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Citrus Swallow Tail


Citrus Swallow Tail
Photo Information
Copyright: Ganesh visnik (coolnik) Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 44 W: 0 N: 50] (575)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-12
Categories: Insects
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Butterflies of India 2 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-01-04 9:06
Viewed: 860
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Citrus Swallowtail (Papilio Demoleus)

Habitat: Everywhere
Difference in Sex: Very similar
Diet: Rutaceae plant species and Citrus trees
Enemies: Parasitic Wasps

This species is known as the Citrus Swallowtail (or Lime Swallowtail) as its caterpillars feed of various plants in the citrus family. It can be a pest to citrus orchards. It has a distinct black and yellow scale pattern, especially around the base of the front wings. The hind wings each have a distinctive bright red spot and lacks the tails that give the swallowtail family their name.

Pest status: The citrus swallowtail is widespread in Namibia and found in most gardens and fields. It does not cause economical damage to fully grown trees but is known to damage young seedlings in the nursery.

Description: The eggs are laid singly on the citrus leaves. They are about one millimeter in dimameter and white. The young caterpillar has spikes and a pattern of brown, black and white coulouring that makes it look like a birds dropping. it grows to 1-1.5 cm before changing into the green type of caterpillar. The older caterpillar grows to a size of 3-4 cm and changes colour to green with white or pinkish markings. There are also eye markings on the front part. When the caterpillar is disturbed or scared, it sends out two orange "antennae" that are intended to scare away enemies. These "antennae" also emits a bad smell. They are withdrawn again once the scare is over. When the caterpillar comes to maturity, it fastens itself to a citrus branch and slowly change into a pupae. The butterfly may emerge after a week or so, depending on the temperature and humidity. The butterfly is a large swallowtail with black and yellow markings and red/blue eye spots on the hindwings. It flies all year round in gardens and fields and frequents flowers or lays eggs on citrus trees. During flight it looks more yellow than black.

Reference:

http://www.butterflycreek.co.nz/gallery_citrus_swallowtail.php

http://www.larsen-twins.dk/51citruss.html
Maite, star74, uleko, coasties, c_rapp has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Namste Ganesh,
Here you are with another good picture of butterfly. Its a very nice image. Well exposed. Great details and sharpness. Only thing that is bothering is riht wing is cropped.Hope to see full picture in workshop.Well done And kip it up.

regards
Mahesh

  • Great 
  • taba Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 481 W: 128 N: 304] (1703)
  • [2007-01-04 9:20]

Hi Ganesh
Itīs a very sharp photo of a betterfly..
Good DOF, POV and colours, with a background good enough to do not mix with the butterfly.
well done.
Taba

  • Great 
  • Maite Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1007 W: 64 N: 1266] (5195)
  • [2007-01-04 9:53]

Hello Ganesh
Excellent shot, perfectly sharp and clear. Excellent color and composition too and a very good information.
Very good job. Thank you very much for sharing.
Best wishes
Maite

hello ganesh,
nice shot,
well composed with fine pov,
sharpness and the details captured are excellent,
very well done,
tfs & regards
pankaj

  • Great 
  • star74 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 212 W: 3 N: 598] (2474)
  • [2007-01-04 11:20]

Hi Ganesh,
Magnificent shot of this butterfly.
Very vivid colors.
Details,sharpness and POV is marvellous.
Well done

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1899 W: 36 N: 5579] (18518)
  • [2007-01-04 11:50]

Hi Ganesh,
Wonderful shot. Superb colours and sharpness. Excellent DOF and POV. It seems like it posed for you. Nicely composed. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3001 W: 162 N: 989] (2897)
  • [2007-01-04 12:51]

Hello Ganesh,
Brilliant close-up of this wonderful butterfly showing clear details set off against the green background. A little closely cropped on the right but otherwise a very nice composition.
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

Hi Ganesh

Lovely shot of the Citrus Swallowtail. Nice work. :-)

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3067 W: 231 N: 6167] (21074)
  • [2007-01-05 2:55]

That is a beautiful butterfly, Ganesh.
What a distinctive design on the wings,
with very striking color contrast.
Details and sharp.
Wish you had left a bit more space on the bottom right side.
TFS. : )

  • Great 
  • Arjun Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 359 W: 7 N: 1114] (5420)
  • [2007-08-26 10:31]

hi,
superb picture,
congrats.
TFS

Hello Ganesh
sharpness and colors is a value of this shot
drawings very interesting
thank for sharing

regards sERGIO

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