Thanks for the comments. Yes, the flash is VERY hard to keep from being harsh on shiny insects. These aren't too bad tho. I'm always disappointed with these kind of shots. The only way around this is to use natural light, but that's not possible most of the time. Even natural light sometimes ruins the image. Diffusers help, but I get mixed results with that as well.
what are you using to diffuse that ring flash? I know the overexposed areas of the shiny bugs is a given, but i just meant it overall looked strong. I should definitely grab a book! i hate the fact that i have no idea what these bugs are that i shoot lol