Geometrid Moth ?? |
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At lights, upper Kerio Valley, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kenya, Dec. 2014. |
Male, night-flying moths must locate the female of their species, sometimes over considerable distances. This they do by following the scent, a chemical pheromone, that is released into the air by receptive females. The moth in this photograph is a male and has large plumose antennae that function to detect molecules of pheromone wafting in the air - their sensitivity is extraordinary! But, sometimes enroute they encounter an electric light and are fatally distracted from their biological mandate. Geometridae -- Inch-worm Moth Family -- Subfamily EnnominaeMore Information: |
Copyright Michael J. Plagens. Page created 17 Nov. 2016