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Lycaena phlaeas #1 - Small Copper


Lycaena phlaeas #1 - Small Copper
Photo Information
Copyright: Goran Ogen (sgo) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 136 W: 35 N: 239] (716)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-07-23
Categories: Insects
Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): My Butterflies Summer -06 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-03-13 23:38
Viewed: 517
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Lycaena phlaeas from Fleeting Memories From Summer -06 on one of the prime nectar favourites for many butterflies: Circium arvense "Creeping Thistle".

The Small Copper is easily recognized by its species-typical colours and patterns, only gender is difficult to differentiate with the naked eye. In Sweden we have only a few Coppers, seven altogether, of which the Small cannot be mistaken for any other in this group. Its size is that of the Common Blue, with a wingspan of ~23-33 mm, the anterior uppersides are coloured fiery orange-copper and framed with a broad, black, white-edged margin along the outer edges and studded with black dots plus one somewhat bigger discal spot on either side. The posterior uppersides are dark brownish, also white-edged, with an orange band across the back side; where the brownish and orange meet blue, shimmering spots can be seen (sometimes almost worn off though). The underside of the hindwing is brownish-grey with tiny faint black dots and a diffuse line of orange towards the outside (as can be seen in this picture; uppersides of fore- and hindwings will be visible in following pictures).

Taxonomy:
Familia: Lycaenidae
Subfamilia: Lycaeninae
Tribus: Lycaenini
Genus: Lycaena, derivations from Gr. lýkaina λύκαινα "wolverine" and from [the mountain of] "Lykaios" in "Arcadia" (since many species epithets carry the names of "Arcadian" shepherds) have been suggested. As a more plausible derivation, considering the impression of a fiery beam or flash of light the subject itself evokes as it flies swiftly past, I would propose the following one: from Gr. lýkæ λύκη = "light" (mostly in compounds; also related to Lat. lucere "to shine"), thus interpreted as "Little [fiery] beam/flash of light" which harmonizes well with the nature given this genus of butterflies.
Species: phlaeas; various etymologies have been proposed but none really convincing linguistically. But I will make an attempt in a following posting (my quota of characters for this note has been filled now) at presenting a possible interpretation.

For names in most European vernaculars, distribution maps, etc., the interested student is recommended to visit European Butterflies.

References:
1: Nationalnyckeln till Sveriges flora och fauna: Fjärilar - Dagfjärilar. Hesperiidae - Nymphalidae (2005),
and
2: Bo Söderström: Svenska fjärilar. En fälthandbok (2006).
anel, Alex99, phlr, pvb has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

¶wietne makro, wszystko na swoim miejsu - dobry kadr, kolory, ostro¶æ i g³êbia :)

Good capture
Good sharpness and DOF
Good POV and OOF background
Well comosed with nice contratsing colours
well done
Chris

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1166 W: 0 N: 1950] (8279)
  • [2007-03-14 11:01]

Bonjour Goran,
Intéressante présentation de ce cuivré refléchissant la lumière avec ses ailes. C'est vrai qu'ils nous font penser à des rayons de lumière ou même des pièces d'or. Belle composition et un arrière-plan tout en douceur.
Merci
Meilleures salutations
Anne

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3029 W: 148 N: 4520] (14595)
  • [2007-03-14 11:13]

Hi Goran.
You have posted a very nice butterfly picture with great DOV, details and lighting. I also like perfect blurred and coloured BG. I think, your cropping is not the best. It is so strong on the left side of the picture. Well done and TFS.
Alexei.

  • Great 
  • pvb Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 381 W: 20 N: 521] (1813)
  • [2007-03-14 14:52]

Hi Goran,
A very nice and small butterfly.
I agree with Alexei about the crop I think would look better if the butterfly was on the right side of the picture with some space on the left.
Great sharpness and details. Fine colours and blurred bg.
TFS Paula

  • Great 
  • GLEM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 524 W: 87 N: 693] (5739)
  • [2007-03-14 15:59]

hi Goran

encore une très belle image à la lumière superbe. J'aime beaucoup la transparence que cela donne aux ailes. Excellentes couleurs.

tfs

hi goran,
very nice presentation of small copper, i would have preferred open space in front of the butterfly in the composition but anyway this one also looks nice, lovely colours, very good dof, nice sharpness, the pattern on both the sides of the wings is visible,
well done,
tfs & regards
pankaj

Hola Goran.
Preciosa foto, de la pequeña lycaena.Bella luz y nitidez.Saludos.
Antonio.

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