Going Green

© David A. Dawson

Going Green

Uploaded: March 07, 2012

Description

The Spicebush Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio troilus) goes through 6 instars, or stages, of development before pupating. In the 4th instar this caterpillar is brown with white splotches, resembling bird droppings. The 5th instar brings a dramatic change to this colorful, almost comic, look. The large false eye spots help make the caterpillar look like a small snake, which helps keep away its main predator - birds.
Canon 100mm lens, ISO 100, F/9, 1/200 second.

Exif: F Number: 9, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/200 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 100, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 100.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 20D

Comments

Ye Tun March 07, 2012

Nice and interesting one... and good in detail.. #1448071

JudyAnn Rector level-classic March 07, 2012

Wonderful macro work, David... thanks for the info too. #10027478

David A. Dawson March 09, 2012

A photo of this caterpillar, and the subsequent pursuit of my own photos of it, became the single largest catalyst for my desire to learn about Lepidoptera.
I hope this photo inspires others to do the same.
#10031249

Kathy Salerni level-classic April 30, 2012

I just love this caterpillar, David! I have seen it before and it has such a cute face!! Excellent detail, comp and color! #10114981

To discuss, first log in or sign up (buttons are at top center of page).

Get Constructive Critiques

Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.


 

Did You Know?

Discussions by Category: You can view photo discussions on various themes in the Community > Photo Discussions section of the site.

BetterPhoto Websites: If you see an orange website link directly under the photographer's name, it's totally okay. It's not spam. The reason: BetterPhoto is the one that offers these personal photography websites. We are supporting our clients with those links.

Unavailable EXIF: If there is no other information but 'Unavailable' in the EXIF (meaning no EXIF data exists with the photo), the 'Unavailable' blurb is not displayed. If there is any info, it shows. Many photos have the EXIF stripped out when people modify the image and resave it, before uploading.


 

The following truth is one of the core philosophies of BetterPhoto:

I hear, I forget.
I see, I remember.
I do, I understand.

You learn by doing. Take your next online photography class.


BetterPhoto.com Editor's Pick


Copyright for this gallery photo belongs solely to David A. Dawson.
Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Log in to follow or message this photographer or report this photo.