The variety of ‘life’

This camouflage or “natural defense” is possibly better-appreciated magnified!

Confirmed at BAMONA as Parapediasia teterrella (family Crambidae, subfamily Crambinae) or “Bluegrass Webworm Moth”; http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/sighting_details/729184

Confirmed at BugGuide as Parapediasia teterrella or “Bluegrass Webworm Moth – Hodges#5451”; http://bugguide.net/node/view/681740

Today I captured a very colorful image of another Eastern Pondhawk, but
(a) I’ve already posted an Eastern Pondhawk, http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-07-23
(b) it’s a rather “sterile” biology or zoology book kind of image — http://bugguide.net/node/view/682073 — not very “creative,” and
(c) this moth is quite unusual, if not colorful. It is a variety of “Crambine Snout Moth” — http://bugguide.net/node/view/8112 — Bluegrass Webworm Moth.

The best way to spot this species is when if flies because once it lands, it just looks like a small section of twig. In this image, the moth is standing on top of a dead-headed chrysanthemum stalk, so it’s not very long…

A year ago (“Alone in the garden”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-07-29

29th July 2012 29th Jul 12

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Sue

nice shot, my guess is that this is a built in defence mechanism to ward off predators...much like a the geometrids which specialise in this disguise. They are both the shape and texture of twigs, and if disturbed they will freeze to enhance the effect.

July 31st, 2012

Rick Schies

That's amazing, and could be very easily overlooked.

July 31st, 2012

elaine

Love the contrast!

July 31st, 2012

Lindy

Wow! I thought it was a wood shaving balancing on a plant. Good capture!

July 31st, 2012

Thom Mitchell

@roth Thanks, Sue! Some of the animal kingdom's "natural defenses" are fascinating!

@digitalrn Easily indeed, Rick!

@xtech Thanks, Elaine!

@lwain Thank you, Lindy! As I wrote, the best way to spot this species is when it's flying and watch carefully where it lands!

July 31st, 2012