There are thousands of its friends around...

July and the right weather for flying ants to try flying. This one got into the house and is settled on a large orchid (courtesy of Tesco, I think — the orchid, not the ant).

Species/Subspecies? Shiny black body, orange legs, yellow spot on back of head, red spot on wing. Its mother loved it, I hope. Never noticed one before. Location? N E Scotland, sitting room coffee table.

Canon 65mm Macro at x3. I definitely NEED a heavier and steadier tripod for these seriously macro attempts. Christmas, anyone? The x5 shots came out, but not well...