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Tiny Circus


Tiny Circus
Photo Information
Copyright: Angelina Deans (angybone) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1167 W: 11 N: 2265] (7198)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-05-11
Categories: Insects
Camera: OLYMPUS E-500, Olympus Zuiko 40-150 f3.5-5.6
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/400 seconds
Map: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-05-12 9:09
Viewed: 423
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
I found an entire circus inside this prickly pear flower.

Let's start with the plant itsel: Lindheimer Prickly Pear
Opuntia engelmannii. These are quite common across Texas. The hardy, not always so nice, plants amaze us every spring with their delicate blooms.

Next we have 'the worm' - actually, it's the caterpillar of the Gray Hairstreak butterfly. To see the butterfly version, check out Ken52's photo http://www.treknature.com/gallery/North_America/United_States/photo107937.htm
An interesting fact about the Gray Hairstreek (strymon melinus) is that the butterfly has evolved so the rear of their wings look like their head. The butterflies also shuffle their wings so the tails appear to move like antennae. This little caterpillar will remain in its larval stage about 4 weeks then build a cocoon. After 10 to 20 days in chrysalis, the butterfly itself will emerge.

Finally, we have the Harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica. Considered one of the 'stink bugs', the harlequin bug is a southern insect ranging from the Atlantic to the Pacific. This insect is rarely found north of Colorado and Pennsylvania. It first spread over the south from Mexico shortly after the Civil War. (from http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/)
XOTAELE, LordPotty, jmirah, JoseMiguel, nglen, iris has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hola Angelina.
Muy acertado el título de tu imagen.
Bellos colores y magníficos detalles complementados con una buena nota.
Saludos y tfs, JL.

An interesting composition and a great note Angelina.
Its certainly worth taking a closer look at things.
Most people would just see a flower.
Well done.
Steve

  • Great 
  • jmirah Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 436 W: 5 N: 901] (3574)
  • [2007-05-12 10:26]

Hi Ange,
Looks like you interupted a tryst of the weirdest kind. The bug also seems to have a special defense besides it's scent, the coloration. The markings give the illusion that it has two very large eyes which must resemble a different type of bug. Or maybe like the butterfly, it is to give the impression that it is facing the other way. Good DOF, POV and vivid colors. Interesting and informative note.
Jim

Hi Angelina,
So this is a crowded flower!
Excellent capture here, the details and colours on the flower are so beautiful.
The great sharpness of the image let us appreciate the couple of insects that laid into.
All this elements makes this a colourful presentation.
Congratulations and thanks for share it.
My best regards,
JM

Hi Angelina,
Excellent macro
very nice details
Cheers

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1989 W: 5 N: 5528] (20896)
  • [2007-05-12 17:18]

Hi angelina. This is a very good close up. Lots of good colour. and detail.the bug looks covered in pollen. well done TFS. Nick.

  • Great 
  • iris Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 389 W: 40 N: 730] (2302)
  • [2007-05-13 15:38]

Hi Angelina,
This Tiny Circus is a superbly presented composition.
Is it pollens that 're seen as yellow spekcs around?
The flower is so pretty, they look absolutely different in their structure from teh usual flowers one get to see.
Beautiful compostion.
TFS & Cheers

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