David Element
Wildlife
Photography and Digital Video Images
___________________________________________________________________________
Butterflies 29 - Orange-Tips
ORANGE-TIP BUTTERFLY Anthocharis cardamines britannica (m)
ORANGE-TIP BUTTERFLY Anthocharis cardamines britannica (m)
ORANGE-TIP BUTTERFLY Anthocharis cardamines britannica (m)
ORANGE-TIP BUTTERFLY Anthocharis cardamines britannica (m)
ORANGE-TIP BUTTERFLY Anthocharis cardamines britannica (m)
ORANGE-TIP BUTTERFLY Anthocharis cardamines britannica
(larva)
- Orange-Tip
Butterflies Anthocharis cardamines britannica are
extremely active during sunny spring days. They are difficult subjects to
photograph if the sun is shining as they fly rapidly between nectar
sources at faster than walking pace. This may keep the photographer very
fit but it can be frustrating if the subject persistently refuses to
settle for long enough to be filmed. However, if one can be located on a
partly cloudy or cool day or perhaps late in the afternoon and watched
until it settles then photography may be quite straightforward. This may
be restricted to 'closed wing' shots unless the sun emerges. The larvae
tend to be cannibalistic, so if more than one egg is laid in the same area
of the plant then the oldest larva will take full advantage of any
additional protein supply inadvertently provided in this manner, a
genuine, albeit paradoxical example of the 'survival of the fittest'
principle. The mottled 'green' effect on the underside of the butterfly's
wings is in fact an optical illusion, the combination of a subtle
arrangement of black and yellow scales. When the butterfly has settled on
Garlic Mustard with the wings closed the advantages of this cryptic
coloration become quite apparent as the camouflage is most convincing,
breaking up the butterfly's outline. Only the male bears the bright orange
flashes on the tips of the forewings.
- David’s
short
films of Orange-tip Butterflies may
be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5lR6y0bjz0&list=PL4AirIEc0NofhDbxohAG_PoMc7P2iGR5N&index=28&t=0s
and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2rxgXZf0Eg&list=PL4AirIEc0NofhDbxohAG_PoMc7P2iGR5N&index=55&t=0s.
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