Like Moths to the Flame - Results of Last Nights Mothing (with 13 macro Photos)
As the nights gradually get warmer down here in the southern hemisphere, more moths are starting to make an appearance. Last night was dry and and a little warmer than it has been so I put the moth trap out again. Mine is a Skinner moth trap with a mercury vapour bulb. This does not harm the moths. They are attracted to the light and get caught in a large box where they settle on some empty egg cartons. In the morning they can be photographed and released. If you are interested in doing a bit of mothing (as the hobby is called) you might enjoy a post I made a few weeks ago on, How to Catch a Moth ...A Basic Introduction to Traps and Mothing. As mentioned in that post, its a great way to participate in some citizen science projects by recording what you find, particularly if you find something a little unusual for your area.
Hopefully, as Steemit grows, a community of mothing enthusiasts may develop. In the mean time I hope that many will at least enjoy the photos :-) Anyhow, here are some of the moths from last night that I managed to photograph. Plenty of others flew off before I had the chance :-)
The first six are all Geometrids. Not surprising as Geometridae is one of the largest Lepidopteran families.
Family Geometridae: Scioglyptis chionomera
Family Geometridae: Chloroclystis testulata - Pale banded form
Family Geometridae: Poecilasthena pulchraria
Family Geometridae: Hypobapta percomptaria
Family Geometridae: Cyneoterpna wilsoni
Family Geometridae: Oenochroma vinaria
Of the next two, the first is a Notodintid. Probably the following one is as well but I'm still checking up on that one.
Family Notodontidae: Sorama bicolor
Not sure on this one. Looks like another Notodontid
The next two are Anthelids. Both seem to be Anthela acuta. These are very variable. This is a species complex which may, with further study, prove to be several distinct species.
Family Anthelidae: Anthela acuta
Family Anthelidae: Anthela acuta
The last three photos (two species) are Noctuids.
Family Noctuidae: Still checking ID for this one
Family Noctuidae: Pantydia sparsa
Same moth as above. Family Noctuidae: Frontolateral view of Pantydia sparsa
Moth trap is pretty high on my wish-list. I've a notion to get a community one that can be circulated around my village but still in the idea phase! Love the idea of a moth community on steemit!
A moth trap is fun to have but a bright light and a white sheet is pretty effective too.
True, though I do like the excitement of waking up to a box of moths!
😀 Yep. Same here.
Wow, great camouflages! They are all beautiful creatures, though most people don't like moths.
Thanks. I don't know why people don't like them They are just furry butterflies :-)
The markings of these moths are absolutely beautiful @mostly.nature.
So pleased to find out that the moths aren't hurt in the process of capturing and photographing them. Resteemed. 🦋
Thanks. Yes they are beautiful and there is some much variety.
The moths are always put straight back into the garden. (Although many end up flying around and landing on me instead)
Yeaaa like a moth to the flame.
Hate them, but must look! Must check every moth post :p
You'll learn to love them :-)
I kind of do hope so :) Photogenic beasts.
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