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Rare Redeye Flat Butterfly

Chaetocneme denitza

Photo by ShannaB
Published on Project Noah
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-26.7748, 153.096

Field Notes

Notes:

I saw this beautiful red-eyed butterfly, wingspan about 4cm, while walking in Parklands Reserve near Nambour. Having done some research (see linked reference) I wish I had taken a shot with the flash to bring up the wing colours, which are amazing.

Reference Links:

Rare Redeye Flat, Ornate Dusk-flat - Chaetocneme denitza

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (29)
maplemoth66
The antennae, looks like the antennae of a skipper.
Leuba Ridgway
Fantastic spotting Shanna! - the whites really stand out don't they ? and just the right amount- beautiful !!
ShannaB
Hey Dylan8, are you a troll? I hope not, Project Noah's a lovely online community where I (a confirmed cynic) have learned to find wonder in the world again. Perhaps you can do the same. To address your queries: - I thought it was a moth at first too, but my research showed otherwise. According to Brisbane Insects website (a very reputable source), Flat Skippers - Subfamily Pyrginae - are also known as Spread-winged Skippers and Dust-flats. Butterflies in this Subfamily Pyrginae rest with their wings wide opened on flat surfaces. Compared with other skippers (which do look a LOT like moths), butterflies in this subfamily are large and robust. - I can do a pic of me with a giraffe (I am even feeding it in the photo), but we're not really into posting pics of humans here. Thanks heaps for generating the discussion, I've never had such a popular post. ; )
Mark Ridgway
:) here's the giraffe.. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/5588218
Sergio Monteiro
Is it over? Then somebody bring the beer and lets sing. Anyone knows "Lily Marlene"?
LarsKorb
hm...I watched movies with a less disappointing end... :/ not satisfied.
Dylan8
I actually downloaded this app for guidance to a species of mushrooms that my books couldn't identify. But if I cross paths with a dragon, unicorn, fairy, or anything that will absolutely astonish everyone, it will go here first. By the way, (speaking of mystical animals) somebody please post a picture of them with a giraffe....good luck:)
Mark Ridgway
Ok. So what you should do now is suggest an ID and provide a link so we can all understand. And how about snapping some spottings for us all to enjoy and learn from.
Dylan8
I hold my ground at moth. I made google my friend tonight, although it isn't my first resort
Dylan8
All American with German background, pleased to meet you. Can we agree to be mentally satisfied?
LarsKorb
Educated - entertainment is something different to me, but hey, I'm German...what do I know about entertainment at all? :)
Dylan8
I'm glad that somebody was entertained :)
Dylan8
Not trying to present a problem for anybody, but I am pleased to say that I met argybee for he can hold a decent civilized debate. And I will show you all mwahahaha!!
LarsKorb
To be honest, I found that discussion pretty educative.
Mark Ridgway
No bickering here Dylan8. We're all here to learn. If you 'know' something for sure then we will all be pleased if you can share it. Do let us know what you discover about this. Oh yeah ... and welcome to project noah.
Sergio Monteiro
Hey boys, lets take a breath, ok? This is not the place or time for that. Grow up!
Dylan8
Regardless of how rare or beautiful a moth is a moth and I know one when I see one. It is possible that I am wrong but not probable. And rules isn't quite the word you were looking for, perhaps law? Back to the topic; butterflies Always Pirch their wings up, I don't quite remember why but it's logical and I am researching as we carry this pitiful bickering
Mark Ridgway
That's all very good Dylan8. Those 'rules' for distinguishing moths and butterflies can be very handy. Since joining ProjectNoah and seeing hundreds of lepidoptera I have found that your 'rules' don't always work. Have you read ShannaB's link to the identity? I think you should. The people at Brisbane insects DO make sure of what they say before they say it.... so back to fourth grade again :)
Dylan8
Pirch* rather than pitch
Dylan8
No. However, simply by looking at the antennae you can observe that it has "fur" at the end (butterflies lack this); and if this isn't enough, butterflies do not hold upside down. And if this isn't enough butterflies also pitch there wings in an upright position unlike its near relative the moth:)
Mark Ridgway
What makes you think that Dylan8 ? Have you got a link for ID?
ShannaB
Thanks Karen! I hope to see another one, I'll be better prepared next time. : )

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Mission
The Color Red
Mission
Wilds of South-East Queensland
Mission
2012 Best Wildlife Photo
Photographed
PublishedMarch 5, 2012

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