Golden Tortoise Beetle

Golden Tortoise Beetle - Charidotella
With the very nice weather I have found myself gardening this last week.  Planting annuals is risky at this time of year, so I have been also building protective coverings for the sensitive plants.  While being busily preoccupied with said structure, a tiny gleam of gold crawling up my fence came to my attention.  The photos above do nothing to convey the exact meaning of the word "gold", as I was certain that a ladybug had been dipped in a gold broth and came out with the exact same sheen.

Although I am goal orientated, I quickly allowed my easily distracted side to take control of the situation.  I knew I had found a treasure, figuratively at least, and my passion for photographing the diminutive came online as it were.  Capturing the beast I carried it back to my studio where its image would be rendered onto one of my camera's sensors.  I set my equipment up for shooting macro, a system I have found to be exceptional over the years.  Three flashes controlled remotely with a 105 macro lens and a 35 mm extension tube.

When threatened, the golden tortoise beetle withdraws all of its appendages and exposes only the outer carapace.  Unlike other beetles it can protect its head by pulling it underneath the protective covering (above left).  When not threatened it protrudes these fragile elements and gets about the business of living.  They belong to a variety of leaf-eating beetle, feeding on morning glory and other such plants.  Given how this plant thrives much to the chagrin of my vegetables, letting it loose in my garden seemed only appropriate after I was done shooting it.

Another interesting thing about golden tortoise beetles is that they can change colour.  "Golden tortoise beetles aren’t always so golden. In fact, they can change color depending on the season or even their mood using the liquid beneath their transparent shell. Underneath the shell are three layers of cuticle, each covered in tiny nooks and crannies that appear smooth when covered with liquid, and reflect light perfectly like a mirror. But when a golden tortoise beetle is agitated or under attack from a predator, it contracts the spaces between the layers of cuticle and forces liquid out of the grooves — doing away with the iridescence and usually revealing a brownish-orange color." from Baynature.

 I will finish my miniature greenhouse today.  While enjoying gardening, there is always the welcome distraction of coming across life, whatever its form may take.  Maybe I won't get it done.

 Thanks for reading.   www.ericspix.com   Eric Svendsen

Comments

  1. nachtwacheApril 21, 2020 at 11:41 AM

    Awesome , detailed information and for photo buffs hints how to take great photos!

    ReplyDelete

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