This morning I posted Mark Sturtevant’s photo of two underwing moths hiding on a dead tree? That was a hard one—at least if you aimed to find both moths. Here’s the reveal, which shows how effective the camouflage is. (Most predators are probably birds, who have both keen vision and, like us, color vision.). Click to enlarge.
Mark- can I use this photo in my biology class slides? Thanks, Avis PS- It took me a long time- even with the reveal!
You sure can. I would be flattered.
There will be some katydid pix coming soon too.
THANKS!
Is it coincidence, I wonder, that both moths are pointing head-downward? Is there a preferred direction? Does it make the camouflage more effective?
I am not sure. But I maybe it makes a get-away a lot easier since they would launch downward with a gravity assist.
I poked the lower one, hoping it would spread its wings for a picture. But it disappeared in a blink of the eye.
I impressed myself! I got them both in about 3 minutes! I’ve always been interested in moths and is Catocala season here in S. Utah.
I found those two after quite a search, but I think there’s a third moth. It appears to be about 22% down from the top and 78% across from left to right. It’s also pointing downward.
Oh, nevermind! That’s one of the originals! Then there was ANOTHER “third” one I thought I saw, but that’s just because I spent too long staring at the picture. Good night!!!
I got them immediately only because i usually read this later in the day (just now) and the reveal wasn’t below the fold 🙁