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SIX-LEGGED WATER CATCHER


SIX-LEGGED WATER CATCHER
Photo Information
Copyright: Radomir Jaskula (cicindela) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1307 W: 0 N: 2925] (8635)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-09-14
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon Coolpix 5400, Raynox DCR-250, @ ISO 50
Exposure: f/7.8
Details: Tripod: Yes (Fill) Flash: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Insects (Insecta) [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-09-23 15:05
Viewed: 1062
Points: 32
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Hello!!!
Today another insect picture, and another beetle which likes sandy places :>

This is a darkling beetle - most probably a member of genus Tentyria (Tenebrionidae: Pimeliinae: Tentyriini).

This little specimen (some 25mm) was found on sandy road near River Strimonas, N Greece.

As at this moment I can not provide any details about species (as ID is in progress :>) so I would like to write here some facts about some other Tenebrionidae species which like sand and high temperature - a few words about species from...desert of Namibia ;>

There are about 20 000 species of Tenebrionidae living in most areas of the world, with many of them easy to find in sandy areas with high temperatures. Among them there is a few with fantastic morphological adaptations to survive in very hot region - Nanib Desert in Namibia. These species can are real xerocole (which means that they evolved strictly to live in desert conditions). They are wax-proofed, and have different scales and spines on the body to expose their surfaces.
Why?
The answer is really interesting :>
During a day the temperature is so high that humidity is extremely low, and for beetles there is no chance to collect any water. On the other hand during the night, when humidity is higher, the temperature is too low, and insects are not very active. So the only period to be active and have any chance for water is the beginning of day - a sunrise :>
During this time darkling beetles "straighten up" and raise their abdomens (head is still very low, close to surface of the ground). In this position they "catch" water from the mist and dew - water drops flow just to the mouth-parts of the insect!!! Amazing strategy, am I right? :>
What is interesting, such behaviour was noted till now also in some desert lizards.


Well, what to say at the end? We all know that the problem with water is really a huge problem for human, especially during last decades. I hope not, but who knows, maybe some day this unique strategy of desert beetles will be the only way to survive for human...
jrobertop, boreocypriensis, rousettus, ramthakur, matatur, haraprasan, gannu, Argus, uleko, Silvio2006, cataclysta has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Radomir.
Excellent macro image!
Fine details and texture.
This perspective is well appropriate.
Interesting contrast of tonality.
Well done!
José Roberto

Hi Radek, a wonderful capture of this tenebrionid -(I also captured some species from this family: Blaps sp, Pimelia sp & Pedinus bodemeyeri)- accompanying with great notes on its strategy on the obtaining water in arid biotopes.
Many thanks for sharing this fine image my friend!
Cheers,

Bayram

Hello Radomir,
a great macro shot for this Tenebrionid species. Using flash light wonderful. there is no shiny area. Wonderful OOF and sharpness of focus with f/7.8. Details also superb. Light BG contrasting its dark colors nicely. POV and composition also great as like frame and informative notes. Thanks for sharing, best wishes my friend
Ahmet

  • Great 
  • EOSF1 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1381 W: 126 N: 5246] (23469)
  • [2008-09-23 18:11]

Hello Radomir! Super sharp macro! Very nice details and very good exposure! Thanks!

Mario

Yet another superb macro of a black Beetle crawling along on the sandy earth, Radomir.
You are the expert of insects par excellence and it shows in this sharp and crisp image.
Well done and TFS.
Ram

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1978 W: 6 N: 5527] (19673)
  • [2008-09-24 0:33]

Hi Rado,the details and the sharpness of this little beetle are impressive! A very top quality pic,excellents note note,thanks for share your precious work,have a nice day and my best compliments,Luciano

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2001 W: 226 N: 6845] (24727)
  • [2008-09-24 2:05]

Very nice shot of this beetle.
The note was fascinating!
Excellent composition.
Superb sharpness.
Very good light.

Well done Radomir,

Joe

A fine and sharp macro-capture Radomir, your exposure was perfect for this black beetle, not easy to glean this much detail from a dark object. The water management strategy of this tenebrionid is indeed interesting, should be investigated more thoroughly in these days of global water shortages.
Mehmet

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 4 N: 3262] (14691)
  • [2008-09-24 4:54]

Hello Radomir, Subject well presented and well composed. nice view and good focus. Ganesh

Hi Radomir,

great macro shot from thiis Darkling beetle.
Exellent details and nice pov.
Very good dof.

Gert

  • Great 
  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1112 W: 23 N: 3660] (13089)
  • [2008-09-25 3:16]

Hi Radomir,
very well taken Macro - as usual, you have superb clarity and details, not only in the bettle but in it's surroundings. DOF is also very good - you area a master of this type of photography!
Paul

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3824 W: 190 N: 11393] (35107)
  • [2008-09-25 3:24]

Hello Radomir,
A superb macro of this arid-biotope Tenebrionid beetle.
Technically of high quality with optimum use of flash to give a sharp well-exposed image with fine DOF from this side POV.
Very good note too my friend,
Thanks for sharing that and this excellent image,
Regards from a foggy Scania,
Ivan

Hello Radomir,

Splendid capture of this beetle. Excellent POV and DOF. Great focus. Very good reproduction of the textures. Great 3D effect. The exposure and colours are very good too.
Cheers,
Mariki

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2999 W: 162 N: 984] (2877)
  • [2008-09-25 7:47]

Hello Radomir,
Great capture of this little 'darkling' Beetle, a name I haven't heard of before! Very fine low POV and sharp details. A very interesting note too!
Many thanks and I hope the rain stops soon!
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

Hi Radek,
A nice capture of this beautiful black xerocole. And I also liked your notes a lot. Very well composed shot with sharp details. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Hi Radomir, fantastic macro with wonderful details and superb sharpness, very well done, ciao Silvio

Czesc Radziu
Fajny blyszczacy, czarny robak ;-) Laden ostre zdjecie. Podoba mi sie boczne ujecie i chyba robak pierwszy raz na TN
Pozdrawiam
Krzys

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