Bronzed Cutworm Moth-Nephelodes minians
I guess I am a fan of these, at least in our yard, as their larvae eat grasses so save me some mowing…well, I am sure not much mowing really. But for those who grow grain crops probably not fans.
-
Recent Posts
-
Join 1,289 other subscribers
Meta
Stephen Gingold Nature Photography Blog 
Your previous post may have primed me to see an ultra-wide frog across the middle of the frog in the first picture.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve never seen a frog on goldenrod but suppose the little tree frogs might climb one.
LikeLike
Oops, there’s a think-o in my comment: I meant to write “across the middle of the moth.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
That second photo, the front facing one, is a really interesting perspective. It’s not how I would have pictured it after having seen the top down photo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are furry, scaly really, critters. I’ve been working on face front portraits and that is one of my favorites.
LikeLike
Love that little dorsal fluff!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Years ago I posted a Rosy Maple moth on another photography site. One of the moderators, a British woman, said it looked like a blonde all dressed up for a night on the town because of the fluff.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think all moths are beautiful insects, and you captured this one beautifully.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Otto. I think the same and that they often rival butterflies in their beauty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful captures Steve !!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Bernie!
LikeLike
Terrific photos! Particularly like the second shot.
LikeLike
Thanks, Belinda. I think it’s the eye contact. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The first view was expected, and very nicely done. The second view was not expected, and sort of horrifying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never saw it as scary but guess I can understand how it might be. I’ve seen so many moths and other insects this way that it didn’t occur to me that not everyone would see it as threatening. Maybe this view is what causes mottephobia.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oops. Not everyone would see it as non-threatening.
LikeLike
I think it’s a throwback to being a kid watching cheap science-fiction movies. I always imagine these critters 40 feet tall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Although some of the moths don’t always have the flashy markings like others, this is still a beauty with its muted earthly tones and markings. Nicely done, Steve.
LikeLike
Thanks, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous detail – the fluffy top-knot is fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Ann. I wonder what the evolutionary purpose is for that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I imagine it would be quite useful for flowers that they pollinate – a bit of cooperative evolution maybe?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think of moths pollinating flowers with their scales, just probing with their proboscis, but that seems probable. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think that flowers are quite good at manipulating bees and other pollinators into transferring pollen as they move around… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fuzzy beauty! I like the colors you captured too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sandra. The moth and goldenrod make a lovely combination.
LikeLiked by 1 person