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Photo Information
Copyright: Sue Rickhuss (snaphappy) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 140 W: 20 N: 203] (1666)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-07-30
Categories: Insects
Camera: Olympus C-5050z
Exposure: f/4, 1/650 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-07-30 11:37
Viewed: 419
Points: 8
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Peacock, one of our most familiar and attractive butterflies, is one of the 'signs of spring' included in the BBC Springwatch project. Peacocks hibernate through the winter and can be seen in the coldest winter months, although most individuals become active in late March and April. As well as being a harbinger of the coming spring, Peacock butterflies are interesting in many other ways. They are probably the longest-lived butterflies in Britain, with adults surviving from late July, well into the following spring, perhaps into June. Thus, contrary to popular belief that butterflies only live for a few days, some Peacocks may live to see their 11th month (albeit having spent five or six months of their adult lives asleep in hibernation).

The Peacock butterfly has fared well in recent years. Not only has it increased in distribution, pushing northwards in northern England and central Scotland, but populations have also increased significantly in size at sites monitored by butterfly transects. It is even emerging from hibernation earlier than it was 20 years ago. There is little shortage of food for the black, spiny Peacock caterpillars, which feed primarily on Common (stinging) Nettle, and it seems highly probable that the good fortunes of this butterfly are due to climate change.

Although a common visitor to garden buddleias, particularly in the autumn whilst building up fat reserves for hibernation, Peacocks are nomadic butterflies that range widely though the countryside. They often find their preferred breeding habitats (large nettle beds in sheltered but sunny situations) in the shelter of woodland clearings, rides and edges.

The Peacock's name comes directly from that of its avian namesake, thanks to the similarity between the eye patterns on the bird's tails and those on the butterfly's wings. As long ago as the late 1600s, the butterfly was called the Peacock's Eye. Even the scientific name of the butterfly is derived from a Greek myth involving a Peacock bird.
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Bratman: i agreesnaphappy 1 07-30 11:57
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Critiques [Translate]

Good detail and colour on the butterfly Sue. Not keen on the frame as it's clipping the wings but the technicals are good enough. Best, Brat.

  • Great 
  • pvb Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 381 W: 20 N: 521] (1813)
  • [2007-07-30 12:02]

Hi Sue,
Very good composition and pov. I like this very nice coloured butterfly with the eyes. As John mentioned already to bad the tips of the wings is not in the pic.
Very good sharpness and details.
TFS Paula

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1989 W: 5 N: 5528] (20896)
  • [2007-07-30 13:42]

Hi Sue. a very good picture of the Peacock. very good detail and colours.a nice POV.as been said bit to tight crop for me. but a nice frame. well done TFs. good notes to read thanks.

Nick..

Hello Sue,
Extreme sharpness with rich colour and details
Really great composition with perfect framing!
I loved it and thanks for sharing
greeting from NZ
Tony

  •      
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 917 W: 4 N: 2282] (10648)
  • [2007-07-31 6:55]

Sue, Very nice shot and lovely frame. The focus is fine sharp and lovely details Ganesh D Later

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