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Defensive Behavior


Defensive Behavior
Photo Information
Copyright: gabriel mendez (pitai) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 203 W: 15 N: 155] (1197)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon PowerShot S2 IS
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2006-05-09 7:38
Viewed: 1321
Points: 20
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Caterpillar mimic showing scent gland. If it survives to adulthood, this caterpillar will become a beautiful swallowtail butterfly. In its youth, however, it avoids predation through mimicry, by appearing to be an extremely unpalatable blob of bird excrement, as shown in my previous post. If a predator sees through the disguise and attempts to attack, the caterpillar has a second line of defense. It rears back, extrudes a forked scent gland called the osmeterium and lets off a foul odor, as shown in this image.

I have a complementary image on the WS.
pablominto, phlr, Dando, TAZ, efigesta, lovenature has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Gabriel, Great colors, BG, POV, DOF, great details, TFS KYLE

Hi Gabriel,
Awesome!!
Good note accompanied by an educational image... All together very well done my friend, even I get the point here!
Greetings,
Pablo -

Hi Gabriel,
very good demonstration of the caterpillar's weapons.
Thank you for these very well describing pictures and notes!
Best regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3064 W: 231 N: 6159] (21044)
  • [2006-05-09 21:30]

This is fascinating, Gabriel.
Thanks for the informative note and the very interesting image.
I have seen such a caterpillar before (in Costa Rica), but I was not aware that they had that second line of defense. Great POV and fine details on this shot. TFS. : )

  • Great 
  • zeca Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 373 W: 14 N: 538] (2881)
  • [2006-05-10 0:00]

Very interesting capture, Gabriel! I´ve never seen! The image is very sharp and it´s nice to see even the dust! Nice note! All the best!
Zeca

  • Great 
  • Dando Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 637 W: 32 N: 792] (3084)
  • [2006-05-10 4:37]

Hi Gabriel, very interesting shot. When I first saw the shot I thought someone had posted a shot of bird droppings not realizing until I read your notes. Very informative shot, well done and TFS.
Dean.

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2241 W: 47 N: 3167] (10926)
  • [2006-05-10 5:31]

What interesting macro that you have well done ! I never see before a caterpillar scent gland... I also appreciate the instructive note... Congratulations Gabriel and thanks for sharing.

Ola Gabriel
uma foto interessante deste insecto esquisito
bom dof e boas cores
manuel

Bela imagem Gabriel, a natureza é uma coisa incrível!!!

Hi Gabriel, Wow another interesting creature. It's hard to believe that this creature will turn into a beautiful swallowtail butterfly. Nice capture and composition. Janice

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