Butterfly or Moth?

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Comments


Paul Westell

You're on the right track, but "hastasta" is a typo or transcription error. "Argent and Sable Moth" is an alternate name for "Rheumaptera hastata" (Spear-Marked Black Moth), more commonly used in Britain.

Diane Yusko Fielding

Thanks Paul, Thank you Paul. After posting the photo I took a deeper look into my butterfly and moth guide book and found this very same Moth. Your correct in that it's a Geometrid moth (Rheumaptera hastasta) and in the book I have (Eyewitness Handbook to Butterflies and Moths by David Carter) is called an Argent and Sable Moth. the triangular point in the centre of each wing is fascinating and allowed me to completely identify the one I photographed.

Paul Westell

Definitely one of the Geometrid moths. It could be either of two closely related species: the "Spear-Marked Black Moth" (Rheumaptera hastata) or the "White-banded Black Moth" (Rheumaptera subhastata). There is considerable variation in the pattern of both and a conclusive determination requires close examination of an actual specimen or DNA analysis. See this page for more information on both: http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/slow.php?plate=17.7&page=2&sort=h

Description
I took this photo as this butterfly or moth that was flat against the inside of my large living room window. It was so beautiful that I just needed to photograph it.
Taken By
Diane Yusko Fielding
Taken On
July 25, 2016
Tagged
butterfly or moth? quathiaski cove quadra island canada
Assignments
What is it?
  • Focal: 10.4
  • Lens Model: 10.4-37.1 mm f/1.8-4.9
  • Shutter speed: 0.01 sec
  • Aperture: f/ 3.2

Other Photos by Diane