<< Previous Next >>

Monarch


Monarch
Photo Information
Copyright: Chris Chafer (sandpiper2) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1666 W: 111 N: 3531] (11475)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-02-03
Categories: Insects
Camera: Pentax K100D Super, Sigma 70-300 DG Macro, Digital ISO-400, Matin 58mm UV
Exposure: f/13.0, 1/90 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Butterflies of Australia, Invertebrates and fungi of the Sydney region 2 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-06-16 4:47
Viewed: 529
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 32
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is of course a Monarch (Danaus plexippus), perhaps the most recognised butterfly in the world. In Australia, the species was first recorded in 1870, but it is not known exactly how they came here, one theory suggest as larvae on a ship. Another recent paper by Clarke and Zalucki poses another far more interesting hypothesis. They suggest that the species may have been blown to central eastern Australia by a series of cyclones (hurricanes) that occurred in the summer of 1870/71. It is known that the species occurred on nearby Vanuatu at that time and so it is theoretically possible. Its an interesting read anyway.

Clarke, AR and Zalucki, M P (2004) Monarchs in Australia: on the winds
of a storm?. Biological Invasions 6:123-127

Anyway here it is feeding on the flowers of the laval host plant, the balloon cotton weed (Gomphocarpus physocarpus). And if you’d like to see the larvae of this this species I posted a reasonable shot back in 2005 (here) taken at the same location.
LordPotty, pekkavalo1, Ken52, mayuresh, ellis49, Gert-Paassen, SueThomson, Luis52, Jacobo, iris, juanit has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Ah ... at last,I butterfly I can say we have in New Zealand too!
Beautifully composed shot,
Great colour and detail as always.
The caterpillar looks great too.
Cheers
Steve

Hello Chris,
Excellent coloured photo in a perfect composition. The BG colours are very harmonious with the colours in the butterfly. Very good sharpness and POV.
Regards,
Peter

Hi Chris,

Very good close-up capture of Monarch. Good pose and composition, sharp details and nice colours.

TFS

Pekka

  • Great 
  • Ken52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 663 W: 98 N: 1260] (4181)
  • [2008-06-16 5:34]

Nice job! Excellent focus and exposure. The colors are rich and natural with good contrast. Very good background and outstanding composition.

Hello Chris,
beautiful composition with superb sharpness,lovely colours,great macro shot.
well done.
TFS.

Ciao Chris
What a great shot!
I'd like to learn your ability...

beautiful macro shot! great colours and nice composition.
tfs
Ilias

Hi Chris,
long time no see, my friend.
The monarch hanging nicely from the plant.
You did well with the exposure, not easy with a white plant and all black in the BF.
Nice POV, fine composition and details.
Well done.

Stupenda macro, eccellenti POV e composizione con la farfalla aggrappata al fiore e le gocce d'acqua con i riflessi, ottima nitidezza, magnifici i colori e BG. Grazie e complimenti. Ciao Maurizio

Hello Chris,

Very good macro shot, exelent BG, POV and details of the Butterfly.
I have also this specie on picture but in a butterflygarden photographed.

Gert

Well composed and a beautful OOF BG, Chris.
TFS
Annick

Hi Chris
A lovely macro shot of one of our most beautiful butterflies. Your POV and DOF is spot on...TFS
Cheers
Sue

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1022 W: 5 N: 2802] (10144)
  • [2008-06-16 19:11]

Hola Chris.
Muy bellos colores de las alas de esta Monarca. Alta nitidez e iluminacion. La pose exelente.
Saludos Chris.
Luis52.

No me podía imaginar que hubiera mariposas monarca en Australia.
Muchas gracias por la información.
Saludos
Jacobo

  • Great 
  • iris Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 392 W: 41 N: 735] (2314)
  • [2008-06-19 1:12]

Hi Chris,
A supernb macro of the monarch that is vivid in its details and colours and contrasts.Excellen sharpness and clarity and PoV.I like the way you have composed.On opening the picture the first thing that strikes the viewer is the pair of wings and their beautifukl patterns.The water droplets clinging to the flowers add a nice toouch to the whole composition.
TFS & Cheers
:)

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2008-06-22 21:43]

Hello Chris

A beautiful capture of this Monarch butterfly.
The focus is sharp with wonderful detail.
Excellent natural colours.
Great job.
TFS

Rob

Hello Chris

Thia is truely a beauty.Excellent colours,detail and sharpness,everything about your capture is perfect.Am adding to my favourites.Thanks for sharing.

Anita & Mike

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF