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ALMOST BALKAN ENDEMIC (100TH POST)


ALMOST BALKAN ENDEMIC (100TH POST)
Photo Information
Copyright: Radomir Jaskula (cicindela) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1038 W: 0 N: 2247] (6540)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-09
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon Coolpix 5400, 35-105 mm 1:4,5-5,6, @ ISO 50
Exposure: f/6.8
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) of Europe, Tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) of the world, Insects around the world, Insects' World, Alex99's favorite photos, Insects (Insecta) [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-11-01 11:53
Viewed: 1006
Points: 86
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Well, my dear Friends - it happened!!! This is my 100th post on TN! :> All this time I had a lot of fun and pleasure watching your great pictures, but also I learned a lot reading you detailed critiques and comments! Thank you very much!!! :>

And of course it would be a little strange for me if in this special moment there would be presented something different than a... tiger beetle! So today the next Cicindelidae species and the 6th part of "tiger beetle saga" ;>

Cephalota (Taenidia) circumdata circumdata (Dejean in Latreille et Dejean 1822) - a female specimen. Species body size: 13-16 mm.
This is one of 12 species from this genus known from Europe. It is distributed mainly in the Balkan Peninsula but also known from some regions of Ukraine and Italy. This one was found in saltmarsh area where it co-occurred with another tiger beetle species Calomera littoralis nemoralis. It was a really fast runner and because of that the quality of this picture is not very good :)

In my earlier presentation about Cicindelidae I wrote about diversity of these beetles, their ecology and biology, there was also something about their economic importance for human. Today I would like to wrote a few other details about the Cicindelidae in human life :>

1. Tiger beetles as a medicine?
Two African species - Myriochila melancholica and M. vivina are recorded as medicine for human babes. The Mbum-women from Cameroon roast both species on the fire, pulverize them and after that they give tiger beetles as food for babes. They belive that after that the children are starting earlier to walk! This observation is known from the beginning of XX century.

2. "Bad omen"
Among natives of southern Africa there is one tiger beetle genus which has a very bad reputation. Its name is Manticora. This genus groups the biggest tiger beetles in the world - most of species are bigger that 5 cm and have really great mandibles (sometimes longer than 20 mm, especally in males!). All these beetles are known as nocturnal insects - they spent a day in different shelters (unders stones, ect.) The good example of bad reputation for this genus comes from African San tribe. These people are known as living in the some region from centuries. And it is also known that through these centuries they had some conflicts with other tribes living next to them. During civil wars between these tribes many warriors died and in many cases bodies of dead people were without hands, legs, and... heads. And because Manticora species use all types of shelters for a day period, they were also found under the bodies of warriors, including these without heads. And that is the reason why in many African areas these huge, black tiger beetles with big mandibles are "known" as creatures which can kill human and than to cutt its head...

3. "Honourary citizenship"
There is one place on the Earth, a very special city for all Cicindelidae lovers and workers, a well known European city - where the tiger beetles were honoured in very special way. This place is Brussels where one of the squares is named after these beautiful insects. Interesting opposition to African example of Manticora, am I right? ;)


As always also this time thank you in advance for your time, visit and comments!
peter_stoeckl, horia, uleko, jazdzurka, JoseMiguel, Juyona, spalaxtr, TAZ, eqshannon, Alex99, fartash, Jamesp, meyerd, MMM, Royaldevon, jcoowanitwong, pilonm, Argus, cataclysta, Kathleen, hester, izler, marhowie, rousettus, nainnain, ramthakur, haraprasan, JORAPAVI has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To horia: many thanks my friend!cicindela 1 11-01 16:19
To peter_stoeckl: 100 times thank you!cicindela 1 11-01 16:18
To uleko: thank you Ulla!cicindela 1 11-01 16:15
To JoseMiguel: thank you!cicindela 1 11-01 16:14
To jazdzurka: 100 fotka :)cicindela 1 11-01 16:11
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Radomir
Congratulations on your 100th post and this a fine one to mark the occasion.
perfect sharp details and a superb note.
tfs and all the best
Paul

Hi Radomir,
delightfully well detailed, very clear image in delightfully rich subtle colours! A pleasure to see. And another pleasure to read your very informative, well entertaining notes. My congratulations to all the brilliant stories and images you posted to TN, and congratulations to this exquisite #100 of yours!
Thank you. My best regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2043 W: 212 N: 3651] (12150)
  • [2007-11-01 13:17]
  • [+]

You are not only an expert in the biology of the tiger-beetles, but also a master in photographing them, my friend!
Happy 100th post, dear Radek, and to many many more!!!

This is a lovely shot of this interesting species.
Although this is not your first shot from Turkey, i must congratulate you also for your evergrowing list of visited countries and the great pictures you've taken in each one. Your fisrt 100 here demonstrate that well.

As for this nice image, i must once again remark the impressive sharpness of the details and the very good exposure parameters that you used.
For such an elusive insect, you managed to capture them all neat and clear, with their enire body in very good focus.
Great work!

Bravo and TFS
Horia

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2369 W: 164 N: 7114] (22494)
  • [2007-11-01 13:27]
  • [+]

Hello Radomir,
Congratulations on your 100th post! Your great images and interesting notes are a priceless contribution to this site! I hope you'll remain here for a long time!
Yet another interesting Tiger Beetle today! Excellent sharpness, nice light and beautiful colours. Very well done!
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

Hi Radomir,
I found fascinating your notes and explanations of this specie and its different uses.
Your work with the flash produced a very clear image plenty of good details.
I like very much this presentation and the frame used.
Congratulations for this post and for your first 100th.
My best regards,
JM

Cześć Radziu
Gratulacje z powodu 100 zdjęcia na TN.
Jak zwykle zresztą b. dobrego. Dobra kompozycja, naturalne kolory i dobra ostrość. Do tego ciekawa, pouczająca notka - nigdy nie wiedziałam, ze jest ulica trzyszcza w Brukseli :)
Pozdrowienia
Ania

  • Great 
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1998 W: 6 N: 1948] (13031)
  • [2007-11-01 15:37]

Hola amigo,
preciosa macro,
original trabajo, pov y buen foco,
saludos Radomir.

  • Great 
  • Bufo Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 436 W: 72 N: 1007] (4233)
  • [2007-11-02 0:53]

Hello Radomir,
as I just commented on the 300th post of Ulla, I hope this is just the very first beginning. I must admit that I find it hard to have an opinion about animals I have never heard of. But I should also address this as a compliment to you. There is not many members here on TN who have the knowlegde, sharp eye and interest to learn us more about this great creatures. Together whith few others like batu, meyerd and extramundi and manymore who I forget to mention here, you introduce us to less accessible groups. Compliments and keep up the good work.

Regards, Jacob

Hi Radomir
Congratulations on your 100th post. Your photo tecnically very good and the insect in the photo very interesting. Very well done. TFS.
Mustafa

I consider these beetles to be very difficult models, you've produced a high quality image,congratulations. And many thanks for the explanation. Superb!!!!!

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2395 W: 50 N: 3190] (10896)
  • [2007-11-02 3:51]

Hello Radomir,
Nice macro for your 100th !!! We are waiting the next !!!
The "+++" : composition, nice subject, pose, POV, sharpness, DOF, colors, nice BG in sand, exposure, great complementary note...
The "-" : nothing...
Bravo and thanks for sharing,
Christian

Hello Radomir,
Congratulations on your 100th posts!!
Very unique and beautiful tiger beetle you've taken!
Outstanding details and sharpness, with nice POV and DOF, well presented!!
Well done and TFs,
Best wishes, Kevin

PS: Did you get my mail? The file size is big, so I'm worried about that.

Congratulations! Number 100 is a good one. Even the backdrop so clear is in good stead. The insect and story are a very good lesson. A very interesting tale which sets the tone for the accompanying picture. Well displayed!
Bob

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2991 W: 148 N: 4435] (14369)
  • [2007-11-02 9:16]

Hi, dear Radomir.
I do not imagine TN without you, your unique firm-style shots, well-grounded detailed notes, touching and useful comments. Thank that you are here whole year and wishes to be here always.

It is clear, 100th post is outstanding. Its composition is amazing as well as the subject and terrific reproduction of the insect and ground (with charming addition on the left side of the image). Bravo and heart congratulations.
Alexei.

Dear Radomir
Congratulation on 1st anniversary in TN,
Very intersting spiece to shoot,
Great focusing,lighting and BG,Welldone.

Good Luck
Fartash

You can't choose another pic to the 100th,perfect work,nice details and sharpness,this night champagne for all your TN's friends..eheheh,best whishes,Luciano

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1675 W: 24 N: 4870] (15888)
  • [2007-11-02 11:34]

Hi Radomir,
Just marking this wonderful post from you for now and will come back later with a proper critique. Sorry tied up with an urgent assignment.
Regards.
Sumon

Hi Radomir,

Congratulations with your 100th post
its a beautifull Tiger beetles to celebrate
excellent sharp details
lovely compo

TFS Thijs

  • Great 
  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 989 W: 23 N: 2761] (10082)
  • [2007-11-02 13:06]

Hi Radomir,
congratulations on your 100th post - you have made a massive contribution to this site and hope you continue for a long time to come!
And what a great shot to celebrate with - your trademark style! Masses of detail and techincally perfect as usual. Very well done my friend.
Paul

Hi Radomir, congratulations for your splendid 100th post on TN, wonderful bug with lovely metallic colors, excellent details and great sharpness, beautiful composition, BRAVO!, very well done, have a nice week end, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • Jamesp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1205 W: 0 N: 4610] (13714)
  • [2007-11-02 14:26]

Hi Radomir

Congratulations on your 100th posting. Great detail and note. I always look forward to your postings:)

TFS

James

Hi Radomir,
I'm glad you made a story around your 100th picture on TN. My congratulations! And you made your bash not only with a Tiger beetle but with a particular one, the one with the "bulging eyes". Those long thin legs tell a story of speed and particularely of crash landings. You don't have to apologize for quality, all is perfect on this shot once more. Your pictures and the accompaning texts are of the most interesting to me in TN because you combine excellent macro photography with entomology. I'm glad you are around here, Radomir!
My bestregards,
Dietrich

Magnifique, superbes détails.
Bravo
Marie

hello Radomir,

Congratulations on your centennial posting!
This is a splendid shot for your celebration and, as always, interesting notes to accompany it! Excellent sharpness and interesting details.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

Hello Radomir,
Beautiful post and interesting story. Sharp and well illuminated image. Congratulation to your 100th post.
JC

  • Great 
  • MMM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 737 W: 0 N: 1497] (6754)
  • [2007-11-04 4:50]

Hi Radomir
Congradulation for your 100th posting.Very nice presentation.Good POV and
sharp image and nice dtails.«the reflextion of the light on your subject is very nice,
TFS Michel

hello radomir,
congratulations on posting your 100th post, this is a right image to be your 100th, liked the pov, colours and the composition, good focus, sharp iamge, beautiful framing,
tfs & regards
pankaj

Hello Radomir,

Congratulations for your 100th post!!! For this 100th post, you choose a remarkable insect by photographying that Tiger Beetle! Excellent pov and excellent focus... The only thing is that the flash use is a little bit too present... Have you set your flash at -2 by example? But it's still a very nice picture and TFS!

Michel

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2487 W: 132 N: 7075] (22101)
  • [2007-11-07 0:48]

Hello Radomir,
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 100th POST!
You celebrate the event suitably with this fine shot of this small Balkan Tiger Beetle, the large bulging eyes showing very well with your skillful use of flash (red eyes treated well :)))
Superb sharpness, pose and composition.
Well done and TFS!
Look forward to many more from you, especially Tiger Beetles. It is my ambition to capture C. campestris next year.
Best wishes,
Ivan

Czesc Radziu
po pierwsze wielkie gratulacje z okazji setnej fotki. Twoj ulubiony temat bardzo fajne zdjecie i ciekawy zwierzak - Nigdy nie widzialem tego trzyszcza. Ostrosc i glebia tak jak trzeba, dobry kontrast, fajna naturalna sytuacja w typowym dla trzyszczy srodowisku.

Czekam na nastepna setke i wiecej
Pozdrawiam
Krzysiek

Hi Radomir.
Congrats on your 100th post, a great shot for it. Superb sharpness and detail.

Kathleen

  • Great 
  • hester Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1464 W: 18 N: 2950] (10828)
  • [2007-11-10 10:15]

Hi Radomir

Congratulations on your 100th post! I love the sharp well captured details in this shot. The eye looks amazing. Great note as well

TFS

Karan

  • Great 
  • izler Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1237 W: 78 N: 852] (7418)
  • [2007-11-10 13:38]

selam Radomir
congratulations for your 100th photos with interesting and different species from our country
composition, point of view, lighting, sharpness, details and note are great
thanks for sharing
regards
izler

Congrats on 100 posts Radomir.
Another interesting species of beetle, with nice flashwork, DOF, and sharp details.
Howard

Hi Radomir,
great macro shot for your milestone. Congratulations for your 100th. I wish you many hundreds and we will see what a nice from you for a long time.
Details excellent, sharpness, composition, colors, POV and informative notes very nice. thanks for sharing. best wishes
Ahmet

hello
enchantée de visiter ta galerie, je trouve cette photo parfaitement réussie, netteté et bg parfait
bon travail, merci a toi de partager
amicalement
edith

Excellent macro of this attactive bug, Radomir.
The details are beyond comparison.
Well done and TFS.
Ram

  • Great 
  • OzBY Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 181 W: 2 N: 303] (1049)
  • [2007-12-02 14:59]

Hello Radomir,
Great picture of this beetle.
Great in all aspects

Oz

Hi Radomir,
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR CENTURY HERE ON TN. A very nicely presented tiger beetle. Excellent composition and details with a very goo POV. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Hi Radomir
Congratulations on your 100th posts!! Really nice shot of this Balkan boy with grat details.
TFS / Regards
Ralf

Hola Radomir,
Enhorabuena por tu 100th post, has elegido una bonita imagen para commemorarlo, gracias por compartir estas belleza y tus conocimientos, esperamos seguir disfrutando de muchos miles mas. Un cordial saludo
José Ramón

  • Great 
  • sily Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 252 W: 6 N: 391] (1859)
  • [2007-12-08 17:00]

HI Radomir!
I never saw this one before, pretty rare sight,you chose quite beauty for your 100th post, excellent shot with superb sharpnes in details and POV!

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-01-05 15:25]

Hello Radomir

Congratulations on your 100th post on TN.You have contributed an excellent body of work containing excellent images ans educational,scientific information.
This shot is well focused with sharp details.
The image is well illuminated showing excellent colours.
A lovely POV and nice diagonal composition.
TFS

Rob

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