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Melanargia galathea


Melanargia galathea
Photo Information
Copyright: Harm Alberts (Harm-digitaal) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 100 W: 1 N: 1508] (5928)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-08-07
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon EOS 300D, Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L USM Macro
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): European Butterflies 7 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-12-08 0:35
Viewed: 740
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 6
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Melanargia galathea / Dambordje / Marbled White / Schachbrett oder Damenbrett / Le Demi-Deuil ou Le Blanc Marbré.

The Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. Found across most of Europe (not Scandinavia), north Africa and as far east as Iran. The late twentieth century has seen an expansion of its range in the UK.

Despite its common name this butterfly is one of the "browns", subfamily Satyrinae. They are a common sight in unimproved grasslands.
Like other members of its subfamily, the larvae feed on various grasses. The full range is unknown but it is thought that Red Fescue Festuca rubra is essential in their diet. Eggs are laid on the wing or from brief perches on grass stems and are just sprinkled among the grass stems. Upon hatching the larvae immediately enter hibernation and only feed the following spring when the fresh growth occurs. They are a lime green with a dark green line running down the middle of their back. Pupation takes place at ground level in a loose cocoon. Adults emerge in July and on a good site in warm, sunny weather thousands can be seen gently fluttering amongst the grass heads.

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marbled_White

Die Falter erreichen eine Spannweite von bis zu 4,5 cm. Die Flügeloberseiten sind schwarz-weiß (bis gelblich) gefleckt.
Der Schmetterling fliegt von Ende Juni bis August
Melanargia galathea ist in hügeligen Gebieten und Waldrändern mit Kalkböden und auf sehr verschiedenen Grasflächen anzutreffen.
Die überwinternden, verborgen lebenden Raupen fressen an weichen Gräsern, wie z.B. dem Honiggras. Sie sind grünlich oder sandfarben und längsgestreift (schwarz und weiß).

Source:http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schachbrett_%28Schmetterling%29
phlr, accassidy, Luis52 has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Harm,
I guess this is the underneath of the one we saw the top of yesterday. Very fine detail, excellent macro. Thanks.
Alan

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1026 W: 5 N: 2887] (10445)
  • [2007-12-08 7:01]

Hola Harm.- Un Macro de Exelente calidad. Muy nitida y con hermosos colores tanto de la flor como de la Mariposa.
Saludos Luis52.

excelent photo

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