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Monster!


Monster!
Photo Information
Copyright: Vinny Blood (Vinster) Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 25 W: 0 N: 168] (630)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-07-08
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon 400D Digital Rebel XTi, Canon EF 100 mm F2.8 Macro USM, CF Sandisk III 4GB
Exposure: f/18.0, 1/50 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-07-09 8:15
Viewed: 346
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Don't worry - aliens have not invaded! This is the caterpillar of the Puss Moth (Cerura vinula). It's a large member of the Notodontidae - the adult moth is very furry hence the name (you can see a picture of the adult moth submitted by another TN member here).

Some caterpillars bluff their way out of danger by looking fierce - but this one can back up its boast. It's rear legs have been modified into a forked tail. From the tail, it can extend a pair of whip-like flagellae which it uses to drive off parasitic wasps and flies (click here to view this behaviour). It can also squirt formic acid from its head! It is also very well camouflaged, and has a brown 'saddle' which helps break up it's shape. It feeds on various poplar (Populus) and willow/sallow (Salix) species.

I used to keep caterpillars when I was a kid, and this has always been one of my favourites. When my father told me he'd found a couple on a willow tree in his garden, I was round there like a shot with my macro lens and ringlight.

Since joining TN a few weeks ago I've been given some very useful tips, in particular use of f-stops. I was very close to the subject for this picture which accentuated the focal point, so I used f/18 to increase the DOF. Many thanks to all those who pointed me in the right direction - I dedicate this picture to you! The shot has been cropped a little on the sides but nothing off the top or bottom.

Kind Regards

Vinny www.vincentblood.com
gerbilratz, mayuresh, Amadeo, nglen, Hil, Dillinger has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Amazing shot, detail, colouration and clarity, pretty stunning. tfs regards h

Hello Vinny,
Amazing and outstanding macro shot with excellent details,superb sharpness and exposure,nice composition and pov,
very well done,
tfs

Hello Vinny,
Very impressive shot, with nice details and colours. TFS,
Catherine

  • Great 
  • Amadeo Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 198 W: 0 N: 663] (2949)
  • [2008-07-09 10:09]

Hola Vinny, buen macro, una excelente aproximación, con buen detalle, luz y color. Un saludo

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1993 W: 5 N: 5571] (21050)
  • [2008-07-09 11:04]

Hi Vinny. You have a monster too. This is a fantastic close up of this caterpillar. showing its face in such fine detail with natural colours. It has very small legs for the fat boby it has. very good indeed. TFS.
Nick..

  • Great 
  • Hil Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 744 W: 11 N: 1408] (4839)
  • [2008-07-09 11:15]

Hi Vinny

Great shot of the scary Caterpilla
Nice details and a really interesting POV.
Excellent natural colours too.
I awlays used to wonder where Dr Who got there ideas, now I know!

Hil

  • Great 
  • darwin Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 247 W: 0 N: 455] (1716)
  • [2008-07-09 17:23]

Hi Vinny
Great closeup shot with good details and nice natural color
tfs jon

  • Great 
  • GLEM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 524 W: 87 N: 693] (5739)
  • [2008-07-10 2:24]

hi Vinny
fanstastique image, les détails sont extra, la pdc à F18 fait son effet. Très belles couleurs.

tfs
gl

even scarier than the other one, great capture, TFS Ori

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