Friday, July 24, 2009



Of caterpillars. Brightly colored caterpillars such as these have evolved chemical and physical defenses to ward off predators. Grouping like this serves to reinforce the red and orange "Stay Away!" message. Bright species such as this (I think it is spotted datana, but I'm not certain) are in stark contrast to the many species which have evolved to blend into with their surroundings. Of course, those are much more difficult to find and photograph.

6 comments:

Chesney said...

What a find and what a fabulous and colorful shot! Love this one!

Ron a.k.a. Danudin said...

Great colourful shot! At least at that stage they sit still long enough to snap with a camera, Butterflies must all be women as you can't get them to sit still for a minute. Love the busy(ness) of this shot Steve.

terricreates said...

Fantastic colors. It really shows the features of each one, down to the tiniest hairs. The picture as a whole seems ethereal. Maybe as if they just traveled through space and stopped right where you could shoot them. Yea I have a good imagination.

Anonymous said...

One thing it isn't! It isn't a flower! lol
Nice find and great shot. Like the selective focus. Really puts one's eye where it needs to be . . . on those caterpillars!

I am still trying to hold fast to my determination not to read others comments until after I have made mine. That way, I am not influenced by what they have said. Even though my comment may echo some of theirs, it is completely clean and fresh from me to you. :D

Vanessa said...

Love the focus on this one!
Great take on the theme.

Anonymous said...

The bokeh is just amazing! Like a watercolor in the most beautiful colors. Your clarity on the catepillars is superb.