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6 Spot Burnet


6 Spot Burnet
Photo Information
Copyright: Nikos Biliouris (novaman) Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 43 W: 11 N: 264] (1037)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-07-28
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon EOS 20D, Sigma 150mm F2.8 APO Macro DG HSM
Exposure: f/9.0, 1/125 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-07-29 15:36
Viewed: 795
Points: 6
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Zygaenidae are a family of Lepidoptera (moths) typically day-flying with a slow fluttering flight, and with rather clubbed antennae. They generally have a metallic sheen and often prominent spots of red or yellow. The bright colours are a warning to predators that the moths are distasteful - they contain hydrogen cyanide throughout all stages of their life-cycle. Unlike most insects with such toxins, they manufacture these themselves rather than obtaining them from host plants (Scoble 1992). They are known to have mimicry complexes based on these toxins (Naumann et al., 1999).

Larvae are stout and may be flattened. Most feed on herbaceous plants, although some are vine or tree feeders. A fleshy extension of the thorax covers the head. Most feed on herbaceous plants, but there are some tree-feeders. Larvae in two subfamilies, Chalcosiinae and Zygaeninae, have cavities in which they store the cyanide, and can excrete it as defensive droplets (Niehuis et al., 2006)

The majority of Zygaenids are tropical, but they are nevertheless quite well represented in temperate regions. There are about 1000 species. Various species are commonly known as Burnet or Forester moths, often qualified by the number of spots, although other families also have 'foresters'. They are also sometimes called Smoky moths.
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Critiques [Translate]

Wonderful colors!
Great composition. The simple background is perfect for this shot. :)

Hi Nikos
It's a good time for Zygaenidae - there are a lot of puctures on TN. Your picture is also good. TFS

Chris

Hello Nikos,
You've taken very littl fellow lovely.
Very nice details and composition, lovely colours and nice POV, well framed too.
Well done and TFS,
Best wishes,
Kevin

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