The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
I often have these Blister Beetles (family Meloidae) on vines that grow along the fence lines in my paddock. They’re bold little insects that don’t rush off when birds or people are close. They don’t bite or sting; but just touching them will create painful blisters or welts. The substance they produce is called Cantharidin which is used as a wart remover! I’m not familiar with the extraction process, but each beetle yields around 5mg of the substance. The results can be fatal if you are tempted to eat one. Somehow, the birds know this.
Specific Feedback
Comments are always welcome!
Technical Details
1/1600 f3.5 ISO100 100mm@100mm Hand Held
Basic adjustments in ACR.
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Glennie: We have a similar critter that frequents our milkweed. I like the expression on its face and the perch. I also like your placement of the beetle in the frame.
I think orange is the universal danger color. Monarch butterflies are also toxic to birds as they absorb cardenolides from the milkweed they host on. My wife got some milkweed sap on her hands and rubbed her eye and had a severe allergic reaction. Even little critters can pack a punch. >=))>
Blennie, I like the way this beetle seems to be looking at the viewer. The pose and the colors look very good. I know Austrailia is notorious for how poisonous so many of it critter are and this one sounds like it fits.
Yes, that’s quite a cheeky look! I love the DOF with the plant detailed enough to show what it is but rendered so it doesn’t compete with the subject! And another lovely BG. The colors complement the creature very nicely.
I’d be afraid to touch anything down there – and hope nothing would touch me.
