Photos: Earth >> Europe >> Moldova >> North >> Balti

Register

  << Previous Next >>

Dingy Skipper


Dingy Skipper
Photo Information
Copyright: Sochirca Dan (deud) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 440 W: 10 N: 504] (2372)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-05-02
Categories: Insects
Camera: Olympus Camedia C-765 UZ, 38-380mm built-in
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2005-05-10 3:04
Viewed: 1465
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Complete Metamorphosis

As with all insects, butterflies & moths undergo a process of total change known as metamorphosis. This process for Lepidoptera consists of four growth stages and is called Complete Metamorphosis:

Stage 1 - Egg
~ which can be a single egg, a clump of eggs or even a large cluster of eggs ~

Stage 2 - Larva or caterpillar

~ which can be all sizes and color, & smooth, fuzzy or even spiney ~

Stage 3 - Pupa

~ generally referred to as a cocoon for moths and a chrysalis for butterflies ~

Stage 4 - Adult

~ the final stage in the life cycle, in which the adult will reproduce and then die, having begun the life cycle anew with the laying of fertile eggs ~

There are estimated to be approximately 200,000 species of butterflies & moths on earth, with only about 120,000 species having been identified and described so far. Imagine that! 80,000 species still waiting to be discovered! Unfortunately, due to continued use of pesticides and loss of prime habitat, many species will disappear completely before they are discovered. This is particularly ironic when you consider some of the truly astounding survival techniques these remarkable creatures have developed.

Camouflage is a great defense in avoiding detection by a hungry predator. Other Lepidoptera look just like lichen, still others exactly like the bark of trees native to their habitat. It has even been noticed that in city areas where smoke pollution is strong, some moths have actually developed a darker coloration than the same species that live in less polluted areas.
Another effective form of camouflage is coloration which can confuse a predator into either striking at a none vital part of the lepidopteras body or into missing it all together. The lines and spots on these butterflies would make zeroing in on it difficult, especially when it is moving.

Another form of defense is mimicry ~ where the animal takes on the appearance of a larger/or more threatening creature. This amazing ability is called mimicry. This form of defense ranges from caterpillars with tails that look like a large venomous snakes head, to moths and butterflies whose markings make them appear to be large birds.
pgmoni, marhowie, naki, sandpiper2, gerhardt 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
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To pgmoni: ID helpdeud 1 05-10 04:17
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Very nice and clear picture of this Dingy Skipper, Erynnis tages. It is not really a moth, btw (whatever that means) but is generally considered as a "true butterfly". The distinction however, has no real scientific grounds.
Well done

  • Great 
  • Sneza Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 94 W: 30 N: 16] (672)
  • [2005-05-10 3:54]

Good composition and POV.
Nice colours and DOF.
Sharpness and details are good too.
Well done.

  • Great 
  • radz Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 603 W: 11 N: 616] (3404)
  • [2005-05-10 4:43]

You got good details here.Good DOF,&nice composition.

Halo Sochirca!
this is really great shot. Wonderful details and just fantastic subject! Congratulations!

Hello Sochirca, Your close-up shot is composed well space top..Good details and an excellent note. Well done!

  • Great 
  • naki Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 382 W: 27 N: 5] (40)
  • [2005-05-10 15:33]

Nice capture Sochirca. Dof is a bit shallow but you got great sharpness here. It's a well composed picture with a good PoV.
Well done.

Great details and good OOF background. Good composition and notes.

Urata si totusi frumoasa molia ta! Interesanta "blana" si culorile pamantii

Very nice composition and the details are sharp where it matters. Nice macro shot Dan. Well done.

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF