I can't wait to get back to my insect hunting walks after returning from a golfing trip to Kota Kinabalu. Although nursing sore elbows, I set off with my heavy Sigma 150mm macro and tripod to the woods nearby, hoping for new finds. And lo and behold I spotted my first tiger beetle, darting along the gravel path. At first I hardly notice the sudden swift movement of the tiger as I walked along, because my eyes are always three metres ahead to scan for insects. The tiger does not scare easy, it only runs when your foot is nearly on top of them. What a beauty, as I strained my eyes on the beetle, not daring to take my sight off it as it camouflaged so well with the colour of the gravel.
This specie of tiger beetle, the Cicindelidae Aurulenta, although quite common in the parks, is very difficult to spot. It is said to be the fastest insect on the ground. If you take your eyes off it for a micro second, when it decides to take off your eyes cannot follow where it stops. I've been back to the same spot several times and these beetles are territorial insects; they seem to welcome my presence as they don't consider me a predator. I have been watching its movements for a while and have seen how quick it grabs hold of an insect, lounging at it and crushing its prey with its strong mandibles. I suppose it is because of this ferocity and stealth that it is called the tiger beetle.
After watching the tiger for a while I can approach it with my macro lens to within 30 cm. However, I've not been able to get a good frame of the tiger as it is at ground level. Shooting the tiger requires me to lie on the stomach with elbows resting on the gravel to get a reasonable clear side view shot. If the tiger senses your presence she will show you her bottom and Kenny Nair, may even send a jet of fart at you. I've seen something bluish from her posterior as she shows her stuff.
Tiger, Tiger Burning Bright
In the Forests of the Night
What Immortal Hand or Eye
Could Frame Thy Fearful Symmetry?
W Blake
I dream of capturing the tiger standing proudly on a rock with its outstretched front long legs, looking up to the sky like a howling wolf at night, what a beauty it would be. No such luck yet, but I believe I will snap that photo one day when I know the tiger's habits better.
1 comment:
Nice photos - stalking tiger beetles for photographs is almost as fun as catching them. I started photographing tigers this past season and have been successful with 19 of the 100+ species we have here in the U.S. Good luck with finding these guys.
regards--ted
Beetles In The Bush
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