David Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images
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Moths 38 – Dotted Border Moths
DOTTED
BORDER MOTH Agriopis marginaria
(m)
·
The Dotted Border Moth Agriopis
marginaria is one of several species belonging to the large
family Geometridae in
which only the males possess fully formed wings. Those of the females are
vestigial, and they are therefore only able to move about on foot, essentially
having just a single biological function, namely that of egg-laying. To some
extent this must limit dispersal from established ranges, but the fact that the
males can fly freely and are able to locate remote females in response to
pheromonal signals reduces the risk of in-breeding and helps to maintain
genetic diversity. The vernacular name refers to the rather indistinct series
of black marginal spots on the trailing edges of the males’ forewings. The
ground colour of the wings may be variable. The freshly emerged male illustrated
above had been attracted to artificial light. His coloration was typical, but
some individuals are much darker.
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