Moth or Butterfly?

[Bilbo_baggin]

This small moth/butterfly is about 1 inch or long, maybe a fraction more.












This one 3 images stacked in CombineZ...






I figure it is probably common enough, but I don't know whether its a moth or a butterfly. Any suggestions?



Paul.

[Brydo666]

Did you take that yourself Paul? The quality of that photo is amazing!

I've no idea if it's a moth or a butterfly though... it looks more like a moth I think.

[BertRoot]

Good shots mate. It is a moth. Butterflies tend to rest with their wings closed whereas moths don't.

[Bilbo_baggin]

Did you take that yourself Paul? The quality of that photo is amazing!

Yes, all my own work Chris.

[Bilbo_baggin]

Good shots mate. It is a moth. Butterflies tend to rest with their wings closed whereas moths don't.

This is why am confused.

When I captured it before bringing it indoors to shoot under controlled conditions, it was on a concrete fencepost and its wing were closed together like a butterfly.. but once it was resting in the house on the fruit I used as the background, it laid its wings open...



Paul.

[B B Leo]

class shots m8 clear as a bell. creep fecker though

[peterc4]

last 2 for me mate, love insect eye shots

[Mule]

Definately a moth - http://www.shrewsbury-ma.gov/schools...butterfly.html

[Bilbo_baggin]

So Mule: Next up... Which moth?





Paul.

[willp2003]

yep i'd say a moth as well - cracking pics mate, had the pears out again eh?

[Bilbo_baggin]

yep i'd say a moth as well - cracking pics mate, had the pears out again eh?

Yup!

[Bilbo_baggin]

Now I have managed to source the identity...



Small Phoenix Ecliptopera silaceata


A double-brooded species, flying in spring from May to July, and then again in August and September, except in the north where there is just one generation.

Quite common in England and Wales, but less so in Scotland and Ireland, it inhabits a range of woodland and open habitats.

The main larval foodplants are willowherbs.


So now we know..



Paul.

[liveseytowers]

You didn't freeze its wings open did you before you blinded it with your flash lol

[DB]

Great set again mate, certainly a moth.

Your wife must cringe when she opens the fridge mate

[Bilbo_baggin]

You didn't freeze its wings open did you before you blinded it with your flash lol

Nah m8.

Moths are easy. Catch them in a tub, then introduce into the tub your prop, in the case of this (and the other moth) photo, a pear from the fruit bowl. Once the moth lands on it, slowly take it out of the tub and set it up in front of the lens. Moths are very patient.


Paul.