Wetlands Walk - Need Some ID Verification & Help
Jul 27, 2017 20:32:12 #
Took a walk around the wetlands at Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia, PA this afternoon. Came across a lot of insects I've never seen before, which is a good thing. I think I was able to ID a few of them, but would like verification from this knowledgeable group. There are also some that I was unable to ID that I'd like some help with. BugGuide is getting a little easier to understand and use, and Google is still my fallback option. The Plume Moth was the second insect I encountered and I wasn't sure what I was I looking at. I first thought it was something broken from a dead plant. Then I realized there were six legs and knew I had an insect. The wasp was fascinating to me as it was eating whatever it is you see it with in the picture. I can't figure out whether it's a berry or part of another insect? I'm curious as to whether, or not, the spider is a wolf and if that really is an egg sac?
Some of the shots are a bit OOF because it was slightly windy at times and/or because my 74-year-old hands aren't as steady as they once were. I'm thinking I'm going to be going to a monopod or tripod all time in the not-to-distant future. All images were taken with my Nikon D500 and Sigma 150mm macro lens with speedlight.
Some of the shots are a bit OOF because it was slightly windy at times and/or because my 74-year-old hands aren't as steady as they once were. I'm thinking I'm going to be going to a monopod or tripod all time in the not-to-distant future. All images were taken with my Nikon D500 and Sigma 150mm macro lens with speedlight.
Clearwing Moth
(Download)
Daddy Long Legs
(Download)
Grasshopper
(Download)
Mating Harlequin Stink Bugs
(Download)
Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar
(Download)
Moth
(Download)
Plume Moth
(Download)
Polistes Wasp
(Download)
Soldier Beetle
(Download)
Wolf Spider w/Egg Sac
(Download)
Jul 27, 2017 21:23:17 #
If you were to include your exif information, we could make positive suggestions to improve your digital captures. Image #1 looks slightly blurry. In my opinion, your shutter duration is too long, allowing ambient light to influence exposure. I suggest ISO 200, 1/200-sec at f/16, with diffused speedlight set to 1/4 or 1/2 power to start.
Jul 27, 2017 21:38:52 #
Jul 27, 2017 22:28:00 #
I also am 74 and shoot macro with a tripod and flash.
Your first 'moth' is a butterfly, one of the skippers but I'm not sure which.
Butterflies have 'knobs' on the end of their antenna that moths don't.
Your first 'moth' is a butterfly, one of the skippers but I'm not sure which.
Butterflies have 'knobs' on the end of their antenna that moths don't.
Jul 28, 2017 03:30:02 #
That is a super selection to find on one trip. Breeze is such a nuisance and difficult to overcome.
Jul 28, 2017 09:54:18 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
If you were to include your exif information, we could make positive suggestions to improve your digital captures. Image #1 looks slightly blurry. In my opinion, your shutter duration is too long, allowing ambient light to influence exposure. I suggest ISO 200, 1/200-sec at f/16, with diffused speedlight set to 1/4 or 1/2 power to start.
Douglass, interestingly enough, I got so engrossed in looking for new insects that I never thought of the settings until your comments! All the shots are f/8 and ISO-800. Most of them are 1/60, with the brighter ones between 1/100 and 1/160. My speedlight is set at 1/4 power.
Jul 28, 2017 09:55:14 #
Jul 28, 2017 09:56:31 #
rwilson1942 wrote:
I also am 74 and shoot macro with a tripod and flash.
Your first 'moth' is a butterfly, one of the skippers but I'm not sure which.
Butterflies have 'knobs' on the end of their antenna that moths don't.
Your first 'moth' is a butterfly, one of the skippers but I'm not sure which.
Butterflies have 'knobs' on the end of their antenna that moths don't.
Thanks for the tip Rick!
Jul 28, 2017 09:57:50 #
EnglishBrenda wrote:
That is a super selection to find on one trip. Breeze is such a nuisance and difficult to overcome.
Thanks Brenda, macro is the perfect thing for my curious mind!
Jul 28, 2017 11:32:57 #
Others should chime in, but I would not use a shutter speed of 1/60 for macrophotography outdoors unless on a monopod (better if tripod) and the subject was absolutely still. 1/100 minimal. If there is wind, 1/200.
Anyway, the soldier beetle is actually a milkweed beetle (genus Tetraopes, there are a couple different species). This is a kind of longhorn beetle that feeds on milkweed. This is the particular species that I find: http://bugguide.net/node/view/1395562
Anyway, the soldier beetle is actually a milkweed beetle (genus Tetraopes, there are a couple different species). This is a kind of longhorn beetle that feeds on milkweed. This is the particular species that I find: http://bugguide.net/node/view/1395562
Jul 28, 2017 14:51:17 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
Others should chime in, but I would not use a shutter speed of 1/60 for macrophotography outdoors unless on a monopod (better if tripod) and the subject was absolutely still. 1/100 minimal. If there is wind, 1/200.
Anyway, the soldier beetle is actually a milkweed beetle (genus Tetraopes, there are a couple different species). This is a kind of longhorn beetle that feeds on milkweed. This is the particular species that I find: http://bugguide.net/node/view/1395562
Anyway, the soldier beetle is actually a milkweed beetle (genus Tetraopes, there are a couple different species). This is a kind of longhorn beetle that feeds on milkweed. This is the particular species that I find: http://bugguide.net/node/view/1395562
I have been starting off my macro outings in Aperture Mode @ f/16 and ISO set at 400 and have also avoided macro shooting if it's a windy day. If I notice that most of the images are dark, I usually bump the ISO up. Yesterday was hot & humid, with no wind when I started. Stayed h&h, but the wind started about an hour into my walk, it was light and intermittent. As I mentioned in my comment to Douglass, I was so caught up with new insects I was finding that I completely ignored the camera settings. Hopefully, this experience will not let that happen again.
Regarding the beetle, you're absolutely right (as usual). I went back and looked at a couple of no-so-good side shots and the pattern is easily seen on the beetles. Thanks for the settings suggestion and the beetle ID.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.