<< Previous Next >>

Elusive Dryad


Elusive Dryad
Photo Information
Copyright: Nigel Deacon (Merlin) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 381 W: 223 N: 306] (958)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-08
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon Coolpix 4500
Exposure: f/5.0, 1/175 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Satyrinae - Worldwide [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2005-10-18 13:32
Viewed: 953
Points: 11
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
A new butterfly species for TN. Although not very colourful, the Dryad (Minois dryas) is notoriously difficult to photograph - so I'm quite happy with this shot!

The Dryad is found through central Europe as far south as the extreme north of Greece. It flies in clearings in woodland and in open meadows where its large dark, almost black form can be seen flapping through the grass and flowers at long distances. The larvae feed on various grasses. This species does not occur in the UK.

Original image uncropped, taken at ISO 100. It's backlit, midday, 34 degrees C and windy and the damn thing kept moving - all adds to the fun!
phlr, peter_stoeckl has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Hi Nigel,
thanks for showing us this wonderful "new" butterfly, we can learn so many things here and see animals, we've never seen before.
I like this one, there are enough colours in the photo of the nice flowers, it's a beautiful one. Very well done, thanks and bye
Sabine - wishnugaruda

  • Great 
  • phlr Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1276 W: 133 N: 874] (2804)
  • [2005-10-18 15:28]

Great capture indeed!
Very good sharpness and details!
5* photo!
Never saw this specie.

  • Good 
  • IdoTT Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 210 W: 19 N: 86] (482)
  • [2005-10-18 15:58]

Nice picture Nigel!
The light is too strong and i think F/5 is too open for this shot you should close a bit like to F/7 or F/8 and then the picture will come out fine!
Great sharpness the contrast in the picture is good maybe too mach strong... try less contrasted picture!

  • Great 
  • chiliu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1552 W: 0 N: 1169] (6448)
  • [2005-10-18 21:06]

Vrey nice macro!
Great sharpness, good colour and detail.
Well done and thanks for sharing!

  • Great 
  • law Gold Star Critiquer [C: 60 W: 2 N: 7] (87)
  • [2005-10-18 23:24]

Good shot! Great colors and sharpness.

Hello Nigel,
simply a good picture of a preciously rare and shy species, well set off from the background, well composed. Showing that this species as well as many other Satyridae does not go to the flower bar to have a drink but for taking a seat only.
By the way: I know a place a few miles north of Vienna where you can take pictures of the same species flying in abundance every August, at only 33 degrees C, and a lot of wind, too.
But I never managed to take any sharp picture from Minous dryas, at all. Compliments to you and your Nikon.
Best regards, Peter

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF