David Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images
___________________________________________________________________Moths
107 – Nine-spotted Moths
NINE-SPOTTED
MOTH Amata phegea
NINE-SPOTTED MOTH Amata phegea
·
There are several similar species belonging to the
genus Amata/Syntomis (synonyms
dependent on the data source and their age) in Italy where these photographs of
a presumed male were taken, three of which have little in the way of obvious
features to separate them, particularly when observed in the field. The above
images most closely match reference photographs of the Nine-spotted Moth Amata
(or Syntomis) phegea,
and they bear a superficial resemblance to Burnet moths despite belonging to a
different family. These day-flying moths, with nine visible white spots and two
orange rings on their abdomens would appear to be distinctive – and they are, but
only to genus! Seeing one of these moths in the UK would be a legitimate cause
for excitement as authenticated sightings have been very rare. UK
classification has included these non-native moths in the family Ctenuchidae (Syntominae),
whereas European classification has included them in the Arctiinae
(Syntominae). One of these is likely to be
outdated.
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