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A Moth with Feathers!


A Moth with Feathers!
Photo Information
Copyright: Nigel Deacon (Merlin) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 393 W: 230 N: 340] (1094)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-10-20
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon Coolpix 4500
Exposure: f/7.8, 1/193 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2005-10-20 10:47
Viewed: 1340
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 38
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Twenty-plume Moth Alucita hexadactyla

Wingspan 14-16 mm (that's just over half an inch for Luddites/Americans!).

The English name of this unusual little moth is something of a misnomer, as each wing is separated into 6 'plumes'. The scientific name is more accurate, meaning 'six-fingered'.

The only British member of its family, it is fairly common throughout, and can be found in the adult stage at almost any time of year.

The larva feeds on the leaves and buds of honeysuckle (Lonicera), and the moth is nocturnal and attracted to light.

One of the most frustrating things I've ever photographed! It wouldn't sit still, the light was poor, and it's very tiny! Most of the shots went straight to digital heaven :)

thistle, Luc, phlr, momos, goldfinchtr, peter_stoeckl, cedryk, saguzar, marhowie, Christopher_PL, gitirana, cicindela, sily has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To peter_stoeckl: Thanks!Merlin 1 01-06 17:57
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3067 W: 231 N: 6165] (21068)
  • [2005-10-20 10:51]

Fantastic shot, Nigel. What an interesting moth. The wing details are stunningly sharp. Aaah... the wonders of nature. Well done and TFS. : )

Superb post Nigel!
I've never seen such creature before and I've never even thought something like this exists.
Thanks for sharing this superb shot.

  • Great 
  • IdoTT Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 210 W: 19 N: 86] (482)
  • [2005-10-20 13:23]

Very nice shot Nigel!
Indeed a stange looking moth!
Are those really feathers?
Very nice shot!

WellDone!

This is really interesting! I've never seen this species before, it looks like primary feathers from a bird. They should call this the 'Feather Moth' but the name it has now is pretty descriptive enough. Great photo Nigel! Paul :)

Hi Nigel,
wow, what an interesting moth.
It is so wonderful an with excellent sharpness.
You had such great luck to see this beautiful insect, thank you very much for sharing it with us, bye
Sabine - wishnugaruda

  • Great 
  • Aramok Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 886 W: 101 N: 1425] (4931)
  • [2005-10-20 13:35]

what a strange moth. really odd. well caught

  • Great 
  • Luc Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1873 W: 304 N: 4300] (14729)
  • [2005-10-20 16:40]

Personal assessment of the photo: very good.
Power of evocation in me: strong.
Strong visual impact.
Aptness of the photo for the site: excellent.
Personal assessment of the note: complete.
Thank you Nigel.

Hi Nigel,
This is a very nice picture of a beautiful moth.
Good details, nice light and colours.
Very well done.

  • Great 
  • phlr Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1241 W: 129 N: 881] (2814)
  • [2005-10-21 4:02]

Beautiful and strange moth!
Never saw it.
Very uncommon wings tit has.
Perfect details and sharpness!
5* photo!

  • Great 
  • momos Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 57 W: 55 N: 171] (705)
  • [2005-11-06 4:52]

Όμορφη φωτογραφία Nigel...
Τα φτερά του σκώρου έχουν αποτυπωθεί με πολύ καλή λεπτομέρεια. Νομίζω πως το κόκκινο κομμάτι κάτω δεξιά δεν χρειάζεται γιατί αποσπά την προσοχή από το θέμα σου. (GR)
Christos

A fantastic shot of this interesting moth.I really surprised to see a species like this.I think photo has good details and light.Also it's very sharp.TFS:)
emin

Hi Nigel,
just discovered that stunning portrait you sent a few months ago. Great close up from a remarkable species. Very good on the details, tiny as is is. Never seen it that close. Congratulations! Thank you & best wishes,
Peter

Hello Nigel,
I like those feathered moths very much, althought most often I see the white ones. I think I have never seen this species. Nice shot although some more contrast would be nice.
Best greetings,
Michal

Hello Nigel,
A new species for me, I never see that kind of insects. The photo is very good despite the lack of light. Thanks for that pic, I´m wondered for knowing nature´s diversity.
I´ve changed note about R. sociabilis. thanks
Hernán

Hi Nigel,
What a cool looking moth! Very sharp and detailed, never seen anything like it.
A pleasure, Very well done.

Very nice shot ot these moth. I've seen it only once. It's rather rere in Poland. Very good shaprness and nice background

Chris

Que maravilha de mariposa (moth). Jamais vi alguma coisa parecida antes. Tão incomum! Uma preciosidade. Grande foto com nitidez de detalhes e POV.
Congratulations
Gitirana

Hello Nigel!
Great picture of fantastic moth species! In Poland we sometimes name this Lepidoptera family as "gost moths" - just because they have so strange wings.
Anyway, very nice DOF and good details! I really like this presentation.
Also the note is very informative!
Best greetings,
Radomir

  • Great 
  • sily Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 238 W: 6 N: 391] (1893)
  • [2007-05-04 20:45]

HI Nigel!
Certainly the most extraordinary wing structure seen in a butterfly, very unusuall and beautiful, appreciate for showing us this little miracle I love it,BG is great and details on the photo superb!

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