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Leuconycta diphteroides
Leuconycta diphteroides is an extremely variable species of moth, ranging from a pale-ish green (mimicking lichen), to a stark white. The first four photos are very close-up, so you are able to see the individual scales which make up the "fur" or "powder" you see on a moth. Leuconycta diphteroides is nocturnal and is positively phototactic. There is beautiful patterning on the forewings, that resemble to me a Native American inspired blanket, while the hind wings are gray to yellow colored.
Spotted on Jun 28, 2012
Submitted on Jun 29, 2012
11 Comments
Thanks, Mayra! My name is Jacob, or Jake, though! Thanks again!
Gread macro, Igor!
Thanks Antonio, for your very kind comment!
super spotting Jgorneau,great macro details,gorgeous,congrats
Thanks so much Willie! I couldn't believe I got the scales of the moth! Thanks again!
wonderful detail in your series, and great information, too.
Thanks for all that information, bayucca! I really appreciate it! That is so interesting! Maybe something to try to investigate! :)
That's a very good question! There might be different criteria for this: Sun, light and temperature, camouflage, presenting warning colors, mimicry. There are also some species-typical poses, like the open wings for Geometridae/Ennominae and Geometrinae and as I remember most of the Saturniidae, and closed of some Noctuidae, but that's only for as I call "usual" pose. You have also some strange habits in butterflies. You will for example never see a cracker with head up, always head down. But actually I do not have a clear explanation, just some general thoughts about.
Thanks Karen! :)
Wow! Awesome series Jacob!
Can anyone explain why sometimes moths rest with their wings closed, and sometimes open, and almost interchangeably?