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Lucanus cervus


Lucanus cervus
Photo Information
Copyright: Vinny Blood (Vinster) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 82 W: 1 N: 137] (527)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-07-01
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II, Canon EF 100 mm F2.8 Macro USM, SanDisk Ducati 8GB
Exposure: f/16, 1/100 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-07-18 6:08
Viewed: 462
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
A male Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus). The UK's largest, and surely most spectacular beetle is becoming rare due to habitat loss. The larvae feed on rotting stumps and trunks - and with tideier gardens these are removed before they can mature (which can take up to seven years!).

I've found six of these awesome beetles in my garden this year. This one was crawling on the path well before dusk so I was able to capture some shots of it in good quality, natural light (as you can see from the shadow on the branch). You can see from his posture that he feels threatened, and has reared up to display his fearsome-looking jaws. This is mainly just bravado - I put my finger right in the jaws of every beetle I found this year and not one of them actually bit me. If they do it can be a little painful but no worse than someone pinching you fairly hard. I know this because one did bite me many years ago! ;p

The resulting shot has been very lightly cropped and also sharpened.

Kind Regards

Vinny www.vincentblood.com
oldferret, parasbhalla, uleko, eqshannon, nglen, cloud, roges, jpdenk has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Vinny,
great, I always wanted to find one of these, but never had the chance! Good picture with the light coming from the side.
regards
Pierre

  • Great 
  • zetu Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 645 W: 15 N: 1580] (6173)
  • [2009-07-18 6:15]

Hello Vinny
Perfect macro shot,great details and wonderful scene.
Regards
Razvan

Hi Vinny,

A very good shot. great focus and dof. Good natural colours taken in natural light. One beetle I have not seen for some time. TFS have a nice weekend.

regards Bill

Hello Vinny,

Another wonderful macro shot!

Great POV and well framed with nice background wooden structure. Well controlled contrast between the colors of the beetle and wooden substrate. Great facial details!!
You did a great job.

Thanks for sharing.

regards,
Paras Bhalla

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2991 W: 162 N: 949] (2787)
  • [2009-07-18 7:47]

Hello Vinny,
A great capture of this terrific Beetle in a fine pose. I wonder what it feels like to put a finger between those jaws! You'll have to try! ;-) How lucky to have them in your garden! Excellent work!
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

hello Vinny
this is great to find this beetle
super composition with good details and sharpness
greeting lou

I seem to remember some type of beetle which looked like this back in Ohio...I wonder at the strength of its jaws...eating wood is not my favorite past time:-)

Very sharp. Good natural earth tones..and one would never know it is in the garden..It appears as if you have trekked a ways to get it..
bob

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2908 W: 34 N: 8623] (32138)
  • [2009-07-18 11:32]

Hi Vinny. You are so lucky to have these beauties in your garden. Your have taken this with goodlight which has given natural bright colours. Your sharp focusing has given fine detail. Well done TFs.
Nick..

  • Great 
  • cloud Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 297 W: 71 N: 758] (4689)
  • [2009-07-18 12:24]

Hello Vinny,
I think that this species of beetle I haven't see on TN yet.Good sharpness and pose.
Regards, Pawel

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3813 W: 190 N: 11346] (34981)
  • [2009-07-18 12:41]

Hello Vinny,
I too would post several shots of the Stag beetle if it were a visitor to my garden, even more I had six of them!
I like the POV here and the threatening pose, taken with fine sharpness, lighting and natural colours.
Thanks and have a good weekend,
Ivan

  • Great 
  • roges Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 597 W: 0 N: 515] (3068)
  • [2009-07-18 13:02]

Hi Vinny,

Interesting capture!
I like it,congratulations.
Have a nice weekend,
Adrian

Hi Vinny,

An impressive beast! It certainly looks like it could do some damage with those jaws.

Very nicely composed, and the shot is very clear and sharp. An interesting subject, photographed very skillfully.

John

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