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Pararge aegeria


Pararge aegeria
Photo Information
Copyright: ridvan iron (ridvan) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 555 W: 0 N: 1134] (5196)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-05-20
Categories: Insects
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/640 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-06-12 13:18
Viewed: 591
Points: 21
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Pararge aegeria aegeria (Linnaeus 1758)

Speckled Wood, Waldbrettspiel, Bont zandoogje, Kvickgräsfjäril, le Tircis, Egeria, Maculada.


Wing span 38 – 44 mm

This species is widely spread and common in most parts of Europe from Southern Scandinavia to the south. It can be observed in deciduous forest. Several generations from March to October. The pattern of their wings provide a good camouflage in the dim speckled light conditions of their habitation. Caterpillars feed on grass (e.g. Poa, Brachypodium).

Wide spread as it is, there may be nothing special about showing that species to TN. But there is. The picture was taken in the island of Madeira.

A one time volcanic island, emerging some 4 Millions years ago out of the Atlantic ocean, Madeira has never had any connection to the mainland. Morocco is about 700 km away, Portugal even 1000 km. So the ancestors of every butterfly observed on Madeira must have arrived after passing a large distance from the mainland. No wonder that the diversity of butterfly species is very limited in spite of the subtropical climate and the lush vegetation of the island. Only 14 species of butterflies are reported to live on Madeira. Regions of comparable size even in much cooler central Europe show at least ten times that number. P. aegeria is one of these few species to be found on Madeira.

But it was never seen on Madeira before 1967, when it was discovered at the edge of the mountain forest at Monte, near the city of Funchal. Only since 1976, the newly arrived species is reported to be common and wide spread in Madeira’s secondary eucalypt and pine forests.

Most other butterfly species reported from Madeira are strong fliers with migratory habit, such as the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) or the Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui). These species seem to cross the open ocean quite frequently. Pararge aegeria is a weak flier, however. Maybe strong winds have drifted a few individuals from Portugal over the sea, back in 1967.

Or maybe the Beatles brought them over to Madeira together with Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Lonely Heart Club Band on board of their private yacht that can still be seen in the harbour of Funchal
ramthakur, Jamesp, LordPotty, haraprasan, jaycee, oscarromulus has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

HI

I is Pararge aegeria not L. megera you must change the note. Light is good colors are nicely saturated. But I think that you crop it a little bit to much and there are problems with sharpnes
Best wishes
Krzysztof

Dear Ridvan, The right side is not sharp. good picture composition and I like the colours. with best regards.vab.

The focus on the right wing has gone a little haywaire in this shot, Ridvan.
The specimen is also a bit washed out and tattered.
Nevertheless, you have made a good effort.
TFS.

  • Great 
  • Jamesp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1351 W: 0 N: 5494] (16522)
  • [2007-06-12 15:21]

Hi Ridvan

A great macro - with great detail and composition.

James

Merhaba
Yine çok güzel makro çekim
renkler ve ışık gayet hoş
tebrikler

Hi Ridvan,
It looks like you might have had to chase this one. A shame it moved its wing just as you were taking the shot blurring one side a bit.
Your notes about Madiera are very interesting.
If the Beatles saw this one at that time I think it would have been much more colourful,and changing shape a bit ;)
TFS
Steve

Hi Ridvan,
A beautiful butterfly. Nice details. But the focus in the right wing looks a bit out. Anyway Nice capture. Thanks a lot for sharing.

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 4 N: 3262] (14691)
  • [2007-06-13 3:50]

Ridvan, Very nice shot with lovely composition and nice colors. Good details. Ganesh

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2001 W: 226 N: 6845] (24727)
  • [2007-06-13 4:49]

Hi Ridvan,
a good shot of this Speckled Wood.
Sharp, well composed and a good DOF.
Well done,
Joey

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2493 W: 11 N: 6885] (21912)
  • [2007-06-13 11:20]

Hi Ridvan,

Wonderful macro with fine details. It shows up well against the green leaves.

Jane

Ridvan, Salam my friend,
Today I will give you an unusual piece of information. I have, personally, seen this species in Terceira, Azores a few years ago. They were helped by the "wind" that carried them there. The Arabs also used these winds to navigate within those regions. THIS IS FACT.
Now re: your P.a.
Wonderful job. Excellent notes too. Everything is PERFECT.
Your Canadian TN friend,
Mario.

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