by Mike Ramy
I finally got a chance with one of these and here is the results. Shot in studio with back lighting and fill flash. Had to lower the temperature to 65 degrees F in order to keep him still enough for the shoot. Used several plants but this Aloe Leaf yielded the best results. Released back into the woods unharmed and doing just fine as of last check.
The Saddleback Caterpillar, Acharia stimulea (formerly Sibene stimulea), is the larva of a species of moth native to eastern North America. The species belongs to the family of slug caterpillars, Limacodidae. The pair of fleshy horns at either end and most of the rest of the body bear urticating hairs that secrete an irritating venom. Contact with the hairs causes a painful, swollen rash and sometimes nausea in humans. The hairs should be removed from the skin immediately to prevent more venom spread. The cocoon may also have irritating hairs and hairs from the larva can fall on surrounding objects. I was very careful with the handling this little fellow, measuring about 1/2 inch in length, for the well being of us both.
Please see Larger Version - - Largest Version - HERE
File name RAMY_0444_CF65
Camera Model Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Shooting Date/Time 8/19/2015 7:34:55 PM
Author Michael Ramy
Copyright Notice CopyRight Rock Art, Ltd All Rights Reserved
Shooting Mode Aperture-Priority AE
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/5
Av(Aperture Value) 16
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation -1 1/3
ISO Speed 400
Lens EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Focal Length 100.0mm
Flash Type External Flash : E-TTL flash metering
E-TTL II flash metering Evaluative flash metering
Flash Exposure Compensation -1/3
Tripod / Remote Release
Full Frame
Comments
9 commentsNice work, Mike. I like the comp, bg, lighting, and perch. The lighting and bg are very natural, so it's not evident at all that this is a studio shot. I also like the terrific detail in the hairs. I like the front angled view, allowing an unobstructed view of the head and a view of the side, but it would have been nice to have a better look at the color and pattern on the larva's body. Not sure how you could have accomplished both in a single shot, of course, so the chosen angle was a good one. Bottom line: excellent all around; no nits.
Mike, this is a terrific look at this cat. I've seen them a couple of times and was amazed to learn that they turn into a quite plain moth. The warm lighting, bright greens, and especially the glow in the spines all look great. Very well done.
Awesome detail of the spines and head. The BG and leaf compliment the beauty of this caterpillar. I would like to see another picture detailing the body and spot that identifies this little guy as a Saddleback, as it is so extraordinary. I am happy to that you and the Saddleback were not harmed during the filming of Caterpillar On A Leaf.
E
Nice one, Mike. Good idea to bring it inside, as the lighting looks great.
I think the DOF of this shot adequately illustrates the little critter. The angle looks more attractive than one from the side that would have put the back in focus, and the colors and pattern are still quite evident.
Fantastic image! Great colors and details. Thanks for sharing photo and story.
I like the POV & sharp details that go right "to the point" Mike
Really like the comp that gives the viewer the 'whole' picture.. And an excellent point of focus with great DOF @ f/16.
Nice complimentary colors in both the BG & substrate, very well done!
I've gotten stung by one of these bad boys more than once. I swole up something terrible!
This is fine, but I like the deadly duo on your web page better.
I seem to be in a minority, though.
Mike, I know a lot of others have commented, so I can't add to what they have said, but I have say what a neat shot! Just finished an article on the venom of some caterpillars and wished I had shot like this to use. Nice job!
A crazy looking bug!!
Very nice composition and use of neutral bg. Super detail!