Knew Bugs Got So Busy?

I have to admit, I really hadn't noticed that bugs had sex lives lives until photographing Japanese Beetles for this blog. I suppose I knew they had to have sex in order to procreate, but thinking about bugs having sex is, well, almost akin to thinking about your parents having sex. Ewww. This is my last bug porn post, so enjoy it while it lasts.

The Japanese Beetles have migrated to a new tree set that I can actually get close to, so before I go knocking them into soapy water and drowning them, I decided to photograph them in their new setting. And, lo and behold, the bugs were having get-togethers in this tree, too! Since I was able to get closer shots (I wish I could figure out my macro settings, but maybe I don't want to get much closer than this), I began to notice that the various pairings are fond of one particular position...and yet, I discovered variations on a theme.

In this picture to the right, the male (I'm assuming he is male) has his front legs in the air. They aren't waving wildly; they are just...there. If they were waving, I could imagine him saying, "Whoa, guys, this bug chick is awesome!" But maybe he's paralyzed with ecstasy? Saying, "Look, Ma, no legs?" Dunno.

In the picture to the left, we see bugs with no legs out, bugs with only one leg out, and bugs still seeking a partner. I feel kind of sorry for them.

But this final picture is my favorite. These beetles are keeping their legs close, and that's a good thing, because they are living on the edge, baby! They look like they are about to fall off the leaf. It is good that bug sex apparently does not require much movement, or this would be their last encounter. Not sure if the bug above and to the right of them is simply there or is a peeping Tom. Are beetles voyeuristic, I wonder?