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Twenty Plumed


Twenty Plumed
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: 2008-11-02
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon D200, Nikkor AF Micro 105 mm f/2.8
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/125 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-11-08 5:28
Viewed: 688
Points: 24
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Twenty-plume Moth Alucita hexadactyla

I have posted this tiny and unusual species once before, so I take the liberty of repeating the note below. I last encountered this species three years ago, and found this one in exactly the same location - on Cornus sanguinea, which I maintain in the garden, along with ivy, as a foodplant for Holly Blue Celastrina argiolus. The Cornus, is alongside the main area of Lonicera periclymenum which is Alucita's larval food plant.

On this occasion, the moth was found on the underside of the leaf and I took the photograph from below, so it's backlit by the autumn sun. Hand held, manual focus and exposure. Cropped about 30% (I could not fill the frame while maintaining focus and critical DOF). A little PP work on "levels" to show more detail in the moth.

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.
boreocypriensis, jusninasirun, anel, siggi, crs, CatherineD, cataclysta, flashpoint, red45 has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

A very special plume moth you posted there. I never saw that one. Interesting.
TFS
JM

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1731 W: 0 N: 3942] (15822)
  • [2008-11-08 6:11]

Hello Nigel,
Very interesting little creature, this Twenty-Plume moth! And in fact it really looks like feathers, which this specimen has well displayed for us!
It seems that you look under the leaves to find something interesting.
Thanks also for ID and note and merci beaucoup also to confirm ID of my Skipper-
Best regards
Anne

Wowwww... Nigel you show us an extraordinary moth species with a masterpiece job as usual my friend. Thanks to you I am learning so much on Lepidoptera.
TFS this great macro of the twenty-plume moth which is a novelty for me.
Have a nice weekend!
Cheers,

Bayram
Ps. Last night an unexpected visitor, a moth, came my room and off course I took some shots from it.

Hi Nigel. Good details of this fan like creature. Amazing shape for a moth. Regards. Jusni

Hi Nigel,
is it a combination of insect and bird? Haha?
Looks like it has feathers, it's interesting and amazing, thanks for that wonderful shot, bye
Sabine - wishnugaruda

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1385 W: 56 N: 4777] (16434)
  • [2008-11-08 9:25]

Hello Nigel,
This is a very nice picture of a beautiful moth.
Very good details, nice light and colours.
Very well done.Regards Siggi

  • Great 
  • crs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 523 W: 0 N: 920] (3543)
  • [2008-11-08 11:31]

Hello Nigel,

Yur photo is veryinteresting starting with the POV and finishing with the sharply shown insect. Using the well lit leaf as a background has proven to be a very good idea.

Thank you for sharing,
Cristian

Hi Nigel,
Not an easy shot... Very well done, with good sharpness and unusual lignt. Thanks for the info too. Best regards,
Catherine

Hi Nigel
I think it is the first photo of Alucitidae on TN. I like th back light and shape of th moth. Very good and very informative presentation
TFS
Krzysztof

Nigel, thanks for your comment on my Little Egret low-key, it makes me happy!

I love the way you manage the present light and compo in this your.

Bye,
Andrea

Ciao Nigel, great macro of strange creature, I never see before, thanks, fantastic details and splendid sharpness, very well done, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3831 W: 190 N: 11410] (35161)
  • [2009-07-23 10:13]

Hello Nigel,
A fine sharp macro of the Twenty-plumed Moth, the features well shown against the light-coloured leaf BG from this dorsal POV and set in a pleasing composition.
Thanks and kind regards,
Ivan

  • Great 
  • red45 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2705 W: 74 N: 8864] (30243)
  • [2009-07-27 12:08]

Hi again!

I like this picture very much! Firstly - this is great looking specie, four times better than mine [five plummed :-)]. Secondly - real arty picure reminds me sketches of Leonardo - same colours and shapes. Excellent work!

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