Chances are that by now you have noticed how I have a thing with the phenomenon of mimicry, having shared dozens and dozens of crazy examples encountered in mother nature. The most recent one being this one about 10 days ago.
Today I have another one, this time we have a moth scientifically described as Phalera bucephala. Commonly, it's known as the Buff-tip moth although I prefer to call it the twig moth 😆
The species occurs in Europe and in Asia to eastern Siberia and adults look pretty much like small twigs, blending perfectly with the environment.
It's a common and relatively large species, with adults having a wingspan of 5.6 to 6.8 cm (2.2–2.7 inches). Adults can typically be spotted from June to July.
Although super common, they are a really rare sight, thanks to their superb camouflage and nocturnal behavior
Check it out:
Amazing right? It's almost impossible to distinguish their top from the bottom!
Here's another video:
And here's one of a guy holding a small army of them, lol
I can keep spamming videos but I think you get it by now. Feel free to search for buff tip moth, plenty of videos and photos on YouTube.
Here's a link to Wikipedia if you'd like to have an extensive read on them and their lifecycle.
Alternatively, if you are lazy here's a video with a guy talking about them:
In case you wonder, the caterpillar stage is nothing special. Just a boring yellow with black spots:
Ok friends, this is it for today!
As always, see you soon with more crazy wonders of mother nature :D
