A concealer moth at O'Connor, ACT
Identification history
| Microbela allocoma | 15 Oct 2020 | donhe | ||
| Microbela allocoma | 15 Oct 2020 | ibaird | ||
| Unidentified | 15 Oct 2020 | ConBoekel |
Identify this sighting
Please Login or Register to identify this sighting.
User's notes
An unexpected visual treat arising from macro photography.
4 comments
ibaird
wrote:
15 Oct 2020
Wings held tent wise and upward backward curving palpi suggest a concealer moth; Oecophoridae. There are several similar looking candidates. Notes on separating them are available in the notes in the systematic list : see the entry for Microbela allocoma. In this specimen the labial palpi appear to be shorter, strongly suggesting either Microbella allocoma or M. epicoma. Given no dark collar or a dark mark on the tornus I am suggesting M. allocoma.
ConBoekel
wrote:
16 Oct 2020
Hi ibaird
In the first place, I appreciate very much the work of the moderators.
I am relatively inexperienced with respect to Canberra Nature Map and am uncertain about the expectations so I am seeking advice. Is this comment directed at the poster or other moderators? I have zero experience with moth ID and, practically speaking, am unlikely to spend time on learning moth (or other insect) ID. (Separately, I am trying to learn how to ID some of the more common ACT plants.)
I am happy to take moth shots as the opportunity presents, and also to apply feedback about the sorts of shots needed by the moderators to make their ID tasks easier or even possible. But if there is an expectation that learning moth ID goes with posting moth shots that, then I would more than likely stop posting moth shots.
In the first place, I appreciate very much the work of the moderators.
I am relatively inexperienced with respect to Canberra Nature Map and am uncertain about the expectations so I am seeking advice. Is this comment directed at the poster or other moderators? I have zero experience with moth ID and, practically speaking, am unlikely to spend time on learning moth (or other insect) ID. (Separately, I am trying to learn how to ID some of the more common ACT plants.)
I am happy to take moth shots as the opportunity presents, and also to apply feedback about the sorts of shots needed by the moderators to make their ID tasks easier or even possible. But if there is an expectation that learning moth ID goes with posting moth shots that, then I would more than likely stop posting moth shots.
ibaird
wrote:
16 Oct 2020
Moth identification is sometimes difficult and speculative. When I do make a comment it is usually mainly to the other moderators because I feel the need to give reasoning in a particular case, and perhaps hoping for feedback and to learn when there is doubt. I apologise If I sounded 'preachy' in this instance! Moths shots taken in the field are often opportunistic with little opportunity to improve matters beyond focus and lighting. These smaller moths are probably best taken side on as you have done superbly in this case - because a shot from above is less likely to show diagnostic features such as palpi and a clear view of the forewing markings.
ConBoekel
wrote:
16 Oct 2020
ibaird
No worries, and thanks for clarifying the expectations. If opportunity arises I will keep taking moth shots. I was trying to take them exactly side on and/or exactly from above because that maximizes depth of field outcomes so will now give priority to focusing on the side-on images where practicable.
No worries, and thanks for clarifying the expectations. If opportunity arises I will keep taking moth shots. I was trying to take them exactly side on and/or exactly from above because that maximizes depth of field outcomes so will now give priority to focusing on the side-on images where practicable.
Location information
- Maps Dryandra St Woodland
- Places O'Connor, ACT
Sighting information
- 1 Abundance
- 15 Oct 2020 02:24 PM Recorded on
- ConBoekel Recorded by
-
Collections
Insects Moths (Lepidoptera) Concealer moths (Oecophoridae) ConBoekel
Species information
- Microbela allocoma Scientific name
- A concealer moth Common name
- Sensitive
- Local native
- Non-invasive or negligible
- Machine learning
- External link More information
