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Gypsy moth


Gypsy moth
Photo Information
Copyright: Tanja Almazan (sily) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 238 W: 6 N: 391] (1893)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006
Categories: Insects
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-02-06 19:55
Viewed: 732
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
He was on my hand so I placed him on another layer.

Thanks to Peter (batu)
this is male
Lymantria dispar
Known as Gypsy moth (or gubar in my country)
Lymantria dispar commonly known as the Asian gypsy moth (AGM) is one of the most destructive pests of shade, fruit, and ornamental trees throughout the northern hemisphere. It is also a major pest of hardwood forests. AGM caterpillars cause extensive defoliation, leading to reduced growth or even mortality of the host tree. Their presence can destroy the an area by defoliating and killing the trees and covering the area with their waste products and silk. Also, urticacious hairs on larvae and egg masses cause allergies in some people.

Male AGM are brown with a darker brown pattern on their wings. Females are slightly larger and nearly white, with a few dark markings on their wings. Newly hatched caterpillars are black and hairy, later developing a mottled yellow to gray pattern with tufts of bristle like hairs and two rows of blue then red spots on their back.
In most areas and in most years, AGM remain at low densities and cause no discernible damage. But occasionally, populations reach high densities and these populations may completely defoliate host trees. Most impacts of AGM are associated with the physiological stress in trees caused by defoliation, especially if it occurs several years in a row or in conjunction with drought. These effects include reduction in tree growth, crown dieback and tree mortality. Tree mortality is usually associated with other insects (wood borers) and pathogenic fungi that attack stressed trees. In extreme situations, nearly 100% tree mortality may occur over large areas. The most important impacts occur in urban/suburban settings. Defoliation and tree mortality may be very serious if impacted trees are valuable shade or street trees in urban settings.Outbreaks typically last 1 to 5 years. Outbreak populations then decline because of starvation and increased disease. Small mammal predators are considered the most important source of mortality in low density populations and may keep sparse AGM populations in check for several years before the next outbreak occurs. AGM defoliation can reduce tree seed production and root sprouting, resulting in poor regeneration. The natural diversity and species composition of native insects, birds, and other animals may be altered during outbreaks through reductions in shelter, food supplies, and other benefits provided by host trees.
Native range: AGM is native to southern Europe, northern Africa, central and southern Asia, and Japan (Martin 2000). The European strain has been introduced to the United States and Canada and is now present in most of northeastern N. America but its range is expanding to the south and west.
This species has been nominated as among 100 of the "World's Worst" invaders
Alex99, jeanpaul has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To batu: Thankssily 1 02-07 06:36
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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)
  • [2007-02-06 22:08]

Stunning colours and details and a truly lovely composition with excellent framing, Tanja
TFS
silke

Hi Tanja,
Very sharp, great details.
Great macro-shot.

Ben Lakitan

  • Great 
  • batu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1060 W: 290 N: 3952] (13358)
  • [2007-02-07 1:43]
  • [+]

Good morning Tanja,
you found a faultless male of
- Lymantria dispar
- family: Lymantriidae
The moth is presented very well focused and sharp. Due to the background, although not natural, the outlines of the moth are very clear, as is also true for the wing pattern and the antennae.
Best wishes, Peter

Hello Tanja,

well done excllent colors Bg POV DOF perfet detail svery crisp nicly composed and capture photo excllent details very crisp,

TFS Kyle

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3585 W: 143 N: 5672] (18539)
  • [2007-02-07 12:27]

Hi Tanja.
What a brilliant shot. It looks as precious brooch. Amazing reflections, great detail, lovely colours. Your decision concerning BG is great too. BRAVO and my compliments.
Alexei.

Bonjour Tanja
Belle présentation et belle prise en macro avec ce joli papillon ,les couleurs et la nettetée sont très bonnes, belle composition .
Au revoir et félicitation ....JP

Les sourires demain

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