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Hungry Caterpillar
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
This is the caterpillar of an Atlas Moth.
Here some information from wikipedia.org:
Once mated the female lays a number of spherical eggs 2.5 mm in diameter on the undersides of leaves. Dusty-green caterpillars hatch after about two weeks and feed voraciously on the foliage of certain citrus and other evergreen trees. The caterpillars are adorned with fleshy spines along their backs which are covered in a waxy white substance. After reaching a length of about 115 mm (4.5 inches), the caterpillars pupate within papery cocoon interwoven into desiccated leaves. The adult moths emerge after about four weeks.
The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is a large saturniid moth found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, southern China, common across the Malay archipelago, Thailand to Indonesia.
Atlas moths are considered to be the largest moths in the world in terms of total wing surface area (upwards of c. 400 square cm or 65 square inches). Their wingspans are also amongst the largest, from 25-30 cm (10-12 inches). Females are appreciably larger and heavier.
Atlas moths are said to be named after either the Titan of Greek mythology, or their map-like wing patterns. In Hong Kong the Cantonese name translates as "snake's head moth", referring to apical extension of the forewing, which bears a passing resemblance to a snake's head.
This hungry guy I found in a reservation especially for butterflies. Two of them were already butterflies and hardly to detect. Maybe I am going to post a picture of the adult Atlas Moth later.
PP: Cropped the image to concentrate more on the caterpillar; adjusted saturation; set a spotlight |
szekelykristof has marked this note useful
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Hi Britta,
Thanks for browsing my gallery and commenting.
Again, this is a superb macro shot with good details and colours. You captured a great moment, as the caterpillar was moving to get some food :). Computer afterwork was useful to improve your picture - I suppose. Interesting note, thanks for posting!
Best wishes,
Kristof
Hi Britta
I like all your pics, the colours that attract you and your eye for detail. Here I am enjoying the colours more than the subject itself.
Vicky
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