Moth antenna 10x

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Pizzazz
Posts: 583
Joined: Thu Nov 28, 2013 7:39 pm

Moth antenna 10x

Post by Pizzazz »

Hi Gang

I have had a moth specimen for a while and I found the antenna interesting
due to the curve at the end. I also find it interesting that the antenna
also contains scales.

I wonder that, when alive, the scales get removed by the normal aspect
of living and avoiding any predators, or is the antenna only partially
covered.


The antenna measures about .75 of an inch.


Mike

Image
Last edited by Pizzazz on Sat Dec 30, 2017 3:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.

rjlittlefield
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Post by rjlittlefield »

The scale pattern shown here looks fresh to me, not worn. You can see how nicely the pattern of scales repeats from one segment to another.

It is not unusual for some antennae to be scaled.

But I do not recognize the form of this particular antenna. It is oddly thick and smooth. What sort of moth is it from?

--Rik

Pizzazz
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Joined: Thu Nov 28, 2013 7:39 pm

Post by Pizzazz »

Hi Rik

I do not know the species but I will post a shot of
the Moth kater.

When I looked at this I thought possibly that the scales
do not cover the entire antenna because there are
hair-like structures that you do not see where the
scales are.

Mike

BugEZ
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Location: Loves Park Illinois

Post by BugEZ »

Moths are often nocturnal. This article (link below) suggests the scales on some moths reduce the echo return that would help a bat detect them.

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/articl ... ne.0027190

I think the lay of the scales may also reflect the echo away from the bat further disguising the moth. A bit like some stealthy aircraft. Some moths also fold their wings together allowing themselves to flutter down to the ground like a dead leaf when they are detected. Another survival strategy.

The coloration may also help it avoid capture during the day.

So I suspect the scales are part of the stealth package.

Keith

Pizzazz
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Joined: Thu Nov 28, 2013 7:39 pm

Post by Pizzazz »

Keith

Thanks for that information and your response.

Rik - I still owe an image of the moth.

Mike

RobertOToole
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Post by RobertOToole »

Nice find.

The way the segment details change is interesting.

Robert

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