My eyes were drawn yesterday to the bright yellow of a patch of goldenrod as I was exploring Jackson Miles Abbott Wetlands Refuge at nearby Fort Belvoir. From past experience I knew that goldenrod also attracts a wide variety of insects, so I moved in closer with my macro lens at the ready.
There were a lot of skipper butterflies, but what really caught my eye was a small, brightly patterned insect that was crawling around in the goldenrod. Based on its shape, I assumed that it was some kind of beetle, but I had not idea what kind it was. When I returned home and began to do a little research, I was a little shocked to learn that the insect in question was a moth, not a beetle. I am pretty sure that it is an Ailanthus Webworm moth (Atteva aurea).
The colors and patterns of this moth are so spectacular that I think it needs a name that is more descriptive and easier to remember. Any ideas?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
I don’t know about a new name, but it’s a fine specimen, for sure. It reminds me of the patterns on West African fabrics: bold, and colorful.
I was trying to think of a way of describing the bold graphic pattern of this moth and your comparison with West African fabrics seems perfect.
Your portrait of this minibeast is stunning. The colours of subject and background are perfect together and I love seeing all the detail of the wings in your sharp photo.
Thanks, Laura. Shots like these remind me yet again why I love to shoot with a macro lens. Ir’s amazing to be able to capture details that most people never have seen.In this case, the colors and patterns were a real bonus.
Let’s see…the markings are remarkably similar to those of a leopard, but “leopard moth” is already taken–but by one with only black-and-white markings. How about “orange leopard moth?”
BTW, I’ve seen these in Omaha too, and upon first look I thought it was a beetle, as well. So you’re in great company!
Great minds…
[…] spotting this moth, but a search of my blog shows that I saw one in 2016 and did a posting entitled Not a Beetle. Although my memory may not be perfect, apparently my reaction was almost identical both […]