Weevil - preparing for flight - clear background pics added

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 4:55 am

It looks like this guy is holding his wings cover with middle pair legs while speeding up waving rate.

Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 18.06.2007 18:16:40
Shutter speed value 1/200 s
Aperture value f/8
ISO speed ratings ISO 200
Focal length 100 mm

lauriek · Post by **lauriek** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 6:59 am

I have to admit I didn't realise Weevils could fly! Do all beetles have wings?

Nice capture with the movement of the wings!!

Planapo · Post by **Planapo** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 8:46 am

You´ve photographed this moment of action very well, Nikola! I can almost hear him buzz!

Do all beetles have wings?

Generally yes, two pairs of wings with the first anterior pair, the fore wings (or the so-called elytra , sing. an elytron) sclerotized to protect the dorsal side of the animal and the second, commonly more membranaceous pair of wings that is folded underneath the elytra when the animal is not flying.

But in many species the wings are more or less reduced or, e. g. in some Carabidae, the elytra are fused together, and consequently these can´t fly.

--Betty

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Sat Mar 01, 2008 12:32 pm

That's a really good action shot there Nikola. I never gave them much thought as to flying though.

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 2:15 am

Thanks folks.

Betty, that was really educational.

Here are two more pics but no wings this time.

Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 18.06.2007 18:21:05
Shutter speed value 1/320 s
Aperture value f/7.1
ISO speed ratings ISO 200
Exposure bias value 0.00 eV
Metering mode Pattern
Flash Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal length 100 mm
White balance Auto white balance

Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 18.06.2007 18:21:56
Shutter speed value 1/250 s
Aperture value f/7.1
ISO speed ratings ISO 200
Focal length 100 mm

augusthouse · Post by **augusthouse** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 4:05 am

Nikola,
What did he do when he reached the end of the twig?

Craig

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 6:39 am

A great "action" photo Nikola. He looks like a circus beetle climbing up that thin stalk. They are always rather cute but they seem to do a lot of damage as a group.

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 1:30 pm

augusthouse wrote:Nikola,
What did he do when he reached the end of the twig?

Craig

Hey folks! You'll never guess but I'll give you a try.

... well... maybe... Rik will...

augusthouse · Post by **augusthouse** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 1:46 pm

Yodalled?

and then did a somersault.

Half Out (Double Front Somersault with 1/2 twist in the second somersault)

Craig

Roy Patience · Post by **Roy Patience** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 11:17 pm

Nikola,

These are excellent. You seem to have such a varied supply of insects and flowers.

I appreciate that my locale in Southern California has few insects, but that does limit my subjects.

Roy

Cyclops · Post by **Cyclops** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 9:23 am

"Red 5 you are clear for take off"
Neat shot!

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:20 pm

augusthouse wrote:Yodalled?

...
Craig

What a heck does "Yodalled" mean?

Is it a Germanism? The best I can associate is from German jodel... jo indicating a singing method?
Betty? Hilfe!

However he definitely didn't jodel

Planapo · Post by **Planapo** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:31 pm

Yodalled?

and then did a somersault.

What a heck does "Yodalled" mean?
Is it a Germanism? The best I can associate is from German jodel... jo indicating a singing method?
Betty? Hilfe!

Yeah, Nikola, that´s what Craig´s meant. Not only the Bavarians jodel/yodel, also some Brits and Yankee cowboys jodel/yodel! I didn´t know that there is yodalling 'down the hill' there too, though!

--Betty

augusthouse · Post by **augusthouse** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:49 pm

Betty,
We go 'kooo-eee..'

Craig

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:03 pm

Thanks Betty.

Planapo wrote: ... also some Brits and Yankee cowboys jodel/yodel! I didn´t know that there is yodalling 'down the hill' there too, though!

--Betty

Yep, I think I saw it on the cinema... folk dancing, rodeo shows and in the mountains.

Pygmy singers in Central Africa use this technique too. But not my Weevil!

So I'll give you a hint:
It is a same twig on both pics.
The first one was taken at 18:21:05, second - 18:21:56 (24 hour clock system).
Think what happened meanwhile?