‹ Previous Macro & Close-up Gallery Next ›

Feather Duster

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted June 11, 2014176 views10 comments

Toxorhynchites rutilus, the so-called "Elephant Mosquito" on Lazy Susan.

The feathery antennae are diagnostic of the male. Many mosquitos are nectar feeders; only the females need a blood meal to provide protein with which to form eggs. The metallic blue sheen on the legs is a good field mark for Toxorhynchites.
F/10, 1/200th, ISO 800, 1DM3, Sigma 150mm f/2.8 + 1.4x ext & natural light with monopod for support. Yesterday late afternoon around 7:30pm.
Special thanks to Peter May on the identification.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on June 11, 2014 at 9:31 PM

Never saw anything like this, Howard. This insect has some remarkably cool features including the feathery crown, forked antennae, and gold color. Super sharp detail against the clean bg.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Peter May on June 12, 2014 at 9:44 AM

Great shot, Howard. This is a big male Toxorhynchites rutilus mosquito, the so-called Elephant mosquito. The feathery antennae are diagnostic of the male. Many mosquitos are nectar feeders; only the females need a blood meal to provide protein with which to form eggs. The metallic blue sheen on the legs is a good field mark for Toxorhynchites.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/8120

Registered on November 1, 2003, 7 Posts, 239 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on June 12, 2014 at 10:06 AM

Thanx Peter!!

Have a great weekend my friend

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on June 12, 2014 at 4:10 PM

Definitely up close and personal with this one, man. The sharpness really lets that fascinating antennae show and the comp. is excellent.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Ramamohan Pai on June 12, 2014 at 9:01 PM

Howard - Looking at the size one can say this is Elephant indeed (of the Mosquito World)

. Very beautiful photo and I specially like that "bottle brush" Antenna.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 550 Posts, 9037 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on June 13, 2014 at 7:26 AM

Hi Ram & thank you for commenting.
The term 'Elephant' here is more about the large hump-backed thorax than the size.
Actual size/length (body) was < than an inch in length.

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on June 13, 2014 at 5:17 PM

Hello Howard

SWEET Capture!!

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on June 20, 2014 at 1:20 AM

Howard ..congrats on the wp. Wow ..what a wierd insect ..and fine detail..

Balan Vinod

Registered on March 20, 2006, 889 Posts, 2312 Comments

Comment posted by Ray Whitt on June 21, 2014 at 12:27 PM

Congratulations Howard, beautiful work. Love the colors here.

Ray

Registered on May 27, 2011, 92 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on June 26, 2014 at 11:37 PM

Another winner Howard,
I was off line last week but wanted to say what an excellent capture of this Elephant Mosquito.
Congratulations on the WP . . .

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments