<< Previous Next >>

White Moth


White Moth
Photo Information
Copyright: Ram Thakur (ramthakur) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2985 W: 110 N: 7775] (25185)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-05-22
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon D200, Sigma EX 105mm F2.8 DG Macro, 58mm UV
Exposure: f/18.0, 1/40 seconds
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-05-23 6:28
Viewed: 570
Points: 66
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Friends, Riyadh is not a run-of-the-mill type place where you confront wild life at every step.
So I have a story to tell how I got to photograph this moth.
I was standing inside a small KFC outlet in the city last night, waiting for my order of take-away dinner. Suddenly, my eyes noticed this moth patronizing an Arab young man's abbaya. At the risk of getting taken for a lunatic, I suddenly made a grab for it. Fortunately, abbaya is a billowy long dress, so the youngman didn't even notice what I had taken off his dress :-).
With utmost care towards the well-being of the insect, I brought it home along with my dinner. I will not go into the details and would assure everyone that after the photo-shoot, I released in into our small garden at night and said even "Thank you" to it.
Surprisingly, I found it back inside my house this morning. I am simply mystified how it found its way back. The latest is that I noticed it sticking to a wall before leaving for work, and I'm still at work while I make this post.
So here is the first picture of it which I took after placing it comfortably atop my computer mouse last night.
Since I do not know its exact ID, here is a general note on moths borrowed from Wikipedia:

A moth is an insect closely related to the butterfly. Both are of the order Lepidoptera. The division of Lepidopterans into moths and butterflies is a popular taxonomy, not a scientific one. Sometimes the names "Rhopalocera" (butterflies) and "Heterocera" (moths) are used to formalize the popular distinction. Many attempts have been made to subdivide the Lepidoptera into groups such as the Microlepidoptera and Macrolepidoptera, Frenatae and Jugatae, or Monotrysia and Ditrysia. Failure of these names to persist in modern classifications is due to the fact none of them represents a pair of "monophyletic groups". The reality is that butterflies are a small group that arose from within the "moths," and there is thus no way to group all of the remaining taxa in a monophyletic group, as it will always exclude that one descendant lineage.

Most species of moth are nocturnal(Which means they are active at night), but there are crepuscular and diurnal species. They can be distinguished from butterflies in several ways.

If Peter (batu) or any moth specialist is kind enough to throw light on its correct ID, I would be grateful for the information.

Thanks and regards to all.

claudine, JORAPAVI, Alex99, garyfudge, cataclysta, ridvan, Jamesp, eqshannon, jeanpaul, jaycee, dew77, uleko, scottevers7, lawhill, anel, pablominto, mikou, jmp, Adanac, iris, jcoowanitwong, nainnain, SkyF, Maite has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

What a funny story this is Ram :))) I guess that this moth has became your friend :) This is so special. It wanted to thank you to have thanking it after your first shot. This moth is truly beautiful with its white colors and you captured excellent details with good control on exposure. I also like the contrast between the white and the blue. It looks very friendly Ram and it is looking at you! What a nice story. TFS,
Claudine

Hola Ram,
Aunque me costó leer la traducción, me he divertido mucho con la historia de la polilla. La imagen como es habitual en tí de gran calidad. Un cordial saludo
José Ramón

Great Story Ram.

I can't really critique Mr Moth, I smiling too much :-)

Gary

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3052 W: 148 N: 4559] (14727)
  • [2007-05-23 6:55]

Hi Ram.
What a nice subject you have selected for shooting. Your note is amazing too. Terrific combination of rich colour tones and simply outstanding reflection of all details and features of this cute moth. I am impressed with exactness of the exposure. White colour tone are reflected excellently. Great close-up. My greetings and TFS.
Alexei.

Hello Ram
Another creature with devilish eyes. I like the POV and funny story in your note. I dont know the ID but it is a member of family Noctuidae.
Best wishes
Krzysztof

  • Great 
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2048 W: 6 N: 2039] (13325)
  • [2007-05-23 8:14]

Hola Ram,
preciosa y original Moth,
nitidez y perfecto pov,
saludos

selam ram; amazing macro shot ,good details presented nice BG and POV well captured this interesting moth with splendid colours
all the best
ridvan

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1718 W: 24 N: 5002] (16380)
  • [2007-05-23 8:23]

Hi Ram,
An elegant looking moth and beautiful too. And God.....only if it could know that you have a hilarious story to tell about him. You have just made a good friend Ram who has fantastic eyes. Nice POV and DOF. Very nicely composed. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

  • Great 
  • Jamesp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1252 W: 0 N: 4842] (14380)
  • [2007-05-23 8:26]

Hi Ram

A very amusing capture - in all respects. Well done - and the whites are all well exposed as well - what more could you ask for!

James

PS Not around for a week - short holiday in Syria

Well you didn't include this from the moths perspective:-) Obviously this was more than a simple moth. How long it took us to discover the instincts and language of dolphins and prairie dogs, yet they have a distinct language which has quite a lengthy dictionary of phrases.

This is more than a moth. It is a sentient being of some sort, to whose waves you have picked up on. For it was not the moth which was attracted to you but you to the moth. Wonderful philosophy behind this picture of your friend....

Bonjour Ram

Cette prise est très jolie. Félicitations pour la beauté du sujet et la qualité d'image. Bravo pour le bel éclairage et les couleurs justes Ce qui n'est pas toujours evident avec les blancs.

Merci pour l'envoie et amitié...JP

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1799 W: 8 N: 4669] (15091)
  • [2007-05-23 11:09]

Hi Ram,

That is quite a story! You may have made a friend for life. I must say I have never seen a moth on a mouse before. Wonderful macro. I never knew there were so many details on a moth. The eye is marvelous. Great shot!

Jane

  • Great 
  • dew77 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5171 W: 297 N: 4050] (13069)
  • [2007-05-23 11:44]

Hello Ram,
Very nice capture.Details are crisp clear.BG,POV,framing and DOF are also excellent.
TFS..:-)

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2475 W: 168 N: 7514] (23734)
  • [2007-05-23 13:18]

Hello Ram,
Wow, what a story! Your chase was certainly worth it as this is a very nice capture of this moth. Excellent sharp details showing its fluffiness and the big eye is amazing!
Well done!
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

Hi Ram, splendid macro with wonderful details, very well done, ciao Silvio

  • Great 
  • demeve Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 514 W: 8 N: 1104] (4084)
  • [2007-05-23 18:17]

Hello Ram, what a powerful image, the green eyes are outstanding, the moth looks like a angel dressed up in white. very good POV, composition, and sharpness.. well done

Hi Ram,
An excellent shot on this White Moth. Very beautiful coloring and sharp detail. Gotta love that greAT LOOKING EYE!
Scott

Hello Ram
Great close up shot, plenty of colors whites well balance,TFS Regards/Lawhill

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1178 W: 0 N: 1991] (8461)
  • [2007-05-24 1:53]

Hello Ram,
This is really a beautiful moth. Funny story again. I just imagine how you discretely catch the insect, taking it at home. And take care, it watches you!
Best regards
Anne

Hello Ram,
Excellent details in the little fellow!
Fluffy textures and great colours, macro work is very well done...
Attractive composition and a nice story!
Greetings,
Pablo -

Hi Ram,
Again a very nice photo from you. It look it has a bit more light especially on the abdomen. TFS. Mustafa

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1706 W: 242 N: 5635] (20049)
  • [2007-05-24 4:53]

Hi Ram,
great note!
Brilliant shot that is sharp and well composed.
Well done,
Joey

  • Great 
  • mikou Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 863 W: 73 N: 1348] (5265)
  • [2007-05-24 10:09]

Hi Ram.
Very interesting this special capture of this moth on "mouse" :-))
However your capture have good sharp details and nice colors.Very good POV holds wholle main subject in focus.I like his great eye.Well done,thanks for sharing.
Best greetings Milos.

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 935 W: 4 N: 2335] (10900)
  • [2007-05-24 10:26]

Sir very interesting and funny story. But this is your friend and you can find such friends in india lot of them. Have a safe journey back to India. TFS Ganesh

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2620 W: 135 N: 7538] (23519)
  • [2007-05-24 14:47]

Hello Ram,
Fine capture of a lateral view of a species of NOCTUID moth unknown to me. All I know is that it is a noctuid but even if I could see the wing pattern I don't think I could give you the exact ID.
Amusing note and fine sharp shot and thanks for sharing both.
Best wishes, Ivan

  • Great 
  • jmp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1836 W: 94 N: 2338] (8400)
  • [2007-05-24 17:44]

Hi Ram,
Outstanding and original composition. Wise pov to render a creative image from this so familiar man-made mouse.
Best regards, José M.

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1052 W: 1 N: 4179] (14054)
  • [2007-05-24 21:54]

Hello Ram,
Maybe this moth liked your flash so much he wants his picture taken again. Great details on the white so your exposure was great also, thanks Ram.
Rick

Hi Ram,
It is great to learn that moth is also alive an well in this desert zone. This picture is well taken. Nice pov and composition. From your interesting note, this is truly a precious picture to view.
JC

  • Great 
  • iris Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 393 W: 41 N: 737] (2322)
  • [2007-05-25 5:52]

True Eyes of a Photographer ,Sir, that is always looking for the stirring life around. I bet, the story adds to that associative feel that each of the fellow TNs feel when they see this cute one.

You have really composed this adorable creation very well with all the details.The lens you use must be a really superb one.

Thank for sharing your new found friend .
Cheers

hello ram
super bons détails sur ce papillon, bonne présentation ettes
bien vu, merci
edith

bonjour ram
mise a par le support sur lequel est posé ce papillon,la qualité est vraiment tres bonne.
j'aime la couleurs et la texture de ce sujet.
laurent

  • Great 
  • SkyF Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2390 W: 194 N: 1991] (8113)
  • [2007-05-26 20:52]

Hi Ram,
great story to go with your photo, I really enjoyed learning about your encounter with the moth.
Did en excellent job capturing it, I like the unusual BG. POV sharpness and details are excellent.
Sure has big eyes, no wonder it finds its way around ;-).
TFS...Sky

  • Great 
  • Maite Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 982 W: 64 N: 1200] (4936)
  • [2007-05-29 7:52]

What a beautiful and likeable moth, Ram!!
I hadn't seen this post of yours! The story is a good one to tell. How did you pay your dinner with a moth in your hand? It is clear that the moth didn't suffer any harm, for she was delighted to come back.
Excellent macro and beautiful composition.
Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
Greetings
Maite

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF