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Male Stag Beetle


Male Stag Beetle
Photo Information
Copyright: steve weeks (weeksy) Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 17 W: 0 N: 30] (120)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-06-13
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon D200, 105mm 1:2.8 Sigma
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/160 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Treknature photos [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2008-07-01 12:47
Viewed: 13961
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 13
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
One from last summer, a male stag beetle trying to take off from a plant that was barely supporting his weight!

Stag beetles are the largest British beetle, with the males having impressive jaws that they use to wrestle with other males. Despite their formidable appearance they are harmless to man (unlike the females who have far smaller jaws but can deliver quite a nip!)

The males will fly, often after dark, searching for females. Their flight is erratic but it is impressive to see such a large beetle fly.

The larvae live in rotting wood and take between 3-5 years before they pupate into adults. Sadly their numbers in Britain have declined, and they are far less widespread than in the past.
Amadeo, gpeler, boreocypriensis, LordPotty, meyerd has marked this note useful
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To meyerd: Stag beetle workshopweeksy 1 12-30 13:43
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Amadeo Gold Star Critiquer [C: 168 W: 0 N: 755] (3323)
  • [2008-07-01 12:54]

Hola Steve, bienvenido a TN, excelente presentación, un escarabajo con los élitros abiertos wow.... Una excelente composición, nitida, con buen color y muy bien iluminada. Un saludo

Hello Steve,
Although I hate all the insects, I like your photo:) There is a small clarity problem but I am sure you will fix it in the future. TFS.
Congratulations
Greetings,
Gamze:)

Hi Steve, a great welcome on TN, superb macro with fantastic details, splendid aharpness and wonderful blurry BG, BRAVO! very well done, have a nice Sunday, ciao Silvio

Hi Steve,
I love these beetles ... used to keep them as pets at boarding school in London many years ago.
Great to capture it about to fly like this.
They're always a bit hard to focus on clearly.
The sensors dont pick up black beetles too well at the best of times,let alone while they're moving.
Great shot.
Cheers
Steve

Hi Steve,
I did not see this image before, sorry. You may be too modest, but this is a very rare sight, a Stag beetle just at the split second it flies off! Beautiful, how it keeps its precarious balance. As you said, flying Stag beetles are "something else". My compliments to this one, Steve. In a workshop version I tried to post process the image somewhat, tell me what you think of it. Don't worry, the copyright stays with you.

My best regards and a Happy New Year
Dietrich

Good shot Steve. You captured very well this interesting insect. Sharpness is good for this difficult shot. Thanks for sharing. Regards...

  • Great 
  • ddg Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 867 W: 24 N: 1008] (5507)
  • [2009-02-16 3:09]

Bonjour Steve, tank for yours comments, this shot remember me this one: http://fr.treknature.com/viewphotos.php?l=3&p=59167 !!! but just before in flight away. Congratulations, Didier.

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