Panorpa rufescens (Scorpionfly)

Written by Webmaster Tuesday, 10 November 2009 00:00

PDF | Print | E-mail

"Man can acquire accomplishments or he can become an animal, whichever he wants. God makes the animals, man makes himself. "  Alfred North Whitehead

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Panorpa rufescens (Family: Panorpidae; common name: Scorpionfly)

This is another species that is not very well known. In Greece it appears towards the end of September and is present throughout October. These photos were taken at Mount Hymettus; we were able to spot the insect while it engaged in various activities including resting and mating. It should be noted that the scorpion-like tail is fully retractable in the body therefore it pays to wait a little before disturbing the animal. This insect will fly to a nearby bush or piece of straw and remain there till it is disturbed again. If you approach it carefully it will just pose for you.  If you can, avoid the use of flash since the wings are highly reflective and all the markings and colors will be washed out.

Photos by Marina Parha and George J. Reclos

Shooting Data:

1. Camera: Nikon D3x
Lens: AF Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO 100
Shutter speed - aperture: 1/250 sec - f/6.3, Manual mode
Flash: SB-800 in i-TTL/BL/FP (high speed flash synchronization) mode
Image: NEF edited in Photoshop CS4, levels adjusted, sharpening added saved as JPEG and resized. 

2. Camera: Nikon D3x
Lens: AF Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO 100
Shutter speed - aperture: 1/160 sec - f/5.6, Manual mode
Flash: No flash fired.
Image: NEF edited in Photoshop CS4, levels adjusted, sharpening added saved as JPEG and resized.

3. Camera: Nikon D3x
Lens: AF Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO 200
Shutter speed - aperture: 1/200 sec - f/8, Manual mode
Flash: No flash fired.
Image: NEF edited in Photoshop CS4, levels adjusted, sharpening added saved as JPEG and resized. 

4. Camera: Nikon D3x
Lens: AF Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO 100
Shutter speed - aperture: 1/250 sec - f/8, Manual mode
Flash: SB-800 in i-TTL/BL/FP (high speed flash synchronization) mode
Image: NEF edited in Photoshop CS4, levels adjusted, sharpening added saved as JPEG and resized.

5. Camera: Nikon D3x
Lens: AF Tamron 180mm f/3.5 Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO 100
Shutter speed - aperture: 1/250 sec - f/8, Manual mode
Flash: SB-800 in i-TTL/BL/FP (high speed flash synchronization) mode
Image: NEF edited in Photoshop CS4, levels adjusted, sharpening added saved as JPEG and resized. 



 

 

These photographs are the property of MCH Portal and cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

 

< Prev   Next >