View allAll Photos Tagged Multifaceted
.... This colourful Dragonfly graciously posed for a photograph. Adult dragonflies are characterized by large, multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body ....
Doncaster is a fascinating blend of historical influence, industrial legacy, and modern cultural vibrancy. Located in South Yorkshire in the north of England along the scenic River Don, the city’s history stretches back to Roman times when it was known as Danum, a strategic fortification built to monitor important routes during the Roman occupation .
Over the centuries, Doncaster evolved from its early military origins into a pivotal industrial town. Its evolution was closely intertwined with the expansion of the railway network and the growth of horse racing traditions—both of which helped define its modern character. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Doncaster Racecourse, renowned for hosting the prestigious St Leger Festival, and historical sites like St George’s Minster and Cusworth Hall that stand as reminders of its rich architectural and cultural heritage.
In recent years, Doncaster has embraced its multifaceted identity by blending the old with the new. Officially conferred city status in November 2022 as part of a royal celebration, it now serves not only as a reminder of aristocratic and industrial traditions but also as a dynamic centre for arts, retail, and community events. Modern attractions and a thriving events calendar ensure that visitors and residents alike can experience its evolving story—from its industrial past to its present-day status as a lively, multicultural urban hub.
This dragonfly landed on our front porch just after sunrise. It remained there a couple hours and then flew away to resume its day of hunting.
A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, suborder Anisoptera (from Greek ἄνισος anisos "uneven" and πτερόν pteron, "wing", because the hindwing is broader than the forewing). Adult dragonflies are characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches and an elongated body. Dragonflies can be mistaken for the related group, damselflies (Zygoptera), which are similar in structure, though usually lighter in build; however, the wings of most dragonflies are held flat and away from the body, while damselflies hold the wings folded at rest, along or above the abdomen. Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by structural coloration, making them conspicuous in flight. An adult dragonfly eye has nearly 24,000 ommatidia.
A macro portrait of a spider without a web reveals the fascinating details of its hairy legs, multifaceted eyes and the delicate pattern on its body. An intimate look into the fascinating world of this fascinating creature.
Dans le cadre de l'exposition "Facing time" Félicien Rops/Jan Fabre.
Depuis plus de trente-cinq ans, Jan Fabre occupe une place prépondérante en tant qu’artiste plasticien, homme de théâtre et auteur. Son œuvre aussi innovante que diversifiée lui a valu une renommée internationale. A la fin des années 1970, il étudie à l’Académie des Beaux-Arts d’Anvers ainsi qu’à l’Institut municipal des Arts et Métiers d’Anvers. Il jouit d’une renommée auprès d’un large public grâce à des œuvres comme le château de Tivoli (1990), le plafond orné d’élytres de scarabées dans la Salle des Glaces du Palais Royal à Bruxelles – Heaven of Delight (2002), ses sculptures dans l’espace public, comme L’Homme qui mesure les nuages (1998), Searching for Utopia (2003), Totem (2004). Il a également réalisé des intégrations permanentes dans des lieux tels que le musée de la Chasse et de la Nature à Paris (La Nuit de Diane, 2007) et le zoo d’Anvers (Hommage à Mieke, La Tortue et Hommage à Janneke, 2012) ; sans oublier son installation Le Regard en dedans (L’Heure Bleue) (2011-2013) qu’il a créée pour l’escalier royal classé des musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, près de l’exposition permanente de ses autoportraits en bronze et en cire, Chapitres I-XVIII (2010). Dessins, sculptures, objets, installations, films, performances, modèles de pensée… Toutes les œuvres de Jan Fabre se réfèrent à une foi dans le corps, en sa fragilité et sa défense, en l’observation de l’être humain et la question de savoir comment il va pouvoir survivre dans le futur.
For more than thirty-five years Fabre (b. Antwerp, 1958) has occupied a pioneering position as a visual artist, theatre maker and author, renowned internationally for his innovative and multifaceted practice. In the late seventies he took courses at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and the Municipal Institute of Decorative Arts and Crafts, both in Antwerp. Known from solo-exhibtions such as Homo Faber (KMSKA, Antwerp, 2006), Hortus / Corpus (Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo (2011) and Stigmata. Actions and Performances 1976 – 2013 (MAXXI, Rome, 2013). He was the first living artist to present his work at the Louvre, Paris (L’ange de la metamorphose, 2008). The well-known series of The Hour Blue (1977-1992) was shown in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna (2011), in the Musée d’Art Moderne of Saint-Etienne (2012) and in the Busan Museum of Art (2013). His research about the brain – ‘the most sexy part of the body’ – was presented in the solo-shows Anthropology of a planet (Palazzo Benzon, Venice, 2007), From the Cellar to the Attic. From the Feet to the Brain (Kunsthaus Bregenz, 2008; Arsenale Novissimo, Venice, 2009) and PIETAS (Nuova Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Misericordia, Venice, 2011; The series of mosaics Tribute to Belgian Congo (2010 – 2013). Tribute to Hieronymus Bosch in Congo (2011 – 2013) were already shown at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille (2013) and the PinchukArtCentre in Kiev (2013).
Upcoming solo exhibitions include: Facing Time. Rops/Fabre on different locations in Namur from March 14 to August 30 2015 and Stigmata. Actions & Performances 1976-2013 which will be on view at M HKA – Museum of Contemporary Art, Antwerp and will travel to MAC – Musée d’Art Contemporain, Lyon in 2016.
Futhermore, Jan Fabre received an official invitation by director Dr. Mikhail Borisovich Piotrovski to create as the first living artist a large scale exhibition at the State Hermitage Museum in St-Petersburg in 2016. The exhibition will be curated by the young Russian curator Dr. Dimitri Ozerkov.
Pozzo sacro di Tattinu (periodo tra 1300 al 900 prima di Cristo)
Il pozzo di Tattinu si differenzia dagli altri pozzi nuragici per l'assenza di strutture a vista e del vestibolo. Un'altra particolarità è costituita dalla continuità lineare di scala (28-29 gradini) e di vano d'acqua che formano insieme un vuoto rettangolare lungo m 8,12 e largo 1,25-1,10. Anche la sezione "a bottiglia" del pozzo, ellittico in pianta (m 1,82 x 1,25 altezza m 5,12), lo diversifica dagli templi a pozzo della Sardegna. L'opera muraria interna è di tipo poliedrico. Tra gli ex voto rinvenuti nel sacello, tutti in ceramica, ricordiamo alcune olle globoidi a collo, ollette ovoidi con orlo piano, vasi panciuti con ansa a gomito rovescio, scodelle carenate biansate e ciotole a spigolo, riferibili al Bronzo finale, ed alcuni vasi piriformi con ornato a tratteggio.
Sacred well of Tattinu (period between 1300 to 900 before Christ)
The well of Tattinu differs from the other nuragic wells due to the absence of visible structures and the vestibule. Another peculiarity is the linear continuity of the staircase (28-29 steps) and of the water compartment that together form a rectangular void 8.12 m long and 1.25-1.10 wide. The "bottle" section of the well, elliptical in plan (1.82 mx 1.25 height 5.12 m), also differentiates it from the well temples of Sardinia. The internal masonry is multifaceted. Among the ex-votos found in the chapel, all in ceramic, we remember some ollas-necked ollettes, ovoid ollette with flat edge, pot-bellied vases with an inverted elbow handle, two-sided keeled bowls and edged bowls, referable to the final Bronze Age, and some pyriform vases with ornate hatching.
_MG_6217m
All set up for King Charles visit to Doncaster
Doncaster is a fascinating blend of historical influence, industrial legacy, and modern cultural vibrancy. Located in South Yorkshire in the north of England along the scenic River Don, the city’s history stretches back to Roman times when it was known as Danum, a strategic fortification built to monitor important routes during the Roman occupation .
Over the centuries, Doncaster evolved from its early military origins into a pivotal industrial town. Its evolution was closely intertwined with the expansion of the railway network and the growth of horse racing traditions—both of which helped define its modern character. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Doncaster Racecourse, renowned for hosting the prestigious St Leger Festival, and historical sites like St George’s Minster and Cusworth Hall that stand as reminders of its rich architectural and cultural heritage.
In recent years, Doncaster has embraced its multifaceted identity by blending the old with the new. Officially conferred city status in November 2022 as part of a royal celebration, it now serves not only as a reminder of aristocratic and industrial traditions but also as a dynamic centre for arts, retail, and community events. Modern attractions and a thriving events calendar ensure that visitors and residents alike can experience its evolving story—from its industrial past to its present-day status as a lively, multicultural urban hub.
Artist: Vasil Berela
From the catalogue:
"It's easy to be impressed by Vasil Berela's installation "Amazement". A superficial glance reveals a technical prowess, competing with the 70s hyper-realistic figures. But that is not at all what intrigues him, the technique is always only a tool. Alike his paintings where complicated perspective elements unsettle the viewer's spatial confidence, the figure in his installation, sitting at the table like a counterpart installation, poses a question about our identity. Its mirror-like gleam only reflects the surrounding space and the four faces can, quite literally, represent the complexity of an individual. A truly amazing, multifaceted complexity – transparent, semi-transparent, opaque and, finally, the supposedly authentic face – that never reveals the complete personality but shows us only the surface layer."
An intense, high-contrast macro portrait capturing the mesmerizing head of a dragonfly resting on a pale leaf. The shallow depth of field isolates the subject's enormous, multifaceted eyes and stern expression. Rendered in dramatic monochrome, the image emphasizes texture, form, and a sense of silent, primal watchfulness, lending an air of mysterious elegance to the insect's world.
Theme Rules:
Let’s take a journey to the wondrous Eastern Asian country of Japan. Here we can explore a multifaceted culture made up of thousand-year-old traditions as well as rapidly changing modern fads, fashion, and technology. For this theme, you must show us how your doll(s) is inspired by either traditional or modern Japanese culture. Is your doll modeling a couture kimono and kanzashi or a colorful kawaii street style ensemble for a fashion shoot? Is your doll a food critic in search of the Japanese restaurant with the most authentic and delectable sushi and sashimi? Or perhaps your doll(s) prefers Asian-inspired décor such as shoji screens, paper lanterns, and silk wall scrolls to decorate his/her home. More inspiration can be found with meditation areas with Zen gardens, chimes, mini fountains, and Buddha statues! How you approach this theme is entirely up to you. Just be sure to show us a piece of Japanese culture in your photo.
Submit just one photo per theme. Last day to submit photos for J, K, and L is May 31st!
Kyori is showing her evening kimono, ready for the gala.
Doncaster is a fascinating blend of historical influence, industrial legacy, and modern cultural vibrancy. Located in South Yorkshire in the north of England along the scenic River Don, the city’s history stretches back to Roman times when it was known as Danum, a strategic fortification built to monitor important routes during the Roman occupation .
Over the centuries, Doncaster evolved from its early military origins into a pivotal industrial town. Its evolution was closely intertwined with the expansion of the railway network and the growth of horse racing traditions—both of which helped define its modern character. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Doncaster Racecourse, renowned for hosting the prestigious St Leger Festival, and historical sites like St George’s Minster and Cusworth Hall that stand as reminders of its rich architectural and cultural heritage.
In recent years, Doncaster has embraced its multifaceted identity by blending the old with the new. Officially conferred city status in November 2022 as part of a royal celebration, it now serves not only as a reminder of aristocratic and industrial traditions but also as a dynamic centre for arts, retail, and community events. Modern attractions and a thriving events calendar ensure that visitors and residents alike can experience its evolving story—from its industrial past to its present-day status as a lively, multicultural urban hub.
Las libélulas son increíbles. Puede levitar en el aire, volar hacia atrás, cambiar de dirección en fracciones de segundo y patrullar su jardín a 65 Km. por hora. Los ojos compuestos de una libélula, que se componen de 30,000 unidades individuales que contienen fotorreceptores, pueden detectar presas a una distancia de 40 metros. Estos ojos se colocan a cada lado de la cabeza del insecto para ofrecerle un campo de visión de 360 grados. Las libélulas también ven más colores que los humanos. Pero tan pronto como la primera gota de lluvia cae al suelo, todo este equipo de alta tecnología se va al traste.
Ahora su presa potencial puede tomar un breve descanso. Las gotas de agua que han cubierto gran parte de sus ojos multifacéticos causan un fallo total del sistema óptico. El paisaje alrededor de la libélula se vuelve borroso, las rutas de vuelo altamente precisas se vuelven confusas. La posibilidad de detección por parte de un enemigo es alta. En este momento el aviador hotshot está fuera de servicio. Pero la libélula no sería una libélula si la naturaleza no hubiera proporcionado alguna solución al problema. En el interior de cada una de sus patas delanteras, tienen dos hileras de diminutos pelos espinosos, se usan para limpiar la suciedad o el agua de los ojos durante el vuelo. Las patas generalmente se mantienen escondidas detrás de su cabeza como limpiaparabrisas y solo se doblan cuando es necesario.
.
The dragonflies are incredible. You can levitate in the air, fly backwards, change direction in fractions of a second and patrol your garden at 65 km per hour. The compound eyes of a dragonfly, which is composed of 30,000 individual units containing photoreceptors, can detect prey at a distance of 40 meters. These eyes are placed on each side of the insect's head to offer a 360-degree field of vision. Dragonflies also see more colors than humans. But as soon as the first drop of rain falls to the ground, all this high-tech equipment goes to ruin.Now your potential prey can take a short break. The water droplets that have covered a large part of their multifaceted eyes cause a total failure of the optical system. The landscape around the dragonfly becomes blurry, the highly precise flight paths become confused. The possibility of detection by an enemy is high. At this moment the hotshot aviator is out of service. But the dragonfly would not be a dragonfly if nature had not provided some solution to the problem. Inside each of their front legs, they have two rows of tiny spiny hairs, used to clean dirt or water from the eyes during flight. The legs are usually kept hidden behind your head like a windshield wiper and only bend when necessary.
I was in the roof of my house when I saw a puzzling something zig-zag past, closely followed by a hummingbird. I saw that it was a dragonfly that had hold the iron rod. they eat mosquitoes.Scientific name: Anisoptera
Küsnacht has much to offer. Discover its lively, multifaceted
character and understand the multiple pleasures of life in Küsnacht.. This sign indicates food with day and night service.
Explore ....on 03/04/09.
A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, the suborder Epiprocta or, in the strict sense, the infraorder Anisoptera. It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body.
Dragonflies typically eat mosquitoes, midges and other small insects like flies, bees, and butterflies. They are usually found around lakes, ponds, streams, and wetlands because their larvae, known as "nymphs", are aquatic. Dragonflies do not normally bite or sting humans (though they will bite in order to escape, for example, if grasped by the abdomen); in fact, they are valued as a predator that helps control the populations of harmful insects, such as mosquitoes. It is because of this that dragonflies are sometimes called "mosquito hawks" in North America along with the Crane Fly (which, in fact, does not eat mosquitoes).
A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, infraorder Anisoptera (from Greek ἄνισος anisos, "unequal" and πτερόν pteron, "wing", because the hindwing is broader than the forewing). Adult dragonflies are characterized by large, multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong, transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches, and an elongated body. Dragonflies can be mistaken for the related group, damselflies (Zygoptera), which are similar in structure, though usually lighter in build; however, the wings of most dragonflies are held flat and away from the body, while damselflies hold their wings folded at rest, along or above the abdomen. Dragonflies are agile fliers, while damselflies have a weaker, fluttery flight. Many dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by structural colouration, making them conspicuous in flight. An adult dragonfly's compound eyes have nearly 24,000 ommatidia each.
Fossils of very large dragonfly-like insects, sometimes called griffinflies, are found from 325 million years ago (Mya) in Upper Carboniferous rocks; these had wingspans up to about 750 mm (30 in), but were only distant ancestors, not true dragonflies. About 3,000 extant species of true dragonfly are known. Most are tropical, with fewer species in temperate regions. Loss of wetland habitat threatens dragonfly populations around the world.
Dragonflies are predators, both in their aquatic nymphs stage (also known as naiads) and as adults. In some species, the nymphal stage lasts for up to five years, and the adult stage may be as long as ten weeks, but most species have an adult lifespan in the order of five weeks or less, and some survive for only a few days. They are fast, agile fliers, sometimes migrating across oceans, and often live near water. They have a uniquely complex mode of reproduction involving indirect insemination, delayed fertilization, and sperm competition. During mating, the male grasps the female at the back of the head, and the female curls her abdomen under her body to pick up sperm from the male's secondary genitalia at the front of his abdomen, forming the "heart" or "wheel" posture.
Dragonflies are represented in human culture on artefacts such as pottery, rock paintings, statues and Art Nouveau jewellery. They are used in traditional medicine in Japan and China, and caught for food in Indonesia. They are symbols of courage, strength, and happiness in Japan, but seen as sinister in European folklore. Their bright colours and agile flight are admired in the poetry of Lord Tennyson and the prose of H. E. Bates.
Evolution
Dragonflies and their relatives are similar in structure to an ancient group, meganisoptera, from the 325 Mya Upper Carboniferous of Europe, a group that included the largest insect that ever lived, Meganeuropsis permiana from the Early Permian, with a wingspan around 750 mm (30 in);. Known informally as "griffinflies", their fossil record ends with the Permian–Triassic extinction event (about 247 Mya). The Protanisoptera, another ancestral group that lacks certain wing vein characters found in modern Odonata, lived from the Early to Late Permian age until the end Permian event, and are known from fossil wings from current-day United States, Russia, and Australia, suggesting they might have been cosmopolitan in distribution. While both of those groups are sometimes referred to as "giant dragonflies", in fact true dragonflies/odonata are more modern insects that had not evolved yet.
Modern dragonflies do retain some traits of their distant predecessors, and are in a group known as palaeoptera, ancient-winged. They, like the gigantic pre-dinosaur griffinflies, lack the ability to fold their wings up against their bodies in the way modern insects do, although some evolved their own different way to do so. The forerunners of modern Odonata are included in a clade called the Panodonata, which include the basal Zygoptera (damselflies) and the Anisoptera (true dragonflies). Today, some 3,000 species are extant around the world.
The relationships of anisopteran families are not fully resolved as of 2013, but all the families are monophyletic except the Corduliidae; the Gomphidae are a sister taxon to all other Anisoptera, the Austropetaliidae are sister to the Aeshnoidea, and the Chlorogomphidae are sister to a clade that includes the Synthemistidae and Libellulidae. On the cladogram, dashed lines indicate unresolved relationships; English names are given (in parentheses)
Distribution and diversity
About 3,012 species of dragonflies were known in 2010; these are classified into 348 genera in 11 families. The distribution of diversity within the biogeographical regions are summarized below (the world numbers are not ordinary totals, as overlaps in species occur).
Dragonflies live on every continent except Antarctica. In contrast to the damselflies (Zygoptera), which tend to have restricted distributions, some genera and species are spread across continents. For example, the blue-eyed darner Rhionaeschna multicolor lives all across North America, and in Central America; emperors Anax live throughout the Americas from as far north as Newfoundland to as far south as Bahia Blanca in Argentina, across Europe to central Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. The globe skimmer Pantala flavescens is probably the most widespread dragonfly species in the world; it is cosmopolitan, occurring on all continents in the warmer regions. Most Anisoptera species are tropical, with far fewer species in temperate regions.
Some dragonflies, including libellulids and aeshnids, live in desert pools, for example in the Mojave Desert, where they are active in shade temperatures between 18 and 45 °C (64.4 to 113 °F); these insects were able to survive body temperatures above the thermal death point of insects of the same species in cooler places.
Dragonflies live from sea level up to the mountains, decreasing in species diversity with altitude. Their altitudinal limit is about 3700 m, represented by a species of Aeshna in the Pamirs.
Dragonflies become scarce at higher latitudes. They are not native to Iceland, but individuals are occasionally swept in by strong winds, including a Hemianax ephippiger native to North Africa, and an unidentified darter species. In Kamchatka, only a few species of dragonfly including the treeline emerald Somatochlora arctica and some aeshnids such as Aeshna subarctica are found, possibly because of the low temperature of the lakes there. The treeline emerald also lives in northern Alaska, within the Arctic Circle, making it the most northerly of all dragonflies.
General description
Dragonflies (suborder Anisoptera) are heavy-bodied, strong-flying insects that hold their wings horizontally both in flight and at rest. By contrast, damselflies (suborder Zygoptera) have slender bodies and fly more weakly; most species fold their wings over the abdomen when stationary, and the eyes are well separated on the sides of the head.
An adult dragonfly has three distinct segments, the head, thorax, and abdomen, as in all insects. It has a chitinous exoskeleton of hard plates held together with flexible membranes. The head is large with very short antennae. It is dominated by the two compound eyes, which cover most of its surface. The compound eyes are made up of ommatidia, the numbers being greater in the larger species. Aeshna interrupta has 22650 ommatidia of two varying sizes, 4500 being large. The facets facing downward tend to be smaller. Petalura gigantea has 23890 ommatidia of just one size. These facets provide complete vision in the frontal hemisphere of the dragonfly. The compound eyes meet at the top of the head (except in the Petaluridae and Gomphidae, as also in the genus Epiophlebia). Also, they have three simple eyes or ocelli. The mouthparts are adapted for biting with a toothed jaw; the flap-like labrum, at the front of the mouth, can be shot rapidly forward to catch prey. The head has a system for locking it in place that consists of muscles and small hairs on the back of the head that grip structures on the front of the first thoracic segment. This arrester system is unique to the Odonata, and is activated when feeding and during tandem flight.
The thorax consists of three segments as in all insects. The prothorax is small and is flattened dorsally into a shield-like disc, which has two transverse ridges. The mesothorax and metathorax are fused into a rigid, box-like structure with internal bracing, and provide a robust attachment for the powerful wing muscles inside. The thorax bears two pairs of wings and three pairs of legs. The wings are long, veined, and membranous, narrower at the tip and wider at the base. The hindwings are broader than the forewings and the venation is different at the base. The veins carry haemolymph, which is analogous to blood in vertebrates, and carries out many similar functions, but which also serves a hydraulic function to expand the body between nymphal stages (instars) and to expand and stiffen the wings after the adult emerges from the final nymphal stage. The leading edge of each wing has a node where other veins join the marginal vein, and the wing is able to flex at this point. In most large species of dragonflies, the wings of females are shorter and broader than those of males. The legs are rarely used for walking, but are used to catch and hold prey, for perching, and for climbing on plants. Each has two short basal joints, two long joints, and a three-jointed foot, armed with a pair of claws. The long leg joints bear rows of spines, and in males, one row of spines on each front leg is modified to form an "eyebrush", for cleaning the surface of the compound eye.
The abdomen is long and slender and consists of 10 segments. Three terminal appendages are on segment 10; a pair of superiors (claspers) and an inferior. The second and third segments are enlarged, and in males, on the underside of the second segment has a cleft, forming the secondary genitalia consisting of the lamina, hamule, genital lobe, and penis. There are remarkable variations in the presence and the form of the penis and the related structures, the flagellum, cornua, and genital lobes. Sperm is produced at the 9th segment, and is transferred to the secondary genitalia prior to mating. The male holds the female behind the head using a pair of claspers on the terminal segment. In females, the genital opening is on the underside of the eighth segment, and is covered by a simple flap (vulvar lamina) or an ovipositor, depending on species and the method of egg-laying. Dragonflies having simple flaps shed the eggs in water, mostly in flight. Dragonflies having ovipositors use them to puncture soft tissues of plants and place the eggs singly in each puncture they make.
Dragonfly nymphs vary in form with species, and are loosely classed into claspers, sprawlers, hiders, and burrowers. The first instar is known as a prolarva, a relatively inactive stage from which it quickly moults into the more active nymphal form. The general body plan is similar to that of an adult, but the nymph lacks wings and reproductive organs. The lower jaw has a huge, extensible labium, armed with hooks and spines, which is used for catching prey. This labium is folded under the body at rest and struck out at great speed by hydraulic pressure created by the abdominal muscles. Whereas damselfly nymphs have three feathery external gills, dragonfly nymphs have internal gills, located around the fourth and fifth abdominal segments. Water is pumped in and out of the abdomen through an opening at the tip. The naiads of some clubtails (Gomphidae) that burrow into the sediment, have a snorkel-like tube at the end of the abdomen enabling them to draw in clean water while they are buried in mud. Naiads can forcefully expel a jet of water to propel themselves with great rapidity.
Colouration
Many adult dragonflies have brilliant iridescent or metallic colours produced by structural colouration, making them conspicuous in flight. Their overall colouration is often a combination of yellow, red, brown, and black pigments, with structural colours. Blues are typically created by microstructures in the cuticle that reflect blue light. Greens often combine a structural blue with a yellow pigment. Freshly emerged adults, known as tenerals, are often pale-coloured and obtain their typical colours after a few days, some have their bodies covered with a pale blue, waxy powderiness called pruinosity; it wears off when scraped during mating, leaving darker areas.
Some dragonflies, such as the green darner, Anax junius, have a noniridescent blue that is produced structurally by scatter from arrays of tiny spheres in the endoplasmic reticulum of epidermal cells underneath the cuticle.
The wings of dragonflies are generally clear, apart from the dark veins and pterostigmata. In the chasers (Libellulidae), however, many genera have areas of colour on the wings: for example, groundlings (Brachythemis) have brown bands on all four wings, while some scarlets (Crocothemis) and dropwings (Trithemis) have bright orange patches at the wing bases. Some aeshnids such as the brown hawker (Aeshna grandis) have translucent, pale yellow wings.
Dragonfly nymphs are usually a well-camouflaged blend of dull brown, green, and grey.
Biology
Ecology
Dragonflies and damselflies are predatory both in the aquatic nymphal and adult stages. Nymphs feed on a range of freshwater invertebrates and larger ones can prey on tadpoles and small fish. Adults capture insect prey in the air, making use of their acute vision and highly controlled flight. The mating system of dragonflies is complex, and they are among the few insect groups that have a system of indirect sperm transfer along with sperm storage, delayed fertilization, and sperm competition.
Adult males vigorously defend territories near water; these areas provide suitable habitat for the nymphs to develop, and for females to lay their eggs. Swarms of feeding adults aggregate to prey on swarming prey such as emerging flying ants or termites.
Dragonflies as a group occupy a considerable variety of habitats, but many species, and some families, have their own specific environmental requirements. Some species prefer flowing waters, while others prefer standing water. For example, the Gomphidae (clubtails) live in running water, and the Libellulidae (skimmers) live in still water. Some species live in temporary water pools and are capable of tolerating changes in water level, desiccation, and the resulting variations in temperature, but some genera such as Sympetrum (darters) have eggs and nymphs that can resist drought and are stimulated to grow rapidly in warm, shallow pools, also often benefiting from the absence of predators there. Vegetation and its characteristics including submerged, floating, emergent, or waterside are also important. Adults may require emergent or waterside plants to use as perches; others may need specific submerged or floating plants on which to lay eggs. Requirements may be highly specific, as in Aeshna viridis (green hawker), which lives in swamps with the water-soldier, Stratiotes aloides. The chemistry of the water, including its trophic status (degree of enrichment with nutrients) and pH can also affect its use by dragonflies. Most species need moderate conditions, not too eutrophic, not too acidic; a few species such as Sympetrum danae (black darter) and Libellula quadrimaculata (four-spotted chaser) prefer acidic waters such as peat bogs, while others such as Libellula fulva (scarce chaser) need slow-moving, eutrophic waters with reeds or similar waterside plants.
Behaviour
Many dragonflies, particularly males, are territorial. Some defend a territory against others of their own species, some against other species of dragonfly and a few against insects in unrelated groups. A particular perch may give a dragonfly a good view over an insect-rich feeding ground; males of many species such as the Pachydiplax longipennis (blue dasher) jostle other dragonflies to maintain the right to alight there. Defending a breeding territory is common among male dragonflies, especially in species that congregate around ponds. The territory contains desirable features such as a sunlit stretch of shallow water, a special plant species, or the preferred substrate for egg-laying. The territory may be small or large, depending on its quality, the time of day, and the number of competitors, and may be held for a few minutes or several hours. Dragonflies including Tramea lacerata (black saddlebags) may notice landmarks that assist in defining the boundaries of the territory. Landmarks may reduce the costs of territory establishment, or might serve as a spatial reference. Some dragonflies signal ownership with striking colours on the face, abdomen, legs, or wings. The Plathemis lydia (common whitetail) dashes towards an intruder holding its white abdomen aloft like a flag. Other dragonflies engage in aerial dogfights or high-speed chases. A female must mate with the territory holder before laying her eggs. There is also conflict between the males and females. Females may sometimes be harassed by males to the extent that it affects their normal activities including foraging and in some dimorphic species females have evolved multiple forms with some forms appearing deceptively like males. In some species females have evolved behavioural responses such as feigning death to escape the attention of males. Similarly, selection of habitat by adult dragonflies is not random, and terrestrial habitat patches may be held for up to 3 months. A species tightly linked to its birth site utilises a foraging area that is several orders of magnitude larger than the birth site.
Reproduction
Mating in dragonflies is a complex, precisely choreographed process. First, the male has to attract a female to his territory, continually driving off rival males. When he is ready to mate, he transfers a packet of sperm from his primary genital opening on segment 9, near the end of his abdomen, to his secondary genitalia on segments 2–3, near the base of his abdomen. The male then grasps the female by the head with the claspers at the end of his abdomen; the structure of the claspers varies between species, and may help to prevent interspecific mating. The pair flies in tandem with the male in front, typically perching on a twig or plant stem. The female then curls her abdomen downwards and forwards under her body to pick up the sperm from the male's secondary genitalia, while the male uses his "tail" claspers to grip the female behind the head: this distinctive posture is called the "heart" or "wheel"; the pair may also be described as being "in cop".
Egg-laying (ovipositing) involves not only the female darting over floating or waterside vegetation to deposit eggs on a suitable substrate, but also the male hovering above her or continuing to clasp her and flying in tandem. The male attempts to prevent rivals from removing his sperm and inserting their own, something made possible by delayed fertilisation and driven by sexual selection. If successful, a rival male uses his penis to compress or scrape out the sperm inserted previously; this activity takes up much of the time that a copulating pair remains in the heart posture. Flying in tandem has the advantage that less effort is needed by the female for flight and more can be expended on egg-laying, and when the female submerges to deposit eggs, the male may help to pull her out of the water.
Egg-laying takes two different forms depending on the species. The female in some families has a sharp-edged ovipositor with which she slits open a stem or leaf of a plant on or near the water, so she can push her eggs inside. In other families such as clubtails (Gomphidae), cruisers (Macromiidae), emeralds (Corduliidae), and skimmers (Libellulidae), the female lays eggs by tapping the surface of the water repeatedly with her abdomen, by shaking the eggs out of her abdomen as she flies along, or by placing the eggs on vegetation. In a few species, the eggs are laid on emergent plants above the water, and development is delayed until these have withered and become immersed.
Life cycle
Dragonflies are hemimetabolous insects; they do not have a pupal stage and undergo an incomplete metamorphosis with a series of nymphal stages from which the adult emerges. Eggs laid inside plant tissues are usually shaped like grains of rice, while other eggs are the size of a pinhead, ellipsoidal, or nearly spherical. A clutch may have as many as 1500 eggs, and they take about a week to hatch into aquatic nymphs or naiads which moult between six and 15 times (depending on species) as they grow. Most of a dragonfly's life is spent as a nymph, beneath the water's surface. The nymph extends its hinged labium (a toothed mouthpart similar to a lower mandible, which is sometimes termed as a "mask" as it is normally folded and held before the face) that can extend forward and retract rapidly to capture prey such as mosquito larvae, tadpoles, and small fish. They breathe through gills in their rectum, and can rapidly propel themselves by suddenly expelling water through the anus. Some naiads, such as the later stages of Antipodophlebia asthenes, hunt on land.
The nymph stage of dragonflies lasts up to five years in large species, and between two months and three years in smaller species. When the naiad is ready to metamorphose into an adult, it stops feeding and makes its way to the surface, generally at night. It remains stationary with its head out of the water, while its respiration system adapts to breathing air, then climbs up a reed or other emergent plant, and moults (ecdysis). Anchoring itself firmly in a vertical position with its claws, its skin begins to split at a weak spot behind the head. The adult dragonfly crawls out of its nymph skin, the exuvia, arching backwards when all but the tip of its abdomen is free, to allow its exoskeleton to harden. Curling back upwards, it completes its emergence, swallowing air, which plumps out its body, and pumping haemolymph into its wings, which causes them to expand to their full extent.
Dragonflies in temperate areas can be categorized into two groups, an early group and a later one. In any one area, individuals of a particular "spring species" emerge within a few days of each other. The springtime darner (Basiaeschna janata), for example, is suddenly very common in the spring, but disappears a few weeks later and is not seen again until the following year. By contrast, a "summer species" emerges over a period of weeks or months, later in the year. They may be seen on the wing for several months, but this may represent a whole series of individuals, with new adults hatching out as earlier ones complete their lifespans.
Sex ratios
The sex ratio of male to female dragonflies varies both temporally and spatially. Adult dragonflies have a high male-biased ratio at breeding habitats. The male-bias ratio has contributed partially to the females using different habitats to avoid male harassment. As seen in Hine's emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana), male populations use wetland habitats, while females use dry meadows and marginal breeding habitats, only migrating to the wetlands to lay their eggs or to find mating partners. Unwanted mating is energetically costly for females because it affects the amount of time that they are able to spend foraging.
Flight
Dragonflies are powerful and agile fliers, capable of migrating across the sea, moving in any direction, and changing direction suddenly. In flight, the adult dragonfly can propel itself in six directions: upward, downward, forward, backward, to left and to right. They have four different styles of flight: A number of flying modes are used that include counter-stroking, with forewings beating 180° out of phase with the hindwings, is used for hovering and slow flight. This style is efficient and generates a large amount of lift; phased-stroking, with the hindwings beating 90° ahead of the forewings, is used for fast flight. This style creates more thrust, but less lift than counter-stroking; synchronised-stroking, with forewings and hindwings beating together, is used when changing direction rapidly, as it maximises thrust; and gliding, with the wings held out, is used in three situations: free gliding, for a few seconds in between bursts of powered flight; gliding in the updraft at the crest of a hill, effectively hovering by falling at the same speed as the updraft; and in certain dragonflies such as darters, when "in cop" with a male, the female sometimes simply glides while the male pulls the pair along by beating his wings.
The wings are powered directly, unlike most families of insects, with the flight muscles attached to the wing bases. Dragonflies have a high power/weight ratio, and have been documented accelerating at 4 G linearly and 9 G in sharp turns while pursuing prey.
Dragonflies generate lift in at least four ways at different times, including classical lift like an aircraft wing; supercritical lift with the wing above the critical angle, generating high lift and using very short strokes to avoid stalling; and creating and shedding vortices. Some families appear to use special mechanisms, as for example the Libellulidae which take off rapidly, their wings beginning pointed far forward and twisted almost vertically. Dragonfly wings behave highly dynamically during flight, flexing and twisting during each beat. Among the variables are wing curvature, length and speed of stroke, angle of attack, forward/back position of wing, and phase relative to the other wings.
Flight speed
Old and unreliable claims are made that dragonflies such as the southern giant darner can fly up to 97 km/h (60 mph). However, the greatest reliable flight speed records are for other types of insects. In general, large dragonflies like the hawkers have a maximum speed of 36–54 km/h (22–34 mph) with average cruising speed of about 16 km/h (9.9 mph). Dragonflies can travel at 100 body-lengths per second in forward flight, and three lengths per second backwards.
Motion camouflage
n high-speed territorial battles between male Australian emperors (Hemianax papuensis), the fighting dragonflies adjust their flight paths to appear stationary to their rivals, minimizing the chance of being detected as they approach.[a] To achieve the effect, the attacking dragonfly flies towards his rival, choosing his path to remain on a line between the rival and the start of his attack path. The attacker thus looms larger as he closes on the rival, but does not otherwise appear to move. Researchers found that six of 15 encounters involved motion camouflage.
Temperature control
The flight muscles need to be kept at a suitable temperature for the dragonfly to be able to fly. Being cold-blooded, they can raise their temperature by basking in the sun. Early in the morning, they may choose to perch in a vertical position with the wings outstretched, while in the middle of the day, a horizontal stance may be chosen. Another method of warming up used by some larger dragonflies is wing-whirring, a rapid vibration of the wings that causes heat to be generated in the flight muscles. The green darner (Anax junius) is known for its long-distance migrations, and often resorts to wing-whirring before dawn to enable it to make an early start.
Becoming too hot is another hazard, and a sunny or shady position for perching can be selected according to the ambient temperature. Some species have dark patches on the wings which can provide shade for the body, and a few use the obelisk posture to avoid overheating. This behaviour involves doing a "handstand", perching with the body raised and the abdomen pointing towards the sun, thus minimising the amount of solar radiation received. On a hot day, dragonflies sometimes adjust their body temperature by skimming over a water surface and briefly touching it, often three times in quick succession. This may also help to avoid desiccation.
Feeding
Adult dragonflies hunt on the wing using their exceptionally acute eyesight and strong, agile flight. They are almost exclusively carnivorous, eating a wide variety of insects ranging from small midges and mosquitoes to butterflies, moths, damselflies, and smaller dragonflies. A large prey item is subdued by being bitten on the head and is carried by the legs to a perch. Here, the wings are discarded and the prey usually ingested head first. A dragonfly may consume as much as a fifth of its body weight in prey per day. Dragonflies are also some of the insect world's most efficient hunters, catching up to 95% of the prey they pursue.
The nymphs are voracious predators, eating most living things that are smaller than they are. Their staple diet is mostly bloodworms and other insect larvae, but they also feed on tadpoles and small fish. A few species, especially those that live in temporary waters, are likely to leave the water to feed. Nymphs of Cordulegaster bidentata sometimes hunt small arthropods on the ground at night, while some species in the Anax genus have even been observed leaping out of the water to attack and kill full-grown tree frogs.
Eyesight
Dragonfly vision is thought to be like slow motion for humans. Dragonflies see faster than we do; they see around 200 images per second. A dragonfly can see in 360 degrees, and nearly 80 percent of the insect's brain is dedicated to its sight.
Predators
Although dragonflies are swift and agile fliers, some predators are fast enough to catch them. These include falcons such as the American kestrel, the merlin, and the hobby; nighthawks, swifts, flycatchers and swallows also take some adults; some species of wasps, too, prey on dragonflies, using them to provision their nests, laying an egg on each captured insect. In the water, various species of ducks and herons eat dragonfly nymphs and they are also preyed on by newts, frogs, fish, and water spiders. Amur falcons, which migrate over the Indian Ocean at a period that coincides with the migration of the globe skimmer dragonfly, Pantala flavescens, may actually be feeding on them while on the wing.
Parasites
Dragonflies are affected by three major groups of parasites: water mites, gregarine protozoa, and trematode flatworms (flukes). Water mites, Hydracarina, can kill smaller dragonfly nymphs, and may also be seen on adults. Gregarines infect the gut and may cause blockage and secondary infection. Trematodes are parasites of vertebrates such as frogs, with complex life cycles often involving a period as a stage called a cercaria in a secondary host, a snail. Dragonfly nymphs may swallow cercariae, or these may tunnel through a nymph's body wall; they then enter the gut and form a cyst or metacercaria, which remains in the nymph for the whole of its development. If the nymph is eaten by a frog, the amphibian becomes infected by the adult or fluke stage of the trematode.
Dragonflies and humans
Conservation
Most odonatologists live in temperate areas and the dragonflies of North America and Europe have been the subject of much research. However, the majority of species live in tropical areas and have been little studied. With the destruction of rainforest habitats, many of these species are in danger of becoming extinct before they have even been named. The greatest cause of decline is forest clearance with the consequent drying up of streams and pools which become clogged with silt. The damming of rivers for hydroelectric schemes and the drainage of low-lying land has reduced suitable habitat, as has pollution and the introduction of alien species.
In 1997, the International Union for Conservation of Nature set up a status survey and conservation action plan for dragonflies. This proposes the establishment of protected areas around the world and the management of these areas to provide suitable habitat for dragonflies. Outside these areas, encouragement should be given to modify forestry, agricultural, and industrial practices to enhance conservation. At the same time, more research into dragonflies needs to be done, consideration should be given to pollution control and the public should be educated about the importance of biodiversity.
Habitat degradation has reduced dragonfly populations across the world, for example in Japan. Over 60% of Japan's wetlands were lost in the 20th century, so its dragonflies now depend largely on rice fields, ponds, and creeks. Dragonflies feed on pest insects in rice, acting as a natural pest control. Dragonflies are steadily declining in Africa, and represent a conservation priority.
The dragonfly's long lifespan and low population density makes it vulnerable to disturbance, such as from collisions with vehicles on roads built near wetlands. Species that fly low and slow may be most at risk.
Dragonflies are attracted to shiny surfaces that produce polarization which they can mistake for water, and they have been known to aggregate close to polished gravestones, solar panels, automobiles, and other such structures on which they attempt to lay eggs. These can have a local impact on dragonfly populations; methods of reducing the attractiveness of structures such as solar panels are under experimentation.
In culture
A blue-glazed faience dragonfly amulet was found by Flinders Petrie at Lahun, from the Late Middle Kingdom of ancient Egypt.
Many Native American tribes consider dragonflies to be medicine animals that had special powers. For example, the southwestern tribes, including the Pueblo, Hopi, and Zuni, associated dragonflies with transformation. They referred to dragonflies as "snake doctors" because they believed dragonflies followed snakes into the ground and healed them if they were injured. For the Navajo, dragonflies symbolize pure water. Often stylized in a double-barred cross design, dragonflies are a common motif in Zuni pottery, as well as Hopi rock art and Pueblo necklaces.: 20–26
As a seasonal symbol in Japan, the dragonflies are associated with season of autumn. In Japan, they are symbols of rebirth, courage, strength, and happiness. They are also depicted frequently in Japanese art and literature, especially haiku poetry. Japanese children catch large dragonflies as a game, using a hair with a small pebble tied to each end, which they throw into the air. The dragonfly mistakes the pebbles for prey, gets tangled in the hair, and is dragged to the ground by the weight.: 38
In Chinese culture, dragonflies symbolize both change and instability. They are also symbols in the Chinese practices of Feng Shui, where placements of dragonfly statues and artwork in parts of a home or office are believed to bring new insights and positive changes.
In both China and Japan, dragonflies have been used in traditional medicine. In Indonesia, adult dragonflies are caught on poles made sticky with birdlime, then fried in oil as a delicacy.
Images of dragonflies are common in Art Nouveau, especially in jewellery designs. They have also been used as a decorative motif on fabrics and home furnishings. Douglas, a British motorcycle manufacturer based in Bristol, named its innovatively designed postwar 350-cc flat-twin model the Dragonfly.
Among the classical names of Japan are Akitsukuni (秋津国), Akitsushima (秋津島), Toyo-akitsushima (豊秋津島). Akitsu is an old word for dragonfly, so one interpretation of Akitsushima is "Dragonfly Island". This is attributed to a legend in which Japan's mythical founder, Emperor Jimmu, was bitten by a mosquito, which was then eaten by a dragonfly.
In Europe, dragonflies have often been seen as sinister. Some English vernacular names, such as "horse-stinger", "devil's darning needle", and "ear cutter", link them with evil or injury. Swedish folklore holds that the devil uses dragonflies to weigh people's souls.: 25–27 The Norwegian name for dragonflies is Øyenstikker ("eye-poker"), and in Portugal, they are sometimes called tira-olhos ("eyes-snatcher"). They are often associated with snakes, as in the Welsh name gwas-y-neidr, "adder's servant". The Southern United States terms "snake doctor" and "snake feeder" refer to a folk belief that dragonflies catch insects for snakes or follow snakes around and stitch them back together if they are injured. Interestingly, the Hungarian name for dragonfly is szitakötő ("sieve-knitter").
The watercolourist Moses Harris (1731–1785), known for his The Aurelian or natural history of English insects (1766), published in 1780, the first scientific descriptions of several Odonata including the banded demoiselle, Calopteryx splendens. He was the first English artist to make illustrations of dragonflies accurate enough to be identified to species (Aeshna grandis at top left of plate illustrated), though his rough drawing of a nymph (at lower left) with the mask extended appears to be plagiarised.[b]
More recently, dragonfly watching has become popular in America as some birdwatchers seek new groups to observe.
In heraldry, like other winged insects, the dragonfly is typically depicted tergiant (with its back facing the viewer), with its head to chief.
In poetry and literature
Lafcadio Hearn wrote in his 1901 book A Japanese Miscellany that Japanese poets had created dragonfly haiku "almost as numerous as are the dragonflies themselves in the early autumn." The poet Matsuo Bashō (1644–1694) wrote haiku such as "Crimson pepper pod / add two pairs of wings, and look / darting dragonfly", relating the autumn season to the dragonfly. Hori Bakusui (1718–1783) similarly wrote "Dyed he is with the / Colour of autumnal days, / O red dragonfly."
The poet Lord Tennyson, described a dragonfly splitting its old skin and emerging shining metallic blue like "sapphire mail" in his 1842 poem "The Two Voices", with the lines "An inner impulse rent the veil / Of his old husk: from head to tail / Came out clear plates of sapphire mail."
The novelist H. E. Bates described the rapid, agile flight of dragonflies in his 1937 nonfiction book Down the River:
I saw, once, an endless procession, just over an area of water-lilies, of small sapphire dragonflies, a continuous play of blue gauze over the snowy flowers above the sun-glassy water. It was all confined, in true dragonfly fashion, to one small space. It was a continuous turning and returning, an endless darting, poising, striking and hovering, so swift that it was often lost in sunlight.
In technology
A dragonfly has been genetically modified with light-sensitive "steering neurons" in its nerve cord to create a cyborg-like "DragonflEye". The neurons contain genes like those in the eye to make them sensitive to light. Miniature sensors, a computer chip and a solar panel were fitted in a "backpack" over the insect's thorax in front of its wings. Light is sent down flexible light-pipes named optrodes[c] from the backpack into the nerve cord to give steering commands to the insect. The result is a "micro-aerial vehicle that's smaller, lighter and stealthier than anything else that's manmade".
[Credit: en.wikipedia.org/]
J - Japan
Let’s take a journey to the wondrous Eastern Asian country of Japan. Here we can explore a multifaceted culture made up of thousand-year-old traditions as well as rapidly changing modern fads, fashion, and technology. For this theme, you must show us how your doll(s) is inspired by either traditional or modern Japanese culture. Is your doll modeling a couture kimono and kanzashi or a colorful kawaii street style ensemble for a fashion shoot? Is your doll a food critic in search of the Japanese restaurant with the most authentic and delectable sushi and sashimi? Or perhaps your doll(s) prefers Asian-inspired décor such as shoji screens, paper lanterns, and silk wall scrolls to decorate his/her home. More inspiration can be found with meditation areas with Zen gardens, chimes, mini fountains, and Buddha statues! How you approach this theme is entirely up to you. Just be sure to show us a piece of Japanese culture in your photo.
SoulRider.222 / Eric Rider © 2020 - Supercharged 5.2L V8
ABOUT CAMILO PARDO
Born in New York city, Camilo moved to Detroit at the age of 10 and had by that age developed a fascination with 60s and 70s era sports cars and modern art. After graduating from Detroit’s prestigious design school Center for Creative Studies in 1985, Camilo was hired by Ford Design Center in Dearborn Michigan. His assignments included working in the Dearborn Advanced Studios, Ford of Europe- Torino, Italy Studio , and the Design Studios in Cologne Germany. After 15 years at Ford Motor Company, he took on what was for him the ultimate assignment... a state of the art re-design of the classic Ford GT race car. This project developed the 2002 Ford GT concept car.
As chief Designer of the Ford GT and the SVT Studio, Camilo’s team worked on the 2005 and 2006 production Ford GT . The GT became an instant success capturing the interest of car enthusiasts around the world.
At the end of the work day at Ford, Camilo continued to explore an additional avenues of art & design. With the integration of Design principles and the abstractions of Fine Art, Camilo explores alternative design solutions.
This work is created in his studios, located in the city of Detroit and Los Angeles. His studios has been the scene of more than a few of Detroit’s openings and receptions. For the last 15 years, his studio has hosted the Detroit Auto’s Designers’ Night. An internationally recognized event which is attended by top automotive personnel and designers from all over the world. The North American International Auto Show has included Designer’s Night as a recognized NAIAS event appearing in all NAIAS publications.
By evening, Camilo is a serious, multifaceted artist with incomparable creative energy. This creativity is evident in his large, brightly colored oil paintings on canvas. This includes a large production of Automotive Fine Art. The same quality of creativity reaches a line of fashion design, that he describes as advanced fashion concepts. These fashion pieces have been created
for auto shows and runway exhibits. Camilo’s industrial design reaches into sculptural furniture design, that has made the rounds from main art galleries in Metro Detroit, Italy, Japan, and the Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York.
As a dedicated artist who sets no limits on his creative endeavors, Camilo has found that his outside artistic expressions further strengthen and complements his passion for automotive design.
Doncaster is a fascinating blend of historical influence, industrial legacy, and modern cultural vibrancy. Located in South Yorkshire in the north of England along the scenic River Don, the city’s history stretches back to Roman times when it was known as Danum, a strategic fortification built to monitor important routes during the Roman occupation .
Over the centuries, Doncaster evolved from its early military origins into a pivotal industrial town. Its evolution was closely intertwined with the expansion of the railway network and the growth of horse racing traditions—both of which helped define its modern character. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Doncaster Racecourse, renowned for hosting the prestigious St Leger Festival, and historical sites like St George’s Minster and Cusworth Hall that stand as reminders of its rich architectural and cultural heritage.
In recent years, Doncaster has embraced its multifaceted identity by blending the old with the new. Officially conferred city status in November 2022 as part of a royal celebration, it now serves not only as a reminder of aristocratic and industrial traditions but also as a dynamic centre for arts, retail, and community events. Modern attractions and a thriving events calendar ensure that visitors and residents alike can experience its evolving story—from its industrial past to its present-day status as a lively, multicultural urban hub.
man reels from crazy snake in the djemaa el-fna square, marrakesh.
from sunset, the life and bustle on the square reaches its peak. it becomes the arena of a gigantic, multifaceted open-air show. as the air fills with smoke from grilling meat and the aroma of spices, the square fills with musicians, dancers, storytellers, showmen, tooth-pullers, fortune-tellers and snake charmers...
no rules, no limitations, no boundaries it's like an art
© All Rights Reserved by ajpscs
CHANOYU
The Japanese tea ceremony is called chanoyu (茶の湯, lit. "tea hot-water") or also chadō or sadō (茶道, "the way of tea") in Japanese. It is a multifaceted traditional activity strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism, in which powdered green tea, or matcha (抹茶), is ceremonially prepared and served to others.
La Stazione dell’Arte.
Museo che custodisce il ‘genio multiforme’ dell’artista Maria Lai (Ulassai, 27 settembre 1919 – Cardedu, 16 aprile 2013), la cittadina più celebre di Ulassai.
La sede del Museo è stata la stazione ferroviaria del paese abbandonata per la cancellzione di quella tratta, recentemente è stata restaurata per poter accogliere le opere dell'artista..
Nella foto una delle sale espositive.
The Art Station.
Museum that houses the 'multifaceted genius' of the artist Maria Lai (Ulassai, 27 September 1919 – Cardedu, 16 April 2013), the most famous citizen of Ulassai.
The headquarters of the Museum was the town's railway station which was abandoned due to the cancellation of that route.
It has recently been restored to accommodate the artist's works.
In the photo one of the exhibition rooms.
IMG_9049m
Ulassai, Nuoro, Sardegna, "Stazione dell’Arte", "Maria Lai"
Thanjavur, Tamilnadu.
The Brihadeshwarar temple was built to grace the throne of the Chola empire by the Tamil emperor Arulmozhivarman, popularly called Rajaraja Chola I, (Tamil: இராசராச சோழன், Rājarāja Cholan) in compliance to a command given to him in a dream. One of the first great Tamil Chola building projects, the temple's foundations were laid out in 1002 CE. An axial and symmetrical geometry rules the temple layout. Temples from this period and the following two centuries are an expression of the Tamilars (Chola) wealth, power and artistic expertise. The emergence of such features as the multifaceted columns with projecting square capitals signal the arrival of the new Chola style.
Intended to display the emperor's vision of his power and his relationship to the universal order, the temple was the site of the major royal ceremonies such as anointing the emperor and linking him with its deity, Shiva, and the daily rituals of the deities were mirrored by those of the king. It is an architectural example showcasing the pure form of the Dravida type of temple architecture and representative of the Chola Empire ideology and the Tamil civilisation in Southern India. The temple "testify to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting."
Construction
Statue of Rajaraja Chola Chola I who consecrated the temple
The architect and engineer of the temple was Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perunthachan as stated in inscriptions found at the temple. The temple was built per ancient texts called Vaastu Shastras and Agamas. The temple was built using a measure of 1 3/8-inch called an angula (24 units equalling 33 inches called a hasta, muzam, or kishku). This is the same measure found in ancient Lothal and other sites in the Indus Valley dating back 4000 – 6000 years. This same measure is used to build structures compliant with the Vaastu Shastras and Agamas today. While some builders use a different measure this is considered a standard due to its antiquity.
The solid base of the temple raises about 5 metres (16 feet), above which stone deities and representatives of Shiva dance. The big Nandi (bull), weighing about 20 tonnes is made of a single stone and is about 2 m in height, 6 m in length and 2.5 m in width. The presiding deity of lingam is 3.7m tall. The prakaram (outer precincts of the temple) measures 240m by 125m. The outer wall of the upper storey is carved with 108 dance karanas – postures of Bharathanatyam, the classical dance of Tamil Nadu. The shrine of Goddess was added by Pandyas during the 13th century, Subramanya Shrine by Vijayanagara rulers and the Vinayaka shrine was renovated by Maratha rulers. There were significant additions from the Thanjavur Nayaks.
Dragonflies, an amazing and unique insect, are from the order Odonata and the Anisoptera suborder. The attractive characteristic of this creature is the multifaceted large eyes, an elongated body and four transparent and strong wings, with colored markings. Dragonflies can fly in any direction, including sideways and backward, and can hover in a single spot for a minute or more. This amazing ability is one factor in their success as aerial ambush predators
This photograph captures a myriad of individuals, each one absorbed in their own world, despite their shared setting.
Their diverse expressions paint a rich tapestry of emotions - contemplation, joy, introspection, curiosity, and perhaps a hint of melancholy.
Seated together, yet alone in their thoughts, they form a human kaleidoscope, offering a complex, yet beautiful reflection of life's multifaceted nature.
Each gaze tells a unique story, highlighting the beautiful paradox of shared moments in solitude.
👉 www.lensculture.com/photo-competitions/street-photography...
A dragonfly is a type of insect belonging to the order Odonata, the suborder Epiprocta or, in the strict sense, the infraorder Anisoptera. It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body. Dragonflies are similar to damselflies, but the adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most dragonflies are held away from, and perpendicular to, the body when at rest.
Source: Wikipedia
A dragonfly is an insect belonging to the order Odonata, suborder Anisoptera. Adult dragonflies are characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, sometimes with coloured patches and an elongated body
First of an album of 11, making up a full story. Please view the entire album and read the story! My costume details and the location landmark on the last photo.
Our blog, Around the Grid, has an expanded form of this story and even more photos!
Tholosa the Exalted, the Witch-queen of the Empire of Oshor Chih -- known not as The Exalted by her enemies, but as Tholosa of the Grave -- takes her ease in her palace's apartments. Leagues she has traveled, years studying with the darkest sorcerers of the left-hand path, more years establishing a power base and sending forth her ensorcelled armies to conquer more and more distant lands.
In all of that time, she has ever remained fresh and lovely, her spells holding the passing of the years at bay until she should extend her demesne across the whole of the world. Her face is painted and her hair is coiffed in the style of the now-extinguished nobles of Oshor Chih, the land of her birth and the first nation to tall to her power. Her body is but little concealed by the robes she has conjured into existence, made of materials none but Tholosa know. Her nails are long, sharpened claws of obsidian, covered with traceries of silver; and her jewelry is silver as well, the coldness of the white metal in keeping with the coldness of her beauty and her heart.
Does she simply dream in the darkness, lost in the fog of her sorcerous drugs -- or are there darker thoughts behind the languid lids? None can tell, for her eyes are no longer eyes as mortal man or woman see the world out of. They are cold, multifaceted orbs now, orbs which glow with purpure light, hypnotic in their power....
🇫🇷 L'étrange hêtraie
Non, ceci n'est pas une photo retouchée à la façon d'une peinture. C'est une prise de vue effectuée avec une pose longue et un flou de bougé.
J'en apprécie le rendu - même s'il est très aléatoire - car la prise de vue permet de sublimer une 🌳hêtraie🌳 en un endroit plus féérique, pour peu que l'on veuille bien voir la forêt comme un prolongement multiforme de notre imaginaire. C'est une autre forêt que l'on découvre alors, et que nos yeux parcourent à la recherche d'une étrangeté.
🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿 🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿
🇺🇸 ️The strange beech grove
No, this is not a photo retouched in the manner of a painting. It's a shot taken with a long exposure and motion blur.
I appreciate the rendering - even if it's very random - because the shot makes it possible to sublimate a 🌳beech wood 🌳 into a more enchanted place, provided we're willing to see the forest as a multifaceted extension of our imagination. We then discover another forest, and our eyes wander through it in search of strangeness.
Milieu naturel, écosystème :🌳 Hêtraie 🌳
Natural environment, ecosystem:🌳Beech wood 🌳
Lieu / Location : Forêt de Fontainebleau / Seine-et-Marne / France
web site : pascalechevest.com
Related Twits on Turkey's
Neo-ottoman Aggressiveness & Ultra Nationalist Revisionism
==========================================================
TEXT POSTED JULY 16th, 2016
15 July 2016 coup d'état attempt reflects Turkey's complex socio-political reality and the multifaceted divisions within her neo-ottoman political establishment and the deep military state, as well as the division between the ultra-conservative Suni Muslim and the westernized secular parts of the Turkish society.
The latest developments will affect for the worse Turkey's poor democratic records and at the same time her stance on numerous hot issues like the long running undeclared (civil) war with the Kurds, the war in Syria (and the undercover collaboration with ISIS), the refugee flows to Europe, the occupation of the northern part of Cyprus (since the 1974 pre planned turkish invasion), the expansionist aggressiveness in the Aegean Sea against Greece and, among many others, her ambition of becoming a European Union member state; an ultra nationalist and coercive state of aggressive pan turkism (by military threat and demography) against "her potential subjects" ...
Turkey's Major Genocides, Ethnic Cleansings
and Persecutions, in ottoman & modern times
Massacres against the Kurds 1930-today
Military Invasion & Occupation of Cyprus' north part 1973-today
Military Invasion, along with proxy Jihadists, of Syria 2019
Military Invasion in Syria along with rebels & al-Qaeda Islamists
Involvement in the Libyan Civil War
Permanent Aggressiveness and Hybrid War against Greece
with fighter jets violations in the Aegean sea airspace and
Exploitation & Trafficking of Illegal Immigrants and Fake News Propaganda
... typical barbarism & islamization processes of the ottoman and neo ottoman turks alike .... with the usual apathy, if not collaboration, of the big powers & world organizations, i.e. the USA, Russia, the UK, Germany, as well as the UN, NATO & the EU
A-Z Challenge 2.0: J - Japan
Theme Rules:
Let’s take a journey to the wondrous Eastern Asian country of Japan. Here we can explore a multifaceted culture made up of thousand-year-old traditions as well as rapidly changing modern fads, fashion, and technology. For this theme, you must show us how your doll(s) is inspired by either traditional or modern Japanese culture. Is your doll modeling a couture kimono and kanzashi or a colorful kawaii street style ensemble for a fashion shoot? Is your doll a food critic in search of the Japanese restaurant with the most authentic and delectable sushi and sashimi? Or perhaps your doll(s) prefers Asian-inspired décor such as shoji screens, paper lanterns, and silk wall scrolls to decorate his/her home. More inspiration can be found with meditation areas with Zen gardens, chimes, mini fountains, and Buddha statues! How you approach this theme is entirely up to you. Just be sure to show us a piece of Japanese culture in your photo.
About this photo:
Ayumi got a home-staging job for some high profile client with very picky taste but also with very vast circle of socialite friends, aka potential new clients. She's wondering: if I should add something? Is this enough? Will she likes it? This client wanted a zen-style sitting room and Ayumi's Japanese background combined with her sense of coulour and space seemed like a perfect fit for this assignment :)
Ayumi's wearing Barbie Fashionistas ensemble with H&M earrings, Seduisante Elyse lower legs and sandals and bracelet were made by me :)
For the decor I used the following items: a silk printed scarf, a vase, a sushi mat, an eyewear case, a chair, a soy sauce dis as a flower bowl, an egg cup as a vase, a tiny decorative porcelain plate and some bamboo sticks.
March-April: Adult ladybirds become active and leave their overwintering sites. When the weather starts to warm, ladybugs awaken from hibernation as the sun emerges from behind the clouds. This 7-Spotted ladybug suddenly appeared on Lemon Scent - Cupressus Macrocarpa.
As the weather continues to warm in the coming weeks, we'll have the pleasure of spotting ladybugs—the ultimate allies in controlling nature's pests—on the blossoming flowers that herald the arrival of spring.
The 7-Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata) is a fascinating insect. Here's some information:
Appearance: As the name suggests, the 7-Spotted Ladybug typically has seven black spots on its red or orange elytra (wing covers). However, the number of spots can vary, and some individuals may have fewer or more spots.
Habitat: These ladybugs are commonly found in various habitats, including gardens, meadows, forests, and agricultural fields. They are distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Diet: 7-Spotted Ladybugs primarily feed on aphids and other small insects. They are considered beneficial insects in agriculture and gardening because they help control pest populations.
Life Cycle: Like other ladybugs, the 7-Spotted Ladybug undergoes complete metamorphosis, consisting of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larvae resemble small, spiny black and orange caterpillars and are also voracious predators of aphids.
Behavior: Ladybugs, including the 7-Spotted variety, are known for their ability to secrete a yellow fluid from their joints when threatened, which has a foul odor and can deter predators.
Ecological Importance: Due to their role in controlling aphid populations, 7-Spotted Ladybugs are considered beneficial insects in ecosystems and agriculture. They are often used in biological pest control methods as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.
Overall, the 7-Spotted Ladybug is not only visually appealing but also serves an important ecological function in maintaining the balance of insect populations in various ecosystems.
Ladybugs, like many other insects, go through a period of dormancy during the winter months, known as hibernation. During hibernation, ladybugs typically seek out sheltered spots such as under leaf litter, in tree bark crevices, or inside buildings to protect themselves from the cold temperatures. They enter a state of reduced metabolic activity, conserving energy until warmer weather returns.
Ladybugs hibernate in groups, which provides them with added protection and warmth. They release a chemical signal that attracts other ladybugs to gather in clusters, known as aggregations. These aggregations can sometimes be quite large, with thousands of ladybugs huddled together.
As the weather begins to warm up in spring, ladybugs become more active and start to emerge from their hibernation sites. They begin searching for food and mates to start the reproductive cycle anew. This emergence from hibernation is often observed by people who may find ladybugs crawling out of their winter hiding spots and venturing into the open once again.
Ladybug populations in the UK can vary depending on factors such as habitat, climate, and food availability. While specific population numbers may not be readily available, ladybugs are common and widespread throughout the UK, with numerous species found across various habitats including gardens, parks, woodlands, and agricultural fields.
Ladybugs play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. Some of the benefits they provide in natural life include:
Controlling nature's pests: Ladybugs are voracious predators of aphids, scale insects, mites, and other garden pests. By feeding on these pests, ladybugs help to keep their populations in check, reducing the need for chemical pesticides in agriculture and gardening.
Pollination: While ladybugs are primarily known as predators, some species also feed on pollen and nectar. As they move from flower to flower in search of food, they inadvertently aid in pollination, facilitating the reproduction of flowering plants.
Indicator Species: Changes in ladybug populations can serve as indicators of environmental health. Monitoring ladybug populations can help scientists assess the impact of habitat loss, climate change, and pollution on ecosystems.
Food Source for Predators: Ladybugs serve as an important food source for various predators, including birds, spiders, and other insects. Their presence contributes to the food web and supports the survival of higher trophic levels in ecosystems.
Aesthetic Value: Ladybugs are beloved by many people for their bright colors, distinctive markings, and gentle demeanor. Their presence adds beauty and charm to gardens and natural landscapes, enhancing the overall aesthetic value of these environments.
Overall, ladybugs play multifaceted roles in ecosystems, from providing valuable ecosystem services to captivating human observers with their fascinating behavior and appearance. Protecting and conserving ladybug populations is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and promoting sustainable agriculture and gardening practices.
I've captured some memorable moments with my camera, and I genuinely hope you'll experience the same joy in viewing these images as I did in capturing them.
Thank you immensely for visiting my gallery, whether you leave comments, add favorites, or simply take a moment to look around. Your support means a lot to me, and I wish you the best of luck and beautiful light in all your endeavors.
© All rights reserved by R.Ertug. Please refrain from using this image without my explicit written permission. If you're interested in purchasing or using it, feel free to contact me via Flickr mail.
Your comments and critiques are highly valued.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and explore :)
Groningen is a Dutch city known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. And since 2019 it is home to a modern marvel that seamlessly blends the old and the new: the Forum Groningen. This architectural gem stands tall in the heart of the city, captivating both locals and visitors with its innovative design and multifaceted purpose.
It is a Contemporary Masterpiece. The Forum Groningen stands as a symbol of modernity against the backdrop of the city's traditional architecture. Designed by NL Architects in collaboration with the Swiss firm Swiss architects Happel Cornelisse Verhoeven, the building boasts a contemporary and dynamic aesthetic that challenges the conventional.
The building has a unique geometry. Consisting of various stacked cubes and angular shapes, the building presents a visually captivating facade that seems to defy gravity. The architects' choice of form not only adds an element of surprise but also maximizes the use of space within the structure.
The forum is a multi-purposeful development. Beyond its avant-garde exterior, the Forum Groningen houses a versatile space that serves a multitude of functions. It hosts a public library, a state-of-the-art cinema, exhibition spaces, and even a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views of the city. This intentional integration of diverse functions reflects the architects' commitment to creating a space that caters to the varied interests and needs of the community.
Beyond its architectural prowess, the Forum Groningen is a cultural hub that pulsates with creativity. It hosts a wide array of events, from film festivals to literary gatherings, making it a dynamic space that fosters community engagement and artistic expression. It even houses a publicly available 3D print shop. The building's open design invites individuals to explore and interact, creating a sense of connectivity within the city.
Technical stuff
This is a single handheld shot taken with a Canon G5X. The setting were: 640ISO, -2/3EV, f5.6, 1/25 and 8.8mm. Although, this camera, in Canon’s G-series Powershot range, is versatile and quite good in most all circumstances, it is indoors a little bit strong on noise in the higher ISO-ranges. So, I thought this was a great opportunity to test the recently added AI-driven noise reduction tool in Lightroom. I think, this tool did a great job. Especially with regard to keeping the crisp sharpness of the image. Unfortunately such tools ask rather a lot of processor capacity of one computer… So, you guessed it, a new project is born!
Furthermore, I converted the colour RAW photo into black-and-white with Lightroom and balanced the toning a little. Finally, I added the copyright signs (in Photoshop). The latter is, alas, there to stay due to the frequent copying of my photos. So, don't bother commenting on that.
If you were born on the 27th day of the month you are a wise and sensitive individual who thrives on peace and harmony. You have high principles and prefer to live life on your own terms rather than conforming to orthodox views.
As a 27 day person you are usually blessed with literary talents and multifaceted capabilities that you can use in a variety of careers, where such skills are required.
You do prefer to be in a position where you are your own boss.
Others can always trust you to do the right thing by them, due to your strong ethics.
You are passionate in your relationships and are highly demonstrative with your affection to your loved ones. This ability to share your love makes you a wonderful parent.
Kimberly, I hope your birthday, this month, this entire year, and onward, bears all that you could wish for and more than you need.
I appreciate your light, your unique spirit, your talent and your heart...please come play more often if you can. It's just a sweeter playground when you are on it with us.
Peace
A New QRP Radio Is Born:
All focus on toroids!
I got 2 more toroids wound & soldered onto the circuit board this past weekend to make a total of 4 as circled.
I started T1, the 5th & largest of the 5 windings, 38+ turns, to be installed just below & hope to complete that on the next visit to the workbench.
The world's greatest hobbies, multifaceted ham radio & digital photography.
Slow & steady wins the race!
A long awaited kit is more than 3/4 assembled, the QCX!
72/73
Daryll
Doncaster is a fascinating blend of historical influence, industrial legacy, and modern cultural vibrancy. Located in South Yorkshire in the north of England along the scenic River Don, the city’s history stretches back to Roman times when it was known as Danum, a strategic fortification built to monitor important routes during the Roman occupation .
Over the centuries, Doncaster evolved from its early military origins into a pivotal industrial town. Its evolution was closely intertwined with the expansion of the railway network and the growth of horse racing traditions—both of which helped define its modern character. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Doncaster Racecourse, renowned for hosting the prestigious St Leger Festival, and historical sites like St George’s Minster and Cusworth Hall that stand as reminders of its rich architectural and cultural heritage.
In recent years, Doncaster has embraced its multifaceted identity by blending the old with the new. Officially conferred city status in November 2022 as part of a royal celebration, it now serves not only as a reminder of aristocratic and industrial traditions but also as a dynamic centre for arts, retail, and community events. Modern attractions and a thriving events calendar ensure that visitors and residents alike can experience its evolving story—from its industrial past to its present-day status as a lively, multicultural urban hub.
March-April: Adult ladybirds become active and leave their overwintering sites. When the weather starts to warm, ladybugs awaken from hibernation as the sun emerges from behind the clouds. This 7-Spotted ladybug suddenly appeared on Lemon Scent - Cupressus Macrocarpa.
As the weather continues to warm in the coming weeks, we'll have the pleasure of spotting ladybugs—the ultimate allies in controlling nature's pests—on the blossoming flowers that herald the arrival of spring.
The 7-Spotted Ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata) is a fascinating insect. Here's some information:
Appearance: As the name suggests, the 7-Spotted Ladybug typically has seven black spots on its red or orange elytra (wing covers). However, the number of spots can vary, and some individuals may have fewer or more spots.
Habitat: These ladybugs are commonly found in various habitats, including gardens, meadows, forests, and agricultural fields. They are distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Diet: 7-Spotted Ladybugs primarily feed on aphids and other small insects. They are considered beneficial insects in agriculture and gardening because they help control pest populations.
Life Cycle: Like other ladybugs, the 7-Spotted Ladybug undergoes complete metamorphosis, consisting of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larvae resemble small, spiny black and orange caterpillars and are also voracious predators of aphids.
Behavior: Ladybugs, including the 7-Spotted variety, are known for their ability to secrete a yellow fluid from their joints when threatened, which has a foul odor and can deter predators.
Ecological Importance: Due to their role in controlling aphid populations, 7-Spotted Ladybugs are considered beneficial insects in ecosystems and agriculture. They are often used in biological pest control methods as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.
Overall, the 7-Spotted Ladybug is not only visually appealing but also serves an important ecological function in maintaining the balance of insect populations in various ecosystems.
Ladybugs, like many other insects, go through a period of dormancy during the winter months, known as hibernation. During hibernation, ladybugs typically seek out sheltered spots such as under leaf litter, in tree bark crevices, or inside buildings to protect themselves from the cold temperatures. They enter a state of reduced metabolic activity, conserving energy until warmer weather returns.
Ladybugs hibernate in groups, which provides them with added protection and warmth. They release a chemical signal that attracts other ladybugs to gather in clusters, known as aggregations. These aggregations can sometimes be quite large, with thousands of ladybugs huddled together.
As the weather begins to warm up in spring, ladybugs become more active and start to emerge from their hibernation sites. They begin searching for food and mates to start the reproductive cycle anew. This emergence from hibernation is often observed by people who may find ladybugs crawling out of their winter hiding spots and venturing into the open once again.
Ladybug populations in the UK can vary depending on factors such as habitat, climate, and food availability. While specific population numbers may not be readily available, ladybugs are common and widespread throughout the UK, with numerous species found across various habitats including gardens, parks, woodlands, and agricultural fields.
Ladybugs play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. Some of the benefits they provide in natural life include:
Controlling nature's pests: Ladybugs are voracious predators of aphids, scale insects, mites, and other garden pests. By feeding on these pests, ladybugs help to keep their populations in check, reducing the need for chemical pesticides in agriculture and gardening.
Pollination: While ladybugs are primarily known as predators, some species also feed on pollen and nectar. As they move from flower to flower in search of food, they inadvertently aid in pollination, facilitating the reproduction of flowering plants.
Indicator Species: Changes in ladybug populations can serve as indicators of environmental health. Monitoring ladybug populations can help scientists assess the impact of habitat loss, climate change, and pollution on ecosystems.
Food Source for Predators: Ladybugs serve as an important food source for various predators, including birds, spiders, and other insects. Their presence contributes to the food web and supports the survival of higher trophic levels in ecosystems.
Aesthetic Value: Ladybugs are beloved by many people for their bright colors, distinctive markings, and gentle demeanor. Their presence adds beauty and charm to gardens and natural landscapes, enhancing the overall aesthetic value of these environments.
Overall, ladybugs play multifaceted roles in ecosystems, from providing valuable ecosystem services to captivating human observers with their fascinating behavior and appearance. Protecting and conserving ladybug populations is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and promoting sustainable agriculture and gardening practices.
I've captured some memorable moments with my camera, and I genuinely hope you'll experience the same joy in viewing these images as I did in capturing them.
Thank you immensely for visiting my gallery, whether you leave comments, add favorites, or simply take a moment to look around. Your support means a lot to me, and I wish you the best of luck and beautiful light in all your endeavors.
© All rights reserved by R.Ertug. Please refrain from using this image without my explicit written permission. If you're interested in purchasing or using it, feel free to contact me via Flickr mail.
Your comments and critiques are highly valued.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and explore :)