TWO "BAD BOY" BEETLES

It never ceases to amaze me, as I observe the tiniest creatures... they act just like humans (or we act like them?)  Macho males and loudmouth young punks talking trash.  Yep, it is on all levels of life it seems.  However, the humor allowed the observer is one I enjoy immensely and share with you in the dramatic moments photographed below.  I will affectionately call them Big Dog and Lil Pup, which sets the mood of territorial dominance.  

 Big Dog Beetle eyes Lil Pup coming into his leaf space.

 Big Dog is cool and simply walks away, trying to ignore him. Maybe he'll just go away.

 But no, Lil Pup is like "Hey, whatcha doin? Wow, you big AND ugly. You a boy or girl?"

 Big Dog "WHOA, I KNOW he is NOT smelling my butt?!"

 Big Dog thinking  "Just ignore him and he'll go away.  Stay cool.  Stay calm."  

 Lil Pup "Hey, You a BIG bad boy beetle, huh?  Hey, I'm talkin' to you."

 Lil Pup huffing up his wings and lifting his butt  "Look at me, I'm bad.  You scared huh?"

 "Yeah, you SHOULD be scared.  Maybe I'll just come over there and slap you off MY leaf!"

 "Yeah, that's right.  You too scared to even look at me, huh?  You're not so BIG and BAD?" 

 Then slowly, Big Dog starts turning his head ... Lil Pup "Uh Oh...Gotta go!"

 RUN Lil Pup, RUN!  Big Dog's tired of you talkin' smack and gonna whoop your a__!

However, some time later...Lil Pup gave Big Dog the respect he deserved.