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Zygaena filipendulae


Zygaena filipendulae
Photo Information
Copyright: Alan Cassidy (accassidy) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 155 W: 117 N: 514] (1946)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-07-05
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon D80, Sigma 180mm f/3.5 Macro EX DG HSM, Digital ISO 200, 72mm UV
Exposure: f/8, 1/60 seconds
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-07-09 12:14
Viewed: 368
Points: 24
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Six-spot Burnet, Zygaena filipendulae

The Six-spot Burnet is a day-flying moth of the family Zygaenidae. It is a common species throughout Europe.

The sexes are similar and have a wingspan of 30-40 mm. The forewings are dark metallic green with 6 vivid red spots (sometimes the spots are merged causing possible confusion with other species such as Five-spot Burnet). Occasionally the spots are yellow or even black. The hindwings are red with a blackish fringe. The adults fly on hot, sunny days from June to August [1] and are attracted to a wide variety of flowers such as knapweed and scabious as well as the larval food plants bird's foot trefoil and clover. The species overwinters as a larva, which is plump and hairy with variable markings, usually pale green with rows of black spots. It pupates in a papery cocoon attached to foliage.

What I hadn't realised until I started experimenting with some flash is just how reflective is the base colour of the wings. In sunlight, they always have something of a sheen, but in flash light they positively reflect thousands of small pin pricks of light. The flash also brings the blue colours of the antennae alive and kicking.

I know that this lighting is artificial and not what you see with the naked eye, but just about everyone has seen the regular shots, so I thought this might be of interest, even if a little artificial. Cropped and resized for TN, with some noise reduction on the BG.
jconceicao, nglen, maurydv, uleko, Luis52 has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Silvio2006: 200th Postaccassidy 1 07-10 09:30
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Alan,

Fantastic macro.
Natural colours with excellent details.
Light,focus and sharpness are splendid.
Good note.

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2907 W: 34 N: 8619] (32124)
  • [2009-07-09 12:24]

Hi Alan. What a fantastic top view of this colourful daytime moth. Taken with fine detail and bright colours. I like the richer colours of the plain OOF BG. well done TFS.
Nick..

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1977 W: 6 N: 5525] (19661)
  • [2009-07-09 16:10]

Hi Alan,fantastics reflections of the wings..a beautiful point of view and great sharpness and colors for a best result.I like a lot this kinf of beautifuls insects.Thanks for share,have a nice day,Luciano

  • Great 
  • joska Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 404 W: 0 N: 1002] (5396)
  • [2009-07-10 1:41]

Very good colours and details!

Hi Alan

Great POV and BG! I think your composition is particularly good here for it just about has enough details of the moths perch without distracting from the subject.

TFS
Ravi

Hello Alan,
a splendid macro shot of the Six-spot Burnet taken with very good sharpness, perfect exposure with beautiful colours, nice composition.
TFS
Best regards
Maurizio

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2989 W: 162 N: 941] (2769)
  • [2009-07-10 7:14]

Hello Alan,
A lovely capture of one of my favourite species. Amazing light that's brought out a lovely blue sheen to the antennae, fine details and beautiful colours.
TFS and regards, Ulla

Ciao Alan, congratulations for your splendid 200th post on TN, elegant moth with fantastic colors, fine details and wonderful sharpness, very well done, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2384 W: 94 N: 5493] (17500)
  • [2009-07-10 11:18]

Hello Alan,
Very beautiful photo of this moth in excellent sharp details and clear colours. Great OOF contrasting BG and diagonal composition.
Regards,
Peter

hello Alan!
a good capture of Six-spot Burnet
nice color and details

best sERGIO

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1110 W: 5 N: 3457] (12761)
  • [2009-07-10 17:22]

Hola Alan.
Un hermoso y fino macro. lleno de grandes detalles y nitidez en la imagen.
Muy interesante la nota escrita.
Saludos
Luis52.

Ciao Alan. I like the diagona compo and the light that exalts the amazing colours.

Roberto

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