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Papilio machaon larva


Papilio machaon larva
Photo Information
Copyright: Nikos Roditakis (NikosR) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 76 W: 3 N: 447] (3436)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2015-07-23
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon D5200, Nikon 55-200mm DX AF-S Lens
Exposure: f/11, 1/500 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2015-07-28 4:40
Viewed: 793
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Papilio machaon Linnaeus 1758
Lepidoptera: Papilionidae
Common name: Swallowtail

Papilio machaon is widespread and common in Crete as in many countries of the world. It lays eggs on tall plants. The young caterpillar is black, marked with a band of white. It looks remarkably like a small bird-dropping as it rests openly on the leaves. This camouflage is not effective against spiders, which may predate up to 65% of 1st instar larvae. When fully grown in July, the caterpillar is a most magnificent creature - bright green, marked with narrow black bands and orange spots (see image). Behind it's head is an eversible fleshy pink forked structure called an osmaterium, which is raised if the larva is irritated. This structure emits pungent chemicals, capable of deterring ants, wasps, and flies, but does not deter birds - reed buntings, sedge warblers and bearded tits between them devouring at least 50% of mature larvae.

Here in this picture it feeds on parsley leaves not often as host plant.
marius-secan, Hotelcalifornia has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

hallo Nikos
very nice picture to see this Caterpillar
beautiful colours to
thanks gr lou

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5137 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2015-07-28 7:57]

Hello Nikos,
Excellent macro of this caterpillar in splendid clear colours and good sharpness. Pleasant diagonal composition.
Regards,
Peter

Ciao Nikos, great macro of fantastic catarpillar, wonderful colors, fine details and splendid sharpness, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 6595 W: 89 N: 15659] (65489)
  • [2015-07-28 10:33]

Hi Nikos,magnificent capture of one of the most famous and beautiful caterpillar of our countries,excellent DOF for the best details and bright colors too.Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

A beuatiful carterpillar Nikos , well done.

Thanks for sharing.

gr.Yves

Hello Nikos,
I like this colorful caterpillar. Nice details and colors. It is a wonderful macro image.
Marius.

Hello Nikos,
Truly good work...Very nice light and color. Like diagonal placement.
Thanks for sharing,
Regards,
Srikumar

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