"Insect Wing Patterns"

#11112819

1 April 2024

A Metalmark Moth (Brenthia sp.) is currently perched boldly atop a leaf, flaunting its flashy appearance. This tiny member of the Choreutidae family is engaging in dynamic movements, such as pouncing and pirouetting around its leafy "dance floors." It is also mimicking a jumping spider, its predator. These small moths, often adorned with metallic scales, are mostly active during the day and exhibit jerky, pivoting behavior. They may even fluff up their wings at extreme angles. Some tropical species, like those in the genus Saptha, display bright green metallic bands and are quite spectacular. The Brenthia genus members, frequently placed in their subfamily Brenthiinae, feature eyespots on their wings and effectively mimic jumping spider predators. In Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on April 1, 2024, a Metalmark Moth is observed sitting and "dancing" on a leaf, imitating a jumping spider.

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#11053634

7 March 2024

The wasp-mimicking hoverfly (Mesembrius sp.) is bright yellow in color with black stripes and can be found in Australia, India, England, and the UK. There are three conspicuous black markings on the thorax, and the abdomen is banded with black and yellow. In the 2nd segment, the black bands are connected by a median band. The wings are tinted with a pale brown. This fly is commonly found either resting on leaves or feeding on flowers. Its warning colors are effective at mimicking a wasp. It has short antennae and a single pair of wings, indicating it is a fly. Hoverflies have smaller antennae and larger eyes than wasps and bees, with their eyes appearing to wrap around their head. The wing-vein pattern helps to identify it as a hoverfly. This photo was taken in a forest at Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on 07/03/2024.

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#11053636

7 March 2024

The wasp-mimicking hoverfly (Mesembrius sp.) is bright yellow in color with black stripes and can be found in Australia, India, England, and the UK. There are three conspicuous black markings on the thorax, and the abdomen is banded with black and yellow. In the 2nd segment, the black bands are connected by a median band. The wings are tinted with a pale brown. This fly is commonly found either resting on leaves or feeding on flowers. Its warning colors are effective at mimicking a wasp. It has short antennae and a single pair of wings, indicating it is a fly. Hoverflies have smaller antennae and larger eyes than wasps and bees, with their eyes appearing to wrap around their head. The wing-vein pattern helps to identify it as a hoverfly. This photo was taken in a forest at Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on 07/03/2024.

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#11017765

23 February 2024

Butterflies are being seen in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on January 23, 2024.

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#11017766

23 February 2024

Butterflies are being seen in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on January 23, 2024.

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#11017768

23 February 2024

Butterflies are being seen in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on January 23, 2024.

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#11017769

23 February 2024

Butterflies are being seen in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on January 23, 2024.

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#11017771

23 February 2024

Butterflies are being seen in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on January 23, 2024.

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#11017772

23 February 2024

Butterflies are being seen in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on January 23, 2024.

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#11017774

23 February 2024

Butterflies are being seen in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, on January 23, 2024.

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#10903756

11 January 2024

A Saffron-Winged Meadowhawk Dragonfly (Sympetrum costiferum) is perching in Markham, Ontario, Canada, on September 3, 2023.

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#10903757

11 January 2024

A Saffron-Winged Meadowhawk Dragonfly (Sympetrum costiferum) is perching in Markham, Ontario, Canada, on September 3, 2023.

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#10903758

11 January 2024

A Saffron-Winged Meadowhawk Dragonfly (Sympetrum costiferum) is perching in Markham, Ontario, Canada, on September 3, 2023.

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