I was lucky enough to have a second moth of the same species of a brown moth with white head, yesterday afternoon. It was in a spot where I could take nine photos from different angles. I had to crop some photos to get a good look at it. It's not something I care to do as a rule.
There is not as much white on the second moth. However, I got enough photos to show in detail what is happening.
Studying them, I came to three conclusions:
1) It's a Udea prunalis.
2) Both moths have the same features, (white head and same body).
3) The structure and appearance of the white parts, suggests a fungal infection. They exhibit a soft, fluffy appearance.
The 5 photos below, show the details:
1) A shot of the whole moth. Note that the white part is visible on the right leg. The white area here, can clearly be seen to be fluffy on the original photo.
So, it's open to discussion, it it fungal or not?
If yes, they does this need to be reported officially, in the way the British ladybirds fungal infection has been? I'm very happy to provide high quality photos if asked,





2 comments:
Looks like a good bit of detective work there Gordon.
Thank you David. I assume that you agree? I couldn't get it out of my mind. When a second one arrived, I thought'd have a thorough look at it. It was very cooperative and stayed sleeping. The flash on my camera from 3 inches away didn't disturb it at all. I wish I could sleep like that!
Post a Comment