I photographed this abstract pattern in a woodland in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park this afternoon.
The first person to guess correctly what this is will win a signed copy of Browntrout’s 2012 Ohio Places calendar.
I photographed this abstract pattern in a woodland in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park this afternoon.
The first person to guess correctly what this is will win a signed copy of Browntrout’s 2012 Ohio Places calendar.
cheryl reeves
23 Jul 2011Is it a painted horse on a trail ride?
MaryAnn Moore
23 Jul 2011It’s the spots on a little fawn. I think that’s what little baby deer are called?
Thanks!!!
ianadams1
23 Jul 2011Good try, Cheryl, but incorrect.
susan
23 Jul 2011butterfly wing
ianadams1
23 Jul 2011You’re close, Susan, but please be more specific.
Susan
24 Jul 2011Painted lady?
ianadams1
24 Jul 2011No, it’s not a painted lady, or even a butterfly wing. This insect is much bigger…keep trying!
susan
24 Jul 2011Cecropia moth!!!!!!!!
ianadams1
24 Jul 2011No, but you are very close! Check out the wing patterns of some of the Cecropia’s relatives…
susan
24 Jul 2011hummingbird clearwing?
susan
24 Jul 2011barring that I’d go for Polyphemus
ianadams1
24 Jul 2011The gray wing color with deep orange striping and creamy white spots is very distinctive. Check out the photos of the Saturniidae moths on the following website: http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/gallery.
Beth
24 Jul 2011Is it a Royal Walnut Moth?
susan
24 Jul 2011Having a great time with this! How about Citheronia regalis, the Royal Walnut Moth?!
ianadams1
24 Jul 2011Beth and Susan, you both correctly identified the abstract pattern as the wing of a Royal Walnut Moth. Check out my next website post to see the original photograph and more information. Susan, please email me your mailing address so I can send you a signed copy of my 2012 Ohio Places calendar. Beth, you get one too – I believe I have your address since you purchased a copy of my new book. Congratulations to both of you!
Beth
24 Jul 2011Thanks Ian! That is a gorgeous moth.
susan
24 Jul 2011Thank you! I really enjoyed the searching! I kept thinking your photo was more macro than it was. Night Visions by Joseph Scheer is a wonderful photography book on Moths. Anyone who thinks moths are ugly need only look to dispel that notion. I have never seen this moth. You are fortunate to have seen something so beautiful. My friend Elly who is the staff entomologist at Dow Gardens will be proud of me for getting this (with hints). I will email you my address and again thank you. I learned a lot in the search.