Unknown moth

Discussion in 'Wildlife in the Garden' started by alvesgaspar, Sep 9, 2008.

  1. alvesgaspar

    alvesgaspar New Seed

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    This moth was rescued from a swimming pool in the south of Portugal, September. By the wing venation and antenae I would say it is a male and belongs to the Notodontidae family. Two things puzzle me though: the wings are transparent, with very few scales visible, and are held upright, like a butterfly. Could both be the result of the imersion in the water?

    Here is the link to the image: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/Moth_September_2008-3.jpg

    Thanks,
    Joaquim
     
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  3. eileen

    eileen Resident Taxonomist Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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    It definately looks like a clearwing moth of some sort. These moths wing membranes are largely free from scales and therefore transparent. The majority. belong to the family Aegeriidae or Sesiidae. Someone else will probably be able to give you a much better ID than I can.
     
  4. alvesgaspar

    alvesgaspar New Seed

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    Is is already identified, it is a male Pine Processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa). I know now that keeping the wings upright is a common way to get them dry !

    Thanks to everybody,
    Joaquim
     

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