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Papilio machaon 4th stage larva


Papilio machaon 4th stage 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: 2015-09-26
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon D5200, 90mm Tamron AF SP f/2.8 VC USD
Exposure: f/13.0, 1/200 seconds
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2015-10-01 5:28
Viewed: 1014
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 fennel leaves, very good host for it.
ramthakur, Hotelcalifornia has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3097 W: 109 N: 12399] (52850)
  • [2015-10-01 7:23]

Hello Nikos,
Wonderful photo of this beautiful caterpillar!The BG really emphasizes the colours of the caterpillar.Perfect on details and POV.
Regards Sigi

  • Great 
  • tuslaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2754 W: 282 N: 4931] (19883)
  • [2015-10-01 8:54]

Hello Nikos,
I love these colorful caterpillars, always a treat to view.. You have done a great job of photographing this particular species. I like the vertical framing and eye catching markings on it's body. Nice BG color.
Ron

hallo Nikos
beautiful coloured Caterpillar
great sharpness
thanks gr lou

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

Outstanding macro of this beautiful carterpillar Nikos.
Very well done.

Thanks for sharing.
gr.Yves

A lovely caterpillar of a beautiful species of butterfly, Nikos.
Sharp and crisp capture against a well suited brown BG.
I like the diagonal composition.
Thanks.
Ram

Hallo Nikos,

Nice to see this larvae of Swallowtail.... Well captured if we talk on its light, color and BG. Good sharpness too, but EYE level shot would give you its eye, which is very essential, IMHO.
Thanks for sharing,
Regards and have a nice WE,
Srikumar

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