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Plebeius argus couple like in a mirror


Plebeius argus couple like in a mirror
Photo Information
Copyright: Harm Alberts (Harm-digitaal) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 108 W: 7 N: 1846] (7021)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-06-16
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon EOS 300D, Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L USM Macro
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): European Butterflies 2 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-07-14 6:06
Viewed: 761
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Plebeius argus male / Silver-studded Blue male / Heideblauwtje mannetje /Geißklee Bläuling männchen / L'Argus ou L'Azuré de l'ajonc ou L'Azuré pygmée / Argusblåvinge.

Males are deep blue with a dark border and white fringe, and can be distinguished from other blue butterflies by the presence of a spur on the front legs. Females are brown, but both sexes possess metallic silver spots on the hindwings. The caterpillar grows to 1.3 cm in length, and is green in colour with a dark stripe along the back, and white stripes along the sides.

The silver-studded blue is widespread in temperate areas of Europe and Asia

Habitat:
Found in lowland heathland, chalk grasslands, and some sand dunes. In all three habitats, the species needs short vegetation and ants of the genus Lasius. A supply of the main larval foodplants is also essential. These include a wide range of plants, the more common being heather, bell heather, cross-leaved heath and gorses on heathland, as well as common bird's foot trefoil, common rock-rose and horseshoe vetch on calcareous sites.

The adult flight period occurs between July and August on heathland and between June and mid-July on calcareous grasslands. There is a single brood a year; eggs are laid singly near the ground where they overwinter. The following spring the larvae hatch, soon after hatching they are closely tended by ants of the genus Lasius which are attracted by sugar-rich secretions produced by the caterpillar, and provide protection against predators. Pupation usually occurs in or near to ant nests, and the pupa continues to be protected by ants.

Harm
Silke, lise, XOTAELE, kjpweb, roconnell, phlr has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Silke Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 727 W: 98 N: 1694] (5406)
  • [2007-07-14 6:24]

Outstanding light handling, delicate colours, superb composition
TFS
silke

Hola Harm.
Preciosa presentación, con unos bellos colores y acertada exposición.
Colores tenues, muy agradables.
Buena nota.
Un saludo y tfs, JL.

Hi Harm,
Wondeful colors, good timing to get this pic, as you said, like a mirror,...In just one picture, you show us the front and back of this nice species...Marta

Outstanding picture. Perfect focus and a beautiful composition. Colors are spot on! Bravo!

  • Great 
  • Ken52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 640 W: 98 N: 1241] (4189)
  • [2007-07-14 13:29]

Outstanding balanced composition. With two we get both dorsal and ventral view! Beautiful colors and excellent exposure. The focus is razor sharp giving outstanding detail. Well done!

Good image again, Harm.
You actually see the back and the front in one and the same image. The image is well composed.
TFS
Annick

Gorgeous compositin. It is wonderful to see both sides and the wing shape of this beautiful butterfly. Great DOF. Well done.

Hello Harm,
Wow, beautiful shot, I love these blue butterflies, so lucky to have photographed two at once.and yes like a mirror...TFS
Donna:o)

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