Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · UKNP

Elephant hawk moth (Deilephila elpenor)

Discussion

13 replies
Posted by Daniel Read on June 13, 2008 at 7:46 AM
I found this Elephant Hawk moth (Deilephila elpenor) in some long grass at the end of my parents garden last weekend. I think it was recently moulted, as it was very docile, and looked very fresh. I tried a number of different angles, but was quite please with how is one came out. The lighting was a bit harsh, but it really helped the colours show nicely. Critiques welcome!

Cheers,

Dan.

Nikon d50
Sigma 105mm Macro
1/80s
f/11.0
ISO200
Manfrotto tripod and ballhead
Posted by Mark Green on June 13, 2008 at 7:56 AM
Nice capture , Colours are stunning. you can see each invidual hair .!!

:toast:
Mark.G
Posted by Barrie Harwood on June 13, 2008 at 8:15 AM
Great colour, lovely and sharp but for my taste, just too close.

I'd far prefer to see the entire moth especially as some of the most beautiful parts of it are the wings.

For accuracy by the way, it;'s the Large Elephant Hawk (we have two species in the UK)

Barrie :smile:
Posted by Daniel Read on June 13, 2008 at 9:07 AM
Thanks for the information Barry. I have a number of different shots of this, so I'll post one of the whole body shots at a later date.

Cheers,

Dan.
Posted by Des Ong on June 13, 2008 at 9:17 AM
What a handsome beast!
Posted by Paul Thomas on June 13, 2008 at 9:38 AM
Most people have not idea just how stunning some of our native moths are. You've really nailed this one. I look forward to seeing a full body shot.

:toast:

Paul
Posted by Adam Seward on June 13, 2008 at 9:43 AM
As others have said, would like to see the whole body shots. But excellent sharpness, detail and colours!

Adam
Posted by Barrie Harwood on June 13, 2008 at 10:01 AM
What a handsome beast!

Thank you :wink:
Posted by Jeroen Stel on June 13, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Excellent detail and colors!
Well done!
Would like to see one posted of the whole animal too!

greetings,

Jeroen Stel
Posted by Helge Sorensen on June 13, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Impressive details and colours, Daniel. I think I would have preferred a full body image if possible.
Posted by Dave Bartlett on June 13, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Great detail and colour with excellent sharpness. I'll be looking forward to seeing the shots of the whole moth too.

Dave
Posted by Tom Smit on June 13, 2008 at 3:08 PM
Lovely picture. May be next time you can picture the whole animal.
That would make it more beautiful (to me)
Posted by Magnus Hird on June 15, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Amazing colours, and people just think moths are dull brown creepy things. Saw some cinnabar moths the other week, they're good looking too :smile:
Posted by eric weight on June 15, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Superb detail and colours look spot on to me. I had never seen one of these and then one night we borrowed a moth trap and caught 6 in the back garden! Moths can be spectacular and unappreciated. I suppose I would have preffered the whole thing but the level of detail makes up for that a bit.
:smile: Eric