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Red-Eared Terrapin & Blue Morpho


Red-Eared Terrapin & Blue Morpho
Photo Information
Copyright: Pam Russell (coasties) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3816 W: 505 N: 8088] (27696)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-11-06
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Canon EOS 20D, Canon EF 100-400mm L IS USM, Digital RAW 200, Hoya UV 77mm
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2005-11-06 3:45
Viewed: 2313
Points: 26
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Red-eared Terrapin

Scientific name: Trachemys scripta elegans

Diet: Fish- piscivore, insects- insectivore, water plants

Food & feeding: Omnivore

Habitats: Freshwater

Conservation status: Near Threatened.

Relatives: Yellow-spotted Amazon River turtle, giant tortoise

Description: This is a sleek turtle, with webbed feet and a red stripe down each side of the head. The carapace (upper shell) is patterned with yellow and
green markings. They reach a maximum size of around 25 cm.

Lifestyle: The red-eared terrapin inhabits still or slow flowing water with thick underwater vegetation. Primarily active during the day, it likes to haul
out onto land, roots or floating logs to soak up the sun's heat.

Red-Eared Terrapin information obtained from http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/learning/animals/reptiles/red-eared-
terrapin

Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides)

The Blue Morpho is a member of the Morphidae species and are widespread in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America as well as in the West Indies.

This neo tropical blue butterfly belongs to the Genus: Morpho, Family: Morphoidae, Order: Lepidoptera, Class: Insecta and Phylum: Arthropoda.

They reside in tropical jungles and can often be found in clearings. Most of their later life history is still unknown. What is known is that they normally spend
their nights hanging from trees and the underside of leaves.

Microscopic ridges on the backs of their wings fracture and reflect light, making them appear iridescent, like blue gemstones. When their wings are folded they
show only the bottom of their wings that are camouflaged dull brown side with "eye spots"
This allows for the morpho to fold inward the bright side of its wings when it sleeps and show only the side that blends into the environment.

While in flight, males tend to get aggressive if another male comes too close in proximity. Yet nearby a watering place, two males can sit close together without conflict. Males are known to group together at night and have a special location for eating and another place for resting. Much of a male butterfly's time is spent looking for females. How surprising!

Blue Morpho information obtained from http://www.african-butterfly-home-decorating.com/blue-morpho.htm

IMAGE INFORMATION

Camera: Canon 20D
Time of day: 11:23 a.m.
Date: 6th November 2005
Weather conditions: Inside Tropical Butterfly Enclosure
Lens: Canon 100-400mm L IS
Filter: Hoya 77mm UV
Shutter Speed: 1/160
F-Stop: F/5.6
Focal Length: 135mm
External Flash: Canon 580EX Speedlight
ISO: 200
Original file type: Digital Raw
TAZ, joeydrops, Runnerduck, glazzaro, livios, marhowie, scottevers7, hummingbird24, PDP, Luc has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Pam,
that's the shot of the day. The two turtles are so nice by themselves, but you made the shot with the pretty bonus - the blue butterfly. Marvelous, I love it. Thanks
Sabine - wishnugaruda

Hi Pam,
This is a lovely and entertaining shot! It looks like the butterfly mistook the turtle for a flower, or maybe it just wants a ride :D
You have captured excellent details in this shot and good depth too with the OOF turtle in the background. Well captured!
Claudia.

This is a great image with the added bonus of the butterfly.
Great detail and composition, although I probably would have preferred a bit more space around the terrapin in the bg.
Informative note, thanks for posting.

  • Great 
  • Libor Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 176 W: 1 N: 25] (1101)
  • [2005-11-06 11:40]

:o) very lovely shot :o)
good details and composition
I love it.
TFS Libor

Now that is something you don't see everyday, well done.

Greg

  • Great 
  • livios Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2156 W: 322 N: 4258] (16906)
  • [2005-11-06 17:46]

Pam, this is another very nice moment you managed to capture.

Great pov, excellent sharpness, lovely colors and lighting.

Very cool shot Pam..This doesn't happen everyday! Great details, colors and sharpness. Very nice moment captured.
Thank You.

Hi Pam,
Now that is a unique shot for sure. Excellent colors, and sharp detail. Not two that you would find together very often. Well Done.
Scott

  • Great 
  • Graal Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 755 W: 31 N: 20] (5032)
  • [2005-11-07 3:04]

Hi Pam,
superb shot. I like the colours and sharpness. Unusual view, two animals in one. I like it very much. Well done.
Rgs, Aleksander

Hello Pam!

Extra points for unique capture, in this wonderful image!

Nice sharp details, colors, great POV, lighting and composition.

Thank you.

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 2821 W: 344 N: 3779] (11769)
  • [2005-11-07 17:14]

Hi Pam, interesting combination. Nice composition and good colours. I like the rear terrapin that is out of focus. Nice shot.

  • Great 
  • Luc Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1873 W: 304 N: 4300] (14729)
  • [2005-11-10 23:43]

;-)
Personal assessment of the photo: very good.
Capacity of evocation in me: strong.
Strong visual impact.
Aptness of the photo for the site: excellent.
Personal assessment of the note: complete.
Thank you very much Pam. Very well seen and well done.

Pam,
If the Blue Morpho only knew that if he landed 4 inches closer to the head....yikes!
very nice decisive moment capture here and great shallow DOF. Nice detail.
Nice work,
Scott

Excelente shot Pam, the Blue Morpho is the "iceing on the cake"!!!

Hi Pam , à tout points de vue BRAVO

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