Nolid Moth

Description:

About an inch long, moth. Excellent mimic of a seed pod or some similar structure.

Habitat:

Adjacent to a small stream. Altitude 1000m.

Notes:

At first I thought it was a dried leaf, but I was drawn to a second viewing because of the perfect symmetry, which usually means that the leaf is a moth. I then realized that it was a seed type structure or shell, which of course would have symmetry.

Looking through the lens (105 macro), I noticed what looked like eyes, so maybe it was a moth. I extended the monopod and started shooting. By the third click, I noticed that there were no antennae and so not wanting twenty images of a seed pod, I stopped the shoot.

Still undecided, I gave it a poke – nothing. I flipped it over and there were six legs. So, it WAS a moth, albeit dead. I flipped it back to continue the shoot, but it tired of me messing around and flew off. I am just glad I got a shot of it – DUH!

Update - see identification above. Found with the generous help from the staff of 'Moths of Papua'. Thanks Rob.

http://www.mothsofborneo.com/part-18/car...