Melanchra persicariae - the caterpiller of the Dot Moth.

Paul Iddon

A rather large caterpillar here, it was perhaps an inch and a half long (that's 1½ in old numbers)...

After a little bit of research I have identified it as the caterpillar of a Dot moth, Latin name as in the title, Melanchra persicariae.

This one was originally munching on a penstemon leaf, but for the compositional aid, I used a wisteria to allow it to take up a position which allowed a clearer view.

The caterpillar is more interesting than the moth in truth, the moth being a rather boring black colour with a dot on each wing...

Sigma 105 lens, 3 images stacked and finished in CombineZP.


Exif:

Camera Maker: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 550D
Lens: 105mm
Image Date: 2010-09-16 22:50:41 +0000
Focal Length: 105mm
Aperture: f/11.0
Exposure Time: 0.0080 s (1/125)
ISO equiv: 100
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: Manual
Exposure Mode: Manual
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: Yes (Manual)
Color Space: sRGB
Photographer: Paul Iddon
Copyright: www.pauliddon.co.uk






Paul.

GOLDENORFE

very nice, dont think i have seen one this year!

looks like you missed a slice in the stack, oof band showing

phil

Paul Iddon

Saw that after Phil.

I don't do a lot of stacking. This was 3, should have gone for 5!


Paul.

Icebear

Interesting camouflage. Looks like a two headed monster.

Subanu

This is a great shot... The top leaf seems a little blown out, and I would consider removing it for a black background.

Lord Vetinari

Good capture Paul - stack worked pretty well !
Brian v.

Paul Iddon

Thanks for the feedbacks folks.


Paul.