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CUCKOO AMONG INSECTS

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CUCKOO AMONG INSECTS
Photo Information
Copyright: Radomir Jaskula (cicindela) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 985 W: 0 N: 2070] (6080)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-04-04
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon Coolpix 5400, 35-105 mm 1:4,5-5,6, @ ISO 50
Exposure: f/7.2
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Insects (Insecta), Insects' World, Hymenoptera: bees, wasps and ants, (sawflies) [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-04-22 11:05
Viewed: 523
Points: 58
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Hello my Friends!
After almost 3 weeks I am back! :>
And because during last four months for me it was almost impossible to take pictures of insects, I would like to present the most "fresh" one today :>

This is a Cuckoo Wasp - Vespa austriaca, rather common species belonging to family Vespidae in order Hymenoptera.
And even if it is generaly rather common species in Europe, it is also one of only 4 members of this genus known from Ireland.

And even if the species is not rare, it is still very interesting because of its unusual biology. This wasp do not build its own nests but it is a true... cuckoo among insects!!! It is a brood parasite, laying its eggs in the nests of other Vespula species, usually Vespula rufa.
Of course - like in case of cuckoo birds - also in this cuckoo wasp its eggs hatch earlier than the host's, and the cuckoo larvae grow faster.


Picture was taken on the Peninsula of Hawth Head, some 13 km NE from Dublin and presents a female specimen.


As always thank you in advance for your time and comments! :>

Miss_Piggy, batu, aes_thor, Amadeo, rousettus, Proframe, Jamesp, anel, matatur, gannu, SelenE, ramthakur, boreocypriensis, cataclysta, haraprasan, uleko, marhowie, Maite, meyerd has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To boreocypriensis: trips :)cicindela 1 04-26 15:47
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Critiques [Translate]

Hallo Rodamir
It is good to have you back. What a striking and most delightful image. This photo is razor sharp and reflects great detail and focus. I think this image deserves each smiley that will be awarded. You have captured this wasp with excellent clarity. The markings and patterns on the body are so beautiful and impressive, not to mention the fine hairs on the body. The flower it is sitting on is bright and creates the perfect background, and the combination of the colours of the wasp is a super match. Your framework is splendidly done and your display is excellently handled. Thanks for sharing, it was a pleasure to look at this splendid photo.
Best regards
Anna

  • Great 
  • batu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 971 W: 281 N: 3030] (10080)
  • [2008-04-22 11:25]

Hello Radomir,
a first-class picture of the wasp.
It is technically perfect with respect to focus, sharpness, light and colour reproduction.
Sharpness is particularly superb.
Best wishes, Peter

Hi Radomir!
Great photo, good details and composition, very nice colours. I like it.
cheers
Adrian

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1864 W: 2 N: 4738] (18250)
  • [2008-04-22 12:39]

Hi I am very pushed for time late home so just a note to say a good picture for now,
Well done TFS.
Nick..

  • Great 
  • Amadeo Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 166 W: 0 N: 489] (2154)
  • [2008-04-22 12:42]

Hola Radomir, un excelente macro, nitida y con buen color, la profundidad de campo perfecta y está con muy buena luz. Un saludo

  • Great 
  • GLEM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 535 W: 87 N: 667] (5480)
  • [2008-04-22 13:03]

hi Radomir,
très bon retour, ça fait longtemps que je n'avais pas vu tes images. Excellente maîtrise des détails et couleurs harmonieuses.

gl

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1555 W: 233 N: 5091] (17959)
  • [2008-04-22 14:15]

Hello Radomir!
Great to see you back!
I hope you enjoyed your time in Ireland!
Very nice macro of this wasp.
The water droplets on its hairy body add a unique touch to this shot.
Sharp with loads of detail.
Very well done,

Joe

Hello Radomir, my dear friend
welcome again and many thanks for your nice critique on my last post. Today, I captured some horseshoe bats for you.
Well, this is great macro of wasp with nice details, sharpness. Great work indeed.
best wishes
Ahmet

Hello Radomir,

I'm glad you are back and show us this great detailed wasp image.
It's an image with most wonderful clarity, details, light, contrast and color tones.
Sharpness, composition and exposure are perfect and in combination with that the image has a beautiful sence of softness.
Excellent work. TFS!!!

Best regards, Harry

  • Great 
  • Jamesp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1223 W: 0 N: 4449] (13290)
  • [2008-04-22 23:20]

Hi Radomir

Excellent detail and colours here - and expert macro - well done.

James

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1079 W: 0 N: 1654] (7208)
  • [2008-04-23 0:28]

Bonjour Radomir,
Great sharpness to show us this naughty wasp. Perfect shot to have a look on every detail of this wasp. I noticed that wasp in general are quite photogenic.
Merci et Bonne journée
Anne

Hello Radomir,

No time, only :-)
Mariki

  • Great 
  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 981 W: 17 N: 2563] (9450)
  • [2008-04-23 3:53]

Hi Radomir,
nice to see you back. You return with an interesting and well shot photo of this Cuckoo Wasp. Impressive clarity and detail in a great natural setting with very good exposure and colours.
well done!
Paul

Welcome back Radomir, and with such a perfectly executed Vespa capture from an all revealing lateral POV in finest detail. A perfect composition, my friend, TFS and cheers,
Mehmet

Hello Radomir,
What a fantastic sharpness and details. Very beautiful clear colours. Great contrast against the BG. The POV ia marvelous.
Regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 729 W: 4 N: 1811] (8608)
  • [2008-04-23 8:37]

Hello Radomir,
Superb macro shot. I can see every hair very clearly. Lovely view and crisp shot. Ganesh

Hi Rado,i haven't words to comment,the quality of this pic is one of the best never seen there,i know how isn't easy to take so perfectly a bee like that whitout the direct light of sun,my best best compliments,have a nice day and thanks for share,Luciano

Ciao Radomir,
anche io, in questo periodo, non sono molto presente su TN!
Complimenti per questo magnifico primo piano di Vespa austriaca.
A presto (spero),
Marcello

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1687 W: 20 N: 4738] (15476)
  • [2008-04-23 20:10]

Hi Radomir,
Outstanding profile shot of this Cuckoo wasp with immaculate sharpness and clear details. Superb illumination and it stands out well among the green foliage. Very skillfully done image. Excellent POV and composition. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2337 W: 59 N: 4094] (13345)
  • [2008-04-23 23:58]

Hi Radomir,
Focus, sharpness, POV, colors and details are very good. TFS
Greetings,
Selen

Very interesting Wasp, Radomir.
The image is truly razor sharp and the details on the subject are incredibly fine.
It is good to have you back and posting fresh pictures.
Have a nice day.
Ram

Hi Radomir, great return on TN, splendid macro of this beautiful wasp, wonderful colors, good details and excellent sharpness, very well done, ciao Silvio

Hi Radek,
Welcome back my friend. I also returned from Cyprus two days ago. :). Splendid macro shot of this Cuckoo wasp my friend in all respects.
TFS.
Have a nice weekend!
Cheers,

Bayram
Ps. I am sorry but I could not encountered any Cicidelid species in our trips. :(

Czesc Radziu
Bardzo ladna osa. Technicznie wszystko swietne. Swietna glebia ostrosci ladne delikatne tlo. Tylko liczylem na bardziej irlandzkie zdjecia z Irlandii :-0
Pozdrowionka
Krzysiek

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2297 W: 163 N: 6694] (21146)
  • [2008-04-27 13:16]

Hello Radomir,
What a very fine macro of this Cuckoo Wasp! Great sharpness showing fantastic details and natural colours. I like the surrounding flowers too that makes it stand out very nicely.
Many thanks and regards, Ulla

Hi Radek,
Good to see you back in action. A fine capture of this beautiful cuckoo wasp. Excellent composition and superb details. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Hi Radomir,
Excellent macro. Fine details with excellent light, color, DOF, and a well composed closeup..
Howard

  • Great 
  • Maite Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 982 W: 64 N: 1199] (4856)
  • [2008-05-07 3:07]

WOW!!! AMAZING!!
What a magnificent macro of this Cuckoo! How outstanding and beautiful with so great details and beautiful colors! I love the framing and composition.
Congratulations, dear friend, and thank you very much for sharing.
Best regards
Maite

  • Great 
  • meyerd Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 354 W: 63 N: 974] (3009)
  • [2008-05-22 12:19]

Hi Radomir,
I have looked at this interesting picture before but not commented on it, sorry. Instead, I was trying to find such a wasp in my yard!
The picture isone of your best, a true masterpiece. I don't have to enumerate the positive points, other did that before me. Chapeau, you did this picture with a Coolpix and yet got all that control. And an interesting species it is of course, thanks too for the informative note.
Best regards to you, Radomir
Dietrich

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