Taken a few weeks back whilst out with Phil,Brett and Tony.
I believe it is a tick on the butterfly, and would appreciate any further info that anyone can offer please.
The butterfly had just settled for his nights roost, but he was perched upside down. So I have rotated it 180 degrees to save you all standing on your heads
Not the sharpest of images, but I was more interested in your views on the 'tick'.
40D
Tv(Shutter Speed)
1/40Sec.
Av(Aperture Value)
F13
Metering Modes
Evaluative metering
Exposure Compensation
0
ISO Speed
400
Lens
EF180mm f/3.5L Macro USM
Many thanks,
Regards,
Fran
Posted by David Taylor on July 29, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Love the 'close' composition Fran works really well, almost a macro shot within a macro shot if that makes sense for that reason its brillant vision on your part,detail is stunning
Posted by David Sewell on July 29, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Fran, you may be interested in the following, which I copied from www.learnaboutbutterflies.com :
"Adult butterflies, particularly the males of Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina, Marbled White Melanargia galathea, and Common Blue Polyommatus icarus are often parasitised by these red mites Trombidium breei, which normally attach themselves to the thorax of the butterfly. They transfer from host to host when the butterflies alight to nectar at flowers. Studies have shown that the mites have no detectable effect on the flight performance, orientation ability or lifespan of infested Meadow Browns."
Thanks to you all for your comments, and the two Davids with the help on the mite, made very interesting viewing. I have bookmarked the site and will no doubt use it again in the future! Much appreciated chaps, thank you!
Seen a few like this this year and was wondering if they had an effect on the host, so thanks David for that! Interesting stuff, learn something new everyday as they say! Nice image too!
An interesting image Fran, nicely recorded, I went off to check on these after you mentioned it.... yes these mites are quite common, you can see them on damselflies too....
Posted by Brett Lewis on July 30, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Nice work Fran, interesting subject and something I was aware of but don't recall seeing in this species.. A nice record shot that was worth the effort to share with us. Thanks..
Discussion
11 repliesI believe it is a tick on the butterfly, and would appreciate any further info that anyone can offer please.
The butterfly had just settled for his nights roost, but he was perched upside down. So I have rotated it 180 degrees to save you all standing on your heads
Not the sharpest of images, but I was more interested in your views on the 'tick'.
40D
Tv(Shutter Speed)
1/40Sec.
Av(Aperture Value)
F13
Metering Modes
Evaluative metering
Exposure Compensation
0
ISO Speed
400
Lens
EF180mm f/3.5L Macro USM
Many thanks,
Regards,
Fran
http://www.learnaboutbutterflies.com/Enemies%20of%20Butterflies.htm.
They look very similar to the one on yours.
"Adult butterflies, particularly the males of Meadow Brown Maniola jurtina, Marbled White Melanargia galathea, and Common Blue Polyommatus icarus are often parasitised by these red mites Trombidium breei, which normally attach themselves to the thorax of the butterfly. They transfer from host to host when the butterflies alight to nectar at flowers. Studies have shown that the mites have no detectable effect on the flight performance, orientation ability or lifespan of infested Meadow Browns."
You asked for further info, hope that helps.
David
Fran
Ditto David's comments at many of my local spots in a good summer the butterflies mahve mites!
David
Hi Fran,
Seen a few like this this year and was wondering if they had an effect on the host, so thanks David for that! Interesting stuff, learn something new everyday as they say! Nice image too!
Cheers,
Lewis.
Lee
Matt
Brett