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Black Rajah (Charaxes solon)


Black Rajah (Charaxes solon)
Photo Information
Copyright: kv vral (vral) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 64 W: 1 N: 218] (1049)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-09-21
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon 40D DSLR, Sigma 70-300mm, 4-5.6, APO DG Macro
Exposure: f/8, 1/200 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Butterfly Encyclopedia [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-11-12 0:23
Viewed: 689
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Hello Friends,
This is an uncommon Black Rajah (Charaxes solon) seen in an unusual place (terrace of a nine storied building amidst busy city life of Egmore (Chennai) for more than half an hour). Pl. see the workshop for two more closed wing positions.

It was a cloudy morning and I was practicing flight shots of some raptors on that terrace.

Though I could make some long shots of this Black Rajah, on my slow approach it flew off for two attempts at the distance just more than two meters. Could make only closed wing shots then. Finally I made this shot by clearing that two meters in 20 minutes from behind (by that time I’ve made more than 10 shots).

After this, when I moved to the side in that same snail pace, it flew away. Not seen again.

I could see some Tamarind trees around, which is one of their favorite.

Black Rajah (Charaxes solon) is a butterfly species found in tropical Asia. It belongs to the Charaxinae (Rajahs and Nawabs) in the brush-footed butterfly family (Nymphalidae).

It is a medium sized butterfly with a 70 to 80 mm wingspan. Above the butterfly is dark brownish-black with greenish or white discal bands across both the wings. The band is broken into spots towards the apex of the forewing. The hindwing has two similar-sized tails at veins 2 and 4. These tails are longer in the females and more pointed in the males.

Its egg is transparent yellow and spherical in shape. It has longitudinal ridges. The egg has a dark red uneven band around its upper half. The caterpillar is dark green in colour with irregular rows of yellow tubercles. The caterpillar is cylindrical in shape and may have a round white blotch on the seventh segment. The head is outcurved and has horns and spines.

The pupa is short, dark green and it has a lateral longitudinal line which is marbled white.

The butterfly is found in South Asia and South East Asia. It occurs in Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Indo China, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Philippines (Palawan, Sulu islands). In India, the butterfly occurs in South India, and the Himalayas right from Kumaon, Sikkim, into Bhutan, through Assam and onto Myanmar. At least in South Asia, it is not rare.

The Black Rajah is generally a low-elevation butterfly and can be found at altitudes up to 1950 m (6500 feet) ASL.

The caterpillars generally feed on Fabaceae, such as tamarind Tamarindus indica. At least on Borneo but probably elsewhere too, adults do generally not visit carrion or old fruit to drink liquids.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charaxes_solon

Thanks for stopping by.
nagraj, maurydv, flashpoint, sandpiper2, Alutka has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Vral,

Both three pictures are great. Excellent focus and sharpness. Detail is amazing. Excellent exposure and natural colours. Thanks for sharing these superb pictures.
Cheers,
Mariki

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1899 W: 36 N: 5579] (18518)
  • [2008-11-12 0:49]

Hi KV,
Outstanding shot of this gorgeous looking Black Rajah with immaculate sharpness and crisp details on its wings. Great open-winged pose captured with perfect DOF and lighting. Looks very elegant. Excellent composition.
TFS.
Sumon

hi kv,
yes, this one a surprise, i haven't seen this one here, we miss this beauty. good capture, very good details to see and appreciate (here and with closed wings), though its unusual location. tfs.
nagraj.v

Ciao Kv,
splendida macro di Charaxes solon, una meravigliosa farfalla catturata con ottimi dettagli, bellissima la composizione con uno stupendo BG diagonale a due colori, molto belli e contrastati ci colori della farfalla. A very good work.
TFS.
Maurizio

Hi Kv,
a good composition of this elegant butterfly
with amazing color and shape of wings
excellent sharpness and focus

best sERGIO

Hi kv

2 metres in 20 mins shows a lot of patience. But it was worth, as this is and excellent shot. Stunning sharpness and I like the angled composition.

Chris

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1978 W: 6 N: 5527] (19673)
  • [2008-11-12 5:12]

Hi Vral,not easy to comment a beauty like that!!!Wonderful and perfect pic,colors and details at the top,the point of view is fanatstic,my best compliments,another great beauty in your gallery,have a nice day,Luciano

Hi,
beautiful, exquisite butterfly, and excellent picture! Very good DOF and interesting point of view. Perfect sharpness and lighting.
TFS and best wishes
Alina

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 4 N: 3262] (14691)
  • [2008-11-13 2:00]

Hello Vral, superb image and just brilliant. Excellent clarity. Ganesh

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