This chaotic cluster of Savage flower beetles gathered for a feeding frenzy—some went straight for the food, others… straight for each other. Typical behavior for these opportunistic flower beetles: when resources are abundant, so is the romance. Mating often happens right in the middle of feeding, because why not multitask? Efficient. Unbothered. Slightly scandalous. #savageflowerbeetles #entomology #coleoptera #beetlebehavior #insectfacts #bugbuffet #naturedoingitsthing

We often admire butterflies in motion—fluttering through the air like delicate dreams. But what happens when the flight ends? Look closer. Closer still. Under a macro lens, their wings become galaxies—each scale a shimmering tile in a mosaic of wonder. These patterns aren’t painted. They’re formed through the precise arrangement of microscopic scales that catch and scatter light in extraordinary ways. There’s something profoundly moving about this: ✨ That even after life has passed, a butterfly continues to tell its story. ✨ That beauty doesn’t disappear—it transforms. ✨ That nature’s design holds wonder far beyond what the eye first sees. So this is your invitation: To slow down. To notice the hidden. To see the extraordinary in what’s often overlooked. #EvenInDeath #ButterflyWings #MacroPhotography #NatureDetails #InsectArt #EntomologyLove #NaturalHistory #BeautyInDecay #WingScales #ButterflyCloseup #HiddenWorlds

My final Savage Flower Beetle has ”hatched” ✨ You’ll catch a glimpse of her first movements—just one leg poking out of the cocoon—before I carefully open it up and introduce her to her waiting siblings in the terrarium. It’s always such a magical moment watching these beetles emerge after weeks (sometimes months) of transformation. She’s healthy, curious, and already exploring her new home! #SavageFlowerBeetle #BeetleHatch #InsectCollector #EntomologyLife #BeetleTerrarium #BeetleTransformation #ColeopteraLove #BugMagic

Meet one of my new crystal red shrimp, a tiny dude with a simple life philosophy: Eat. Poop. Repeat. Unfortunately for him, I keep interrupting his routine with my camera. Sorry, buddy, but you’re just too cute not to film! #ShrimpLife #CrystalRedShrimp #AquariumAdventures

Beetles might look a little intimidating, but up close, they’re just miniature armored climbers. This one decided my hand was the perfect place to hang out—claws included! Would you hold one?” #BeetleLife #InsectEnthusiast #BugsAreCool #EntomologyLovers #NatureUpClose #CreepyOrCute #TinyClimbers #BeetleMania #InsectMagic

Take a moment to appreciate the little details in nature—you never know what beauty you’ll find. #coleopteraart #nature #wildlifeart #beetleart #entomology #illustration

Meet the artist: Grant Menzies Hey everyone, and welcome to all my new followers! Thought it was time you got to know a little more about the person behind all the bug art: A Scottish born artist living in Sweden 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤍🇸🇪 I’ve been drawing since I could hold a crayon (probably ate a few back then too), mostly inspired by nature, flora and fauna. But trips to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh ignited a lifelong fascination with insects, especially for beetles! 🪲 After studying art in high school and illustration in college, life took a bit of a detour. But in 2023, I rediscovered my passion for drawing and Coleoptera.art was born! ✨ My medium of choice? Coloured pencils, all the way. I love the detail and the challenge of creating photorealistic art. Seeing those tiny details come to life is pure magic. ✏️ Fun fact: I actually collect my own insect specimens (mostly beetles, of course!) to use as inspiration and reference for my drawings. When I’m not covered in pencil dust I work in commercial property management as a digital marketer, chill in front of my aquarium at home (been a fish-keeper most of my life), or I’m out on the golf course making some divots and hopefully a few pars! Oh, and did I forget? I also published a children’s book a few years back, with another one in the works! Check it out here @conniebooks And yes. I love the band Teenage Fanclub! (But I’m actually more of a metal lover) 🎶🎸🤘 So, that’s me (in short)! Thanks for following along on my artistic journey. What are you curious about? Feel free to leave a comment below! . . . . . . . #meettheartist #insectart #coleoptera #colouredpencils #nature #illustration #scottishartist #scotland #sweden #scotlandmuseums #nationalmuseumofscotland #insectsofinstagram #bugart #aboutme #polychromos @nationalmuseumsscotland #teenagefanclub

Final Day at the Home & Living Trade Fair! 🏡✨ It’s the second and final day of the Home and Living Trade Fair here in Nyköping! If you haven’t stopped by yet, now’s your last chance. My stall is packed with nature-inspired art, including posters, original artwork, postcards, mugs and framed insects. And for something extra special… I have two incredible beetle species on display, making a rare appearance! If you’re curious about these fascinating creatures, come take a closer look. Looking forward to meeting more of you today—let’s make the last day a great one! 🪲 📍 Find me at stall B:19 ⏳ Open between 10 - 16 today (16 March) @nykoping_oxelosund_bomassa #HomeAndLivingFair #ArtAndNature #BeetleArt #FramedInsects #Nyköping

Exciting News! 🪲✨ This weekend, March 15-16, I’ll be showcasing and selling my framed insect displays at Nyköpings Bomässa! Each frame features meticulously preserved beetles (and one stunning bee!), perfect for collectors, nature lovers, or anyone who appreciates the beauty of insects. Whether you’re looking for a unique piece of decor or a special gift, these frames highlight the incredible diversity of the insect world. Come by, say hi, and take a closer look at these fascinating specimens! Looking forward to seeing you there. 📍 Nyköpings Bomässa 📅 March 15-16 #FramedInsects #BeetleArt #NaturalHistory #Entomology #HomeDecor #NyköpingsBomässa @nykoping_oxelosund_bomassa

Pinning a Rainbow Milkweed Locust 🦗🌈✨ This incredible locust from Madagascar looks like a living piece of art with its bold colors and striking patterns. In this sped-up clip, I’m pinning it to preserve its shape and display its details. 𝘗𝘩𝘺𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘹𝘰𝘴𝘶𝘴 feeds on toxic milkweed, making it poisonous to predators—an amazing example of nature’s defense strategies! Such a vibrant and fascinating species—have you ever seen a locust this colourful? Let me know what you think! 💬 #Entomology #InsectCollection #PhymateusSaxosus #RainbowMilkweedLocust #BugPinning #MadagascarWildlife

✨ Bringing Nature to Life, One Stroke at a Time ✨ Hi, I’m Grant Menzies, the artist behind @coleoptera.art—a space where beetles, insects, and the small wonders of nature take center stage. 🪲🦋 🌺🌿 Ever since I can remember, I’ve been captivated by the tiny details of the natural world. My journey into entomology art started about 1.5 years ago when I stumbled into the enchanting realm of beetles. Since then, I’ve been illustrating these incredible creatures with my trusty Polychromos pencils, celebrating their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and undeniable charm. Beyond my illustrations, I also keep and care for real beetles—because what better way to understand these creatures than to live alongside them? From tiny Pachnoda larvae growing into stunning adults to magnificent Savage Flower Beetles, beetle keeping has deepened my appreciation for these often-overlooked insects. In my Etsy shop, you’ll find Fine Art Prints, Posters, Postcards, Mugs, and Original Artwork—each piece a tribute to the intricate beauty of nature. Whether you’re an insect enthusiast, a fellow artist, or just someone who finds joy in the small things, I hope my work inspires a sense of wonder. Let’s connect over our shared love for the tiny, fascinating details of the world! ✨ #ColeopteraArt #EntomologyArt #Illustration #Beetles #BeetleKeeping #Insects #Nature #FineArtPrints #PolychromosPencils #TheSmallThings

“Småkryp” – the tiny wonders of nature 🪲✨ Meet Stictoleptura rubra, a striking longhorn beetle often overlooked but full of beauty. With its elegant reddish-brown body and long antennae, it plays an important role in our ecosystems, helping to break down dead wood and keep forests thriving. Next time you see a småkryp like this, take a moment to appreciate the details—nature is full of masterpieces hidden in plain sight. 🌿🧡 #Småkryp #StictolepturaRubra #NatureDetails #BeetleArt #TinyWonders