I'm by no means an expert but here are a few tips.
Except for specific cases, forget about using f2.8 for macro. Your ISO will usually need to be close to 800 unless you're shooting in bright light. Decide on the use of tripods and/or speedlights to help stop motion. Partial crops (like above) rarely work as well as no crops or tight crops. Keep having fun whatever you do!
Affiong Bassey: Stan, thanks for the tips! Your comments are extremely helpful. I'll add these to my noteook for next time. I actually had a tripod, but since it was sunny these fellas were fluttering about all over the place I opted not to use it. Bit of a mistake. I did use a speedlite though. Again thanks. Will keep learning as that's the fun part.
I like this one very much, I know i do a lot of macros and DOF, I never use higher as 100 iso, I use a tripod sometimes unless i have enough light. BUT you did very well, keep trying, I am doing that too and it is fun!!
Affiong Bassey: Thanks Astrid. How are you? Still on vacation I see. Yes it's fun in deed. I'm determined to get it right.
Another tip, I think it usually works if you've got a bright viewfinder, and that's to focus on the eye of something that's alive. Somehow the rest works itself out. Stan is the true expert here.
Affiong Bassey: Thanks Ellie. Another tip that's being jotted in the note book. I'll keep practicing and will post the results.