Acheronthia atropos (Dead Head Sphinx)

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Galleries
Macro and Flora

Acheronthia atropos (Dead Head Sphinx)...

6.0 MEGAPIXEL

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Acheronthia atropos (Dead Head Sphinx) sent on December 03, 2020 (10:16) by Lucchin Fabrizio. 19 comments, 902 views.

, 1/400 f/14.0, ISO 400, hand held. Specie: Acherontia atropos

La Sfinge testa di morto, allo stadio di bruco è una falena appartenente alla famiglia delle Sphingidae. Il termine “sfinge” si riferisce al fatto che il bruco di questa falena è capace di sollevare la parte anteriore del corpo assumendo una posizione che assomiglia vagamente a quella della sfinge greca o egiziana. L'espressione “testa di morto” è dovuta a un tratto molto caratteristico di questa falena, che la distingue da tutte quelle con cui condivide l'areale: sul lato dorsale del torace spicca una macchia biancastra, con due puntini neri, che ricorda la forma di un teschio. Il ciclo vitale di questa specie vede svilupparsi un numero variabile di generazioni (1-3) nel corso dell'anno. Si tratta quindi di una specie multivoltina. I cicli di covata si susseguono in continuo nelle popolazioni africane, mentre nelle regioni più settentrionali dell'areale la sfinge testa di morto sverna allo stadio pupale, come crisalide nel terreno. Le uova sono di colore verde o grigio-blu e vengono deposte singolarmente sulla pagina abassiale delle foglie delle piante ospiti. Al momento della schiusa, che può avvenire da luglio a ottobre, la larva o bruco ha una colorazione verde chiara, che tende a scurirsi mano a mano che l'animale si nutre, delle bande gialle diagonali sui lati e un cornetto nero sull'ottavo segmento addominale, all'estremità della coda. Al secondo stadio, sul dorso del bruco compaiono numerose piccole spine. Nel terzo stadio larvale le bande diagonali gialle sviluppano dei margini violacei o blu e il cornetto caudale da nero e liscio diventa giallo e granuloso, ricurvo verso il basso. Nello stadio finale le spine sul dorso scompaiono e la larva è lunga 13–15 cm, ha un aspetto robusto e può assumere tre diverse colorazioni: verde, marrone o gialla. Il bruco si muove poco, solo in cerca di foglie fresche di cui nutrirsi, e fa schioccare le mandibole o arriva addirittura a mordere se viene minacciato. Effettuando 4 ecdisi nel corso di circa 20 giorni, la larva cresce fino a una lunghezza di 120–130 mm e poi scava un buco nel terreno e si impupa in un bozzolo molto fragile, lungo 1,5–4,0 cm situato all'interno di una camera profonda. La crisalide o pupa è liscia, lucida e color mogano tendente al rossastro[3]. La falena nella sua forma adulta o immagine emerge dal terreno dopo una metamorfosi completa che può durare da 20 a 60 giorni. Un grazie alla mia amica Paola che lo ha trovato nel suo orto intento a mangiarle le foglie di papate e mi ha subito chiamato.

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Mario_61

sent on December 03, 2020 (11:02) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

Beautiful macro shot complemented by a beautiful explanation. Really many compliments ;-)
A greeting!

Pigi47

sent on December 03, 2020 (11:49) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

In this shot you got over it.

XFleshcoated

sent on December 03, 2020 (13:01) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

A really excellent shot!

Gandy

sent on December 03, 2020 (17:54) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

Great! This is macro "old" style,
compliments

Delphinus

sent on December 03, 2020 (17:57)

Wonderful macro work !!!
Hello: Delphinus

Angelo959

sent on December 03, 2020 (18:14) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

A masterpiece of technique and beauty :-or !!! Congratulations!!!

NadiaB

sent on December 03, 2020 (18:25) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

MAGNIFICAAAAAA!!! :-o :-o :-o :-o :-o :-o :-o

Giordano Santini

sent on December 03, 2020 (18:40) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

remarkable macro
ciao, G - ;-)

Alessandro Cale'

sent on December 03, 2020 (21:35) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

It is one of those subjects that always leaves me speechless, both when it is a caterpillar and when it becomes a moth, beautiful!
Thith detail and colors.
... it's lucky to have certain friends calling you when they see interesting subjects!
Compliments also for the beautiful and exhaustive explanation on the whole life cycle of this moth, hello, Alessandro

Lucchin Fabrizio

sent on December 04, 2020 (10:31) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

Mario
Pier
XFleshcoated
Gandino
Delphinus
Angelo
Nadia
Giordano
Alessandro
A thanks to all the welcome comments, a dear greeting and happy weeked, hello Fabrizio

Werner

sent on December 04, 2020 (18:41) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

Top

Fiorenzofanton

sent on December 04, 2020 (19:16) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

Beautiful Moth Fabrizio, impressive sharpness, you have an incredible steady hand, the detailed story completes the work.
Compliments.
Cyo flower :-)

Coradocon

sent on December 04, 2020 (20:11) | This comment has been translated

Beautiful!

Ermess

sent on December 04, 2020 (20:45) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

came into me last summer one in the house, it was challenging to get her out.
important size for this moth.
very nice your macro.
a greeting Ermes

Lucchin Fabrizio

sent on December 05, 2020 (16:57) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

Fiorenzo
Corrado
Ermes
Thany all positive comments, I wish you a good Sunday, hello Fabrizio

Cesare Carloni

sent on December 10, 2020 (19:41) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

A beautiful freehand subject with the usual skill... very good as always.
Ciao
Cesare

Lucchin Fabrizio

sent on December 10, 2020 (20:22) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

Hi Cesare, thank you for the compliment, my best wishes and Good evening, cheers Fabrizio

Claudio Cortesi

sent on March 24, 2021 (18:04) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

Dear Fabrizio, as a child I was passionate about butterflies. This was the rarest and most difficult species to find. :-o

Lucchin Fabrizio

sent on March 24, 2021 (20:12) | This comment has been automatically translated (show/hide original)

Hi Claudio, I was lucky that my sister found the caterpillar in the garden and called me, so she was born in my house and after the photos I left her free. Thank you and have a good evening, bye Fabrizio

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