I dunno why Brian, I was expecting one moth in two pictures, but I realise that was my misinterpretation of the title
So, do the males hang around the cocoons waiting for the females to 'get out'?
This is definitely one to be viewed large in LyteBox for our brains to disentangle the camouflage patterns, especially if, like me, you're not familiar with these. We have to accept they don't pose and just cope with the difficulties of getting shots of them.
I have a couple of shots of one of these I saw over here in a butterfly house a couple of years ago, it was rather tattered compared to these fine examples.
Cheers, Dave
Nice capture, Brian. I am enthralled by the camouflage of these two...
Very nicely done!
Very nice.
I will work 'into' better titles. I promise.
As I understand the mating ritual... These moths are huge but very poor fliers. Once the female exits the cocoon the wind will carry her strong pheromones which the male detects with his over-sized and hairy antennae. If there is a strong breeze she may not leave the cocoon area.
These ones required me to climb down into a cement overflow canal that runs between our yard and the road. I did remove some of the overhanging branches to let in light. I took in a stool so I could be well braced for hand held shots.
I prefer the original shot, Brian. I think you are in a bit tighter on this one and I think the framing / composition in the first post were a bit better in my view.
Hi Brian,
They are now available here: Butterflies - part 1
Enjoy, Dave