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Peacock
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The Peacock (Inachis io) is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe and Asia. It is the only member of the genus Inachis. The species is resident in much of its range, often wintering in buildings or trees. It therefore often appears quite early in spring.
The butterfly measures about 5 cm (2 in) from wingtip to wingtip and is easily identified by its striking eye pattern on a ruddy background, although with wings closed the cryptically coloured underwings make it look like a dead leaf. The eyespots are reminiscent of those on the feathers of the peacock, hence the name. They are believed to be used to frighten predators (such as birds) by creating a false perception of another predator (note how a glance at the image can give the impression of a cat staring).
The butterfly hibernates over winter before laying its eggs in early spring, in batches of up to 500 at a time. The caterpillars, which are shiny black with six rows of barbed spikes and a series of white dots on each segment, hatch after about a week and feed on nettles and hops. The adult butterflies drink nextar from a wide variety of flowering plants, including buddleia, sallows, dandelions, wild marjoram, danewort, hemp agrimony, and clover; they also utilize tree sap and rotten fruit.
The Peacock can be found in woods, fields, meadows, pastures, parks, and gardens, and from lowlands up to 8,200 feet elevation. It is the commonest butterfly seen in parks and gardens in Europe.
Took the picture when going for an afternoon walk |
phlr, SkyF, sunkirana, marhowie has marked this note useful
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- phlr
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1241 W: 129 N: 881]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(2814) - [2006-02-18 16:47]
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Nice shot of this beautiful buterfly!
A bit soft on focus.
Very beautiful colours!
Very good BG!
Nice POV too!
TFS!
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- SkyF
(8127)
- [2006-02-18 17:03]
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Hi Kim,
a wonderful composition. I love the POV it creates a great DOF. Excellent sharp details and the colors are beautiful.
Thanks for sharing.
Sky
Hi Kim, To start with congrats on taking a picture of such colour and depth. Great BG. But would like to know where ur point of focus was when you shot this. Do let me know.
TFS, Kiran.
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- eleana
(2233)
- [2006-02-18 17:33]
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Hi Kim, nice compo and colours. Perhaps the focus little soft (I agree with Paulo). But great background too.
Best regards,
Elena
Nice shot Kim. I've seen these on TN many times before, they are beautiful b-flies..
Very nice color and light. On the down-side, the POV is not the best and the subjects important parts are soft focused...Overall, well worth posting. Thank You!
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 65 W: 0 N: 119]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif){kind=small}
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 151 W: 29 N: 202]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(1139)