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Cosmopterigidae sp.
This moth from Cosmopterigidae family of moths belongs to a group of tiny moths called Microlep. It is attracted to the sap of newly cut branches of several plants especially bamboos. It has very unusual behavior of spinning round and round (watch the video) on its head down. I wonder if it is some sort of courtship display or just plain attitude of relaxation. Well, whatever the reason is, I find it very entertaining.
Partly shaded areas, secondary forests, and cultivated land.
I've been seeing them just finally took a photo, they are funny to watch. I thought they had something wrong with them.
I think so Lauren or maybe the predator cannot get the right timing to attack, felt dizzy and get a vertigo instead.
Great video and such remarkable behavior - it is a wonder it doesn't get itself eaten acting like that. Maybe the predators are all too busy laughing to eat it.
Usually found it near open fields when the weather is not too hot and where there are bamboos around that's my landmark. In bayucca's video that's wheree I got the ID.
I like your video Shekai :) ... And the crazy video link provided by bayucca 9 months ago. It was captured in Laguna, Philippines, so I'm hoping to see one of these also :)
Shekai, pls also check bayucca's genus suggestion. I also agreed with it.
Hi Shekai.. Pls transfer also to Leana's moth mission: http://www.projectnoah.org/missions/1591.... Thanks!
What a cool spotting! I love the video, very cute! Neat little insect, well spotted!
Great job of this ID! For my wrong suggestion on Sergio's I give you at least the genus of yours: Cosmopterix sp:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/big-fish/46...
and a second video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pla...
and it is actually a mating procedure!
Spotted on Apr 13, 2012
Submitted on Apr 13, 2012
+2
