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Photography with cameras
Nikon D3x, Nikon D300, Canon 50D
Image editing with Photoshop |
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| | | | Scarabs | | The scarabs (Scarabaeidae), also known as scarab beetles, in the order beetles (Coleoptera), suborder Polyphaga, infraorder Scarabaeiformia and in the superfamily Scarabaeoidea, form a large and diverse family whose classification is not yet fully resolved. Subfamilies of the scarabs are: Acanthocerinae, Aegialiinae, Allidiostomainae, Aphodiinae, Cetoniinae, Dynastinae, Euchirinae, Melolonthinae, Orphninae, Pachypodinae, Phaenomeridinae, Phileurinae, Rutelinae, Scarabaeinae (in Europe only), Trichiinae and Valginae. | | |
| | | | There are approximately 25,000 species of scarabs worldwide, about 700 of which can be encountered in Europe. Around 200 species exist in Central Europe. Adult scarabs reach body lengths ranging from 5-60 mm. These almost strongly-built beetles due to a big number of external characteristics allow a distinction by gender. In the case of the European rhinoceros beetle, the males have a distinctive "horn" on their foreheads. | | |
| | | Many species have a metallic sheen or are brightly coloured.The antennae have 3 to 7 segments (depending on the species) and widen at the top. By increasing blood pressure, these fins will increase even too. Some species have very broad, externally serrated forelegs, which help them when digging in the ground. | | |
| | | Scarab species may be diurnal or nocturnal. Adult beetles and larvae feed on decaying plant parts or on dung. Some species, such as Scarabaeus sacer, undertake an extraordinary high level of brood care, rolling manure into balls and keeping these in reserve as a food source for their larvae. Due to their ability to produce humus, these species are ecologically important. Other species, such as the May beetle (Melolontha melolontha), can cause serious damage in forestry and agriculture when appearing en masse. | | |
| | | The larvae of scarabs live in the soil, are C-shaped and known as grubs. They reach up to 70 mm in length and need 3 weeks to 5 years to develop from egg to chrysalis, depending on the species. | | |
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| | Description of images / photos
Photography with Cameras
Nikon D3x, Nikon D300, Canon 50D
Image editing with Photoshop | | 1. | Scarab beetle - Valgus hemipterus | | 2. | Scarabaeidae - Scarabaeus |
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