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rolling the hazel leaf


rolling the hazel leaf
Photo Information
Copyright: patrick neuberg (pat) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 87 W: 0 N: 125] (414)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-06-17
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon D70, SigmaEX 105macro 2.8
Exposure: f/13.0, 1/100 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-06-18 4:48
Viewed: 4102
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Hazel leaf roller ; Apoderus coryli (6-8mm)

This sequence of photos shows how the Hazel nut roller, a beautifully coloured red weevil, is rolling a leaf to prepare a cradle for its larvae. The photos have been taken yesterday in mid-June, on a warm afternoon in a relatively humid forest (old Rhine river forest ; from about 16:30 to 17:30).

The entire leaf rolling process lasts for about 1 hour.

The beetle begins to incise the right side of the leaf in a semi-arc like fashion (central image, 1); it goes to the left side and here it only incises the blade partly, the central vein being also cut (2 and 3, clockwise from top). Hereupon it moves to the rear side (4). It incises the central vein again twice (5 to 7). With all his 6 feet it will position itself on the central part of the blade, and in a tweezer like fashion it pushes and presses the leafs, that will begin to fold. Moving this way alternatively from left to the right, it will force the leaf into a roll form, the way a cigar is shaped (8 to 11). Having finished its job it moves to the top and flies off (12).

I unfortunately could not observe the egg laying act itself, despite my continuous attention. I only can assume that it may have occurred on the rear side, hidden from my eyesight, as I kept in sure distance caring not to disturb the weevil so to be able the witness the whole leaf rolling act.

I will see what happens to the roll the next days, and will complete this note.

Thanks for your interest. I hope you like this little act !

Patrick
hvdp, PDP, Janice, ddg, thistle, ellis49, liziafa, Tippecanoe has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To marmottelolo: legende en francaispat 1 07-20 13:56
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • hvdp Silver Star Critiquer [C: 24 W: 1 N: 3] (210)
  • [2006-06-18 4:50]

Goode exposure and density. Very well composed and interesting. TFS.
Hugo

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 2821 W: 344 N: 3779] (11769)
  • [2006-06-18 4:50]

Hi Patrick, I really like what you have done here. It's like a story. Well done on this. Each frame is good - very nice work.

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3277 W: 148 N: 6163] (18832)
  • [2006-06-18 4:54]

Hi Pat, you have a wonderful collage here, so well put together. I think each photos would be ok on its own. Very well presented, thank you,
Janice

  • Great 
  • ddg Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 867 W: 24 N: 1008] (5507)
  • [2006-06-18 4:59]

Patrick bonjour, bien joli montage avec cet insecte trés lumineux. Les differents PDV sont bien choisi, bonne saturation des couleurs et bon piqué. Félicitations, Didier.

Hello Patrick,
I'm always amazed by the leaf-roller beetles. They are so small yet can deal with big leafs. Some of them make really impressive "ciggars".
It's s superb set of pictures. They are great technically and veeery interesting.
VERY WELL DONE!

hi Patrick!

WOW and WOW, a superb composition.
TFS a lot,
cosmln

Hi Patrick.
a very nice collage of this beautiful weevil.
The colours and details are very good.
Very well done.

  • Great 
  • pvs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1127 W: 254 N: 3161] (14464)
  • [2006-06-18 9:13]

H Patrick,

An excellent compo from this colored bug,well done and TFS

Paul

Hi Patrick,
Interesting idea :-)
Very well execution.
Excellent colors, DOF and sharp.
Very well done.
TFS Malgosia

bonjour pat. Mon commentaire ne sera pas très original, je trouve le collage très sympa et bien réalisé, totues les photos sont de bonne qualité et l'insecte est fort esthétique.

bonjour patrick
excellente composition,on peut dire que vous nous presentez l'insecte sous toutes ses coutures.
je regrette cependant de ne pas avoir la note aussi en français!
laurent

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