"The Cameraman's Revenge" (1912) is a quirky stop-motion animation using real insects. It depicts a melodramatic tale of infidelity and revenge within the insect world. Mr. Beetle, after flirting with a dragonfly, returns home to his wife, Mrs. Beetle, who discovers his indiscretion through photos taken by a sneaky cameraman. In retaliation, she elopes with an artist beetle, angering Mr. Beetle who then duels the cameraman. The film satirizes human behavior and societal norms, particularly regarding marriage and infidelity, through its comical portrayal of insect life. It's notable for its early use of stop-motion animation and its clever anthropomorphism of insects.
A new study estimates a staggering 20 quadrillion ants roam the Earth, totaling roughly 2.5 million ants for every human. Researchers synthesized 489 studies spanning continents and habitats to reach this figure, representing a biomass of 12 megatons of dry carbon, exceeding that of wild birds and mammals combined. This global ant census highlights the insects' crucial ecological roles, including seed dispersal and nutrient cycling, and provides a baseline for monitoring future population changes due to threats like habitat destruction and climate change.
Hacker News users reacted to the ant population study with a mixture of awe and skepticism. Several commenters questioned the methodology, particularly the extrapolation from limited data points, citing potential biases in sampling locations and methods. Some pointed out the difficulty of accurately measuring ant populations in diverse environments like rainforests and deserts. Others focused on the staggering biomass represented by 20 quadrillion ants, comparing it to that of humans and other species, and pondering the ecological implications. A few commenters joked about the potential computing power of a networked ant colony, while others expressed concern about the impact of human activity on insect populations. The overall sentiment leaned towards fascination with the sheer number of ants, tempered by healthy scientific skepticism about the precision of the estimate.
Alfred Goldsborough Mayer's 1897 article explores the coloration of lepidopteran wings. He details meticulous experiments investigating pigment and structural colors, arguing that the latter, caused by physical wing structures like scales and ridges, produce iridescent and metallic hues. Mayer examines the influence of temperature and humidity on pupal development and resultant wing color, finding that these factors can significantly alter color patterns. He also delves into the protective value of coloration, noting mimicry and camouflage strategies, and theorizes about the physiological processes underlying pigment formation. Ultimately, Mayer connects color variations to environmental influences and adaptation, suggesting the importance of physical laws and evolutionary pressures in shaping lepidopteran wing coloration.
Hacker News users discussed the beautiful illustrations in the 1897 book, with some noting the incredible detail and artistry involved in creating them. Several commenters pointed out the historical significance of the work, mentioning the limitations of printing technology at the time and marveling at the quality achieved. There was also discussion about the scientific value of such meticulous documentation of natural patterns, with some wondering about the original purpose of the research and others highlighting the ongoing relevance of studying these patterns. One commenter even connected the aesthetic appeal of the patterns to their potential functionality in nature, such as camouflage.
Honeybees die after stinging humans and other mammals because their stinger, which is barbed, gets lodged in the victim's thick skin. When the bee tries to fly away, the entire stinging apparatus—including the venom sac, muscles, and parts of the bee's abdomen—is ripped from its body. This massive abdominal rupture is fatal. However, bees can sting other insects without dying because their stingers can be easily withdrawn from the insect's exoskeleton. The barbed stinger and its detachment mechanism evolved as a defense against larger animals, sacrificing the individual bee for the protection of the hive.
Hacker News users discuss the evolutionary reasons behind honeybee stinging behavior. Some question the article's premise, pointing out that only worker bees, not queens or drones, have barbed stingers that cause them to die after stinging. Several commenters explain that this sacrifice benefits the hive's survival by allowing the worker bee to continue injecting venom even after detaching. Others suggest that since worker bees are sterile females, their individual survival is less crucial than defending the colony and the queen's reproductive capacity. One commenter highlights the difference between honeybees and other stinging insects like wasps and hornets, which can sting multiple times. Another points out that the stinger evolved primarily for inter-species defense, particularly against other insects and small mammals raiding the hive, not for stinging large mammals like humans.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43531465
HN commenters discuss the ingenuity and surprisingly advanced techniques used in The Cameraman's Revenge, a 1912 stop-motion film featuring insects. Several note the impressive special effects for its time, including complex sets and seemingly realistic insect movements. Some highlight the dark humor and satirical nature of the film, drawing parallels to contemporary human behavior. A few commenters also point out the film's historical significance as an early example of stop-motion animation and its potential influence on later works. The film's availability on YouTube is also mentioned, making it easily accessible for viewing. A couple of users reflect on the fragility and preservation of early films, noting the potential loss of such cultural artifacts.
The Hacker News post titled "Bedded Bugs and Stung Beetles: The Cameraman's Revenge (1912)" has several comments discussing various aspects of the linked animated film.
Several commenters focus on the technical aspects of the film. One commenter points out the remarkable nature of stop-motion animation at such an early date (1912), emphasizing the painstaking effort required to create the illusion of movement. This comment highlights the film as an impressive technical achievement for its time. Another commenter draws a parallel between the film's creator, Władysław Starewicz, and Ray Harryhausen, a renowned stop-motion animator known for his work in films like "Jason and the Argonauts." This comparison serves to place Starewicz in the context of other significant figures in animation history. Further expanding on the technical side, one user specifically mentions the impressive close-ups and detailed sets, wondering how such precision was achieved in the early 20th century. Another user responds to this query with a brief explanation of the techniques likely employed, speculating about the use of gears and precise camera movement.
Another thread of discussion revolves around the themes and narrative of the film. One commenter describes the film as a precursor to modern animated features, citing the insect characters and their anthropomorphic behavior as a similarity. They also mention the presence of adult themes like infidelity and jealousy. Expanding on the themes of the film, another commenter likens it to a soap opera, highlighting the dramatic and exaggerated nature of the insect characters' interactions.
Some comments delve into the history surrounding the film and its creator. One commenter shares additional background information on Władysław Starewicz, mentioning his Lithuanian origins and his initial foray into stop-motion animation using insects to document their natural behavior. This comment provides context for Starewicz's later narrative work, suggesting his technical skills developed from a scientific pursuit.
Finally, a few commenters simply express their enjoyment of the film. Some appreciate the humor and absurdity of the premise, while others praise the artistry and technical skill involved in its creation. One commenter humorously notes the surprisingly detailed and realistic depiction of insect anatomy, even in a comedic and fantastical context.
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post offer a mix of technical analysis, historical context, thematic interpretation, and personal reactions to the film "The Cameraman's Revenge." They highlight the film's significance as an early example of stop-motion animation, its surprisingly complex narrative, and the enduring appeal of its unique blend of humor and artistry.