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Picture-winged Leaf Moth
Striglina sp.
15.4557, 119.92
Field Notes
Description:
Thyrididae; Striglininae; Striglina sp. I have seen this moth several times, but this is the only usable photo I have ever taken. The problem is that it is a very jittery creature and dives into deep cover, as soon as it sees me approaching. "The Thyrididae comprise the family of picture-winged leaf moths. They are the only family in the superfamily Thyridoidea.....Most species live in the tropics and subtropics. They are colourful and often day-flying moths. There are four subfamilies. Their biology is little known. Thyridid specimens are rare in museum collections." Wikipedia. "Adults usually have a characteristic, fine, reticulated wing pattern and distinctive resting posture, with the body raised at a steep angle and the wings expanded." Philippine Lepidoptera.
Habitat:
I spotted this Picture-winged Leaf Moth resting deep in a patch of Swamp Cabbage (Ipomoea aquatica), locally called Kangkong. The plant has become well established on this spot, a strip of land which is never cultivated, at one end of a rice field. It is slightly lower than the main field and retains water almost all year round - no good for rice which needs to be dry for harvesting, but excellent conditions for Ipomoea aquatica, favoured by many moth larvae. Plant identity - http://www.stuartxchange.org/Kangkong.html
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