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Inachis io


Inachis io
Photo Information
Copyright: Heinz Koloska (wallhalla15) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1767 W: 58 N: 3350] (13829)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-07-26
Categories: Insects
Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50, Raynox DCR 150 macro lens
Exposure: f/4, 1/250 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): Beautiful Butterflies Part Two [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-07-28 13:07
Viewed: 5082
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Inachis io

The European Peacock (Inachis io), more commonly known simply as the Peacock, is a well-known colourful butterfly, found in temperate Europe and Asia. It is the only member of the genus Inachis which is sometimes included in Nymphalis. It should not be confused or classified with the "American peacocks" in the genus Anartia; these are not close relatives of the present species. The peacock butterfly is resident in much of its range, often wintering in buildings or trees. It therefore often appears quite early in spring.


The butterfly measures about 5 cm (2 in) from wingtip to wingtip and is easily identified by its striking eye pattern on a ruddy background, although with wings closed the cryptically coloured dark underwings make it look like a dead leaf. The eyespots are reminiscent of those on the feathers of a peacock, hence the name. The eyespots are exposed when the butterfly is disturbed by a potential predator (such as birds) in an antipredator display in which the butterflies flick their wings open and make a hissing noise. The open wings create a startling display (note how a glance at the image can give the impression of a cat staring) and the effect is strong enough to deter the predator from eating it, at least for some time which the butterfly would use to escape.(Stevens 2005)

The butterfly hibernates over winter before laying its eggs in early spring, in batches of up to 500 at a time. The caterpillars, which are shiny black with six rows of barbed spikes and a series of white dots on each segment, hatch after about a week and feed on nettles and hops. The adult butterflies drink nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, including buddleia, sallows, dandelions, wild marjoram, danewort, hemp agrimony, and clover; they also utilize tree sap and rotten fruit.

The Peacock can be found in woods, fields, meadows, pastures, parks, and gardens, and from lowlands up to 8,200 feet elevation. It is a relatively common butterfly seen in many European parks and gardens.

infos from www.wikipedia.org
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • CCD Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 21 W: 0 N: 25] (422)
  • [2007-07-28 13:09]

common sight buy you've captured it well to produce a great photo.

TFS Chris

  • Great 
  • jossim Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1538 W: 5 N: 2240] (12636)
  • [2007-07-28 13:34]

Superbe photo,les couleurs sont éclatante et exceptionnelles.Bravo pour la netteté et le bel éclairage.
Merci!
Joseph

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2883 W: 30 N: 9683] (36145)
  • [2007-07-28 13:54]

Hi Heinz. What a colourful picture of the Peacock.very good detail and focusing. it has very nice markings which you have captured so well. with a good TOP POV./DOF. well done TFS. very good notes to read too.
Nick..

Hello Heinz,
This is a beautiful butterfly with amazingly vivid colors. Great angle for butterfly and nice exposure. I tried to blur the background a bit more in workshop. Best Wishes,
Ken

  • Great 
  • jhm Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 893 W: 0 N: 507] (1853)
  • [2007-07-28 23:29]

Hello Heinz,

Excellent captured and nice colours of these butterfly.
Composition and colours together and sharpness and clarity are superb.

Best regards,
John

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1772 W: 36 N: 5597] (18598)
  • [2007-07-29 0:58]

Hi Heinz,
Wonderful shot of this beautiful European Peacock. Vey neat and sharp image with bright colours and patterns. The focus is spot-on and the BG highlights the subjects well. Superb lighting and a great POV to portray it. Very nicely composed. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

  • Great 
  • lise Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 169 W: 48 N: 548] (2877)
  • [2007-07-29 4:37]

Bonjour Heinz,
Très belle photo! les couleurs sont saturées à souhait, la netteté est parfaite.
Bravo!
Lise

Nicely taken shot of this Peacock Heinz, with great detail and colour.
Beautiful composition.
Cheers, Steve

Maybe it is a common sight to some, but I have never seen such a colorful butterfly outside of a butterfly park. the pink flower and green foliage just rounds out the spectrum. Very nice richly saturated image.

TFS
Evelynn : )

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