This is the Plain Tiger butterfly. It's common here. What I find special about it is the fact that it's protected from predators. This is because the unpalatable alkaloids (ingested and accummulated during its caterpillar stage) in its body induce vomiting.
Which makes me wonder. If a giant alien race invaded the earth and decided to eat me, how would I taste to them? Probably bitter, and certainly over-caffeinated. XD
There has been some discussion in the forum regarding replies and tags, and I want to take a moment to say this even though it is mentioned in my profile: I have email notifications turned off. I've had them turned off since Day 1 of the project. (Even for other sites I am active at, I have email notifications turned off.) So you really don't need to tag me to thank me for comments. I don't expect to be thanked and I don't do Thank You's where I tag anyone. Instead, I reciprocate with comments. I feel it is better use of my time to do this. 8)
Stunning capture! A butterfly is on my bucket list for 365. I agree with you 100% with regards to thank you comments and that it is much more constructive to try to comment on other peoples photos :-)
Livia this is so beautiful, I will try and take on board what you say about comments but by the time I have finished this I will have forgotten and tag you in a thank you again! :0)
Such a lovely macro shot of this beautiful creature! Nice details, color and bokeh. Something makes me think that I also would not taste good to a giant alien - unless they like caffeine and a trace of gin - LOL!
Amazing creature you have captured. Thank you for the commentary accompanying it, through 365 I am learing constantly about insects, flowers, now butterflies
Beautiful shot Livia! This is much like our Monarch Butterfly. Its caterpillars eat the milkweed leaf exclusively which gives it a bitter taste and so it is not liked by predators either.
I also have email turned off since the beginning. The little red comment balloon is enough to notify me that a comment has been posted. I have started trying to remember to thank in advance under the written description of the photo. Commenting keeps me busy enough, though I try to respond to questions when asked!
I love that you always try to give a story or details of what you photograph.
What a lovely thing Livia, much more beautiful in a conventional sense than you're usual slighty scary bugs :)
Is there one bug that makes you all giddy when you see it or maybe there is one that you really want to see but haven't yet?
Nice shot Livia. Gorgeous colours and the focus is spectacular. It's amazing the adaptations of animals in the wild isn't it? Somewhat like human adaptation; but I'm not sure we're adapting in a positive way...
What do I expect every time i come visit your Project?? Exactly what i get Perfection!!! I agree with you on the Thank you 's i would rather spend more time commenting. Even though i am very greatful for all of your comments!! FAV!
@bluefirebucket The one that I really wanted to see (though it's not technically a "bug" hahaha) was the Oriental Whip Snake: http://365project.org/myautofocuslife/365/2012-06-05 Although I have seen and shot him, I would love to see another one. It's a really, really, really beautiful snake. Right now, every time I go out to look for bugs, the one that makes me really excited to find is the jumping spider. I like the ones that have metallic colors. They're so small and so fast and it's so hard to get a good shot! Today I saw one that was so pretty, I was totally tempted to take him home with me. XD The weird thing about all this is, if you had told me 6 months ago I'd have these feelings about jumping spiders, I would have laughed long and loud in your face. 8P
This is stunning!! Absolutely amazing. FAV for me! I really appreciate what you said about replies/comments as well, I think you're right, it is a better use of time :)
Fantastic focus. I certainly wouldn't be inclined to eat it :o) Totally agree with you on the tagging to say thankyou issue. I have enough of a job trying to keep up with commenting without having to say thanks all the time. Not being rude just trying to be time efficient ;o) xx
Fantastic shot and explanation! I totally agree with your take on thank you's, time is so precious, so I like to spend it looking at everyone's amazing work :)
Funny, although I can't imagine anything could taste over caffinated - Yum! What a beautiful shot you got here -
For the record, I appreciate your comments immensely! The thank you thing, while I do it, I'm never bothered at all if I'm not thanked - I don't think it's necessary.
A great, big, tasty, glowy, exotic, bright and colorful "THANK YOU!" to everyone! It's great to read your comments and opinions. Thank you for being supportive and encouraging. You have no idea how much I appreciate it. Again, thank you!
Livia, What a fabulous photo of the tiger butterfly. The monarch is the same, giving off a strange odor to discourage predators. Very interesting info!! I agree with you wholeheartedly. I much prefer to take the extra time to devote to viewing & commenting on other's photos rather than thanking for comments. Plus it's too difficult to read all the thank yous from the notifications unless it says something more than a thank you ;-)
what an interesting biochemical story, i find it fascinating how nature protects itself from other natures :) and a gorgeous shot of a lovely butterfly :)
you have some lovely shots! it is so hard to get a good shot of a butterfly ther hardly ever stay still long enough but youve done really well. cant wait to follow you and see more :D
Beautiful capture. Almost appears to have its own luminescence. The beauty of a butterfly is a tricky thing though I've realized a few days ago. That our perception when we see them, is that they're akin to flying flowers. Graceful, colorful, magestic. But when you take a macro, a good close up...they are extremely alien looking. Almost scarey. LOL
another fav!
I also have email turned off since the beginning. The little red comment balloon is enough to notify me that a comment has been posted. I have started trying to remember to thank in advance under the written description of the photo. Commenting keeps me busy enough, though I try to respond to questions when asked!
I love that you always try to give a story or details of what you photograph.
Is there one bug that makes you all giddy when you see it or maybe there is one that you really want to see but haven't yet?
The question is though; what would the alien taste like? :)
For the record, I appreciate your comments immensely! The thank you thing, while I do it, I'm never bothered at all if I'm not thanked - I don't think it's necessary.