#buff-tip moth

[this-great-world]

Buff-tip Moth, nature’s perfect twig impersonator! The Buff-tip Moth (Phalera bucephala) is a clever camouflage artist found across Europe and parts of Asia. When at rest, this moth folds its wings and mimics a broken twig so perfectly that predators pass it by without a second glance. Its silvery-grey wings, buff-colored “tip,” and bark-like patterns make it a true illusionist of the insect world. Emerging from caterpillars that love oak and birch, the adult moths are most active in summer nights, fluttering under the moonlight. A brilliant reminder that nature’s best defense is often invisibility

[echolonely]

Buff-tip Moth - Mothtober #25

You can find this moth everywhere in Europe, Asia, and Eastern Siberia, between June and July. Their wingspan can be up to 7cm. Their particularity is that they strongly look like little twigs from the side. Their camouflage is on point. And their got their name because of the color of their fur and the patch on their forewing.

For once I already saw this one IRL. Their french name is Bucéphale, like the Horse of Alexander the Great. It means "Bull headed"

About the drawing

I chose to draw 2 of them side by side to showcase their twig-like appearance. I really like the yellow and greyish brown combo. It was the first drawing where I explore a bit more the lighting and shadows and I learned so much drawing it.

[michaelnordeman]

The larvae of a Buff-tip moth/oxhuvudspinnare. Huddinge in Stockholm, Södermanland, Sweden (August 18, 2013).

[prettyhawkward]

Today whilst on the way to the shop to get jelly and yogurt (post op easy foods) we spotted these two buff tip moths just flupping on the hot pavement so we ended up sitting there and looking at them for ages and then eventually placed them safely in some nearby bushes.

These guys have like... such little face faces. 10/10

[vintagewildlife]

Buff-tip moth caterpillars By: Unknown photographer From: Brooke Bond Tea Cards 1980

[pamwmsn]

Buff-tip Moth

A widespread moth of gardens, woods and hedgerows, the buff-tip looks just like the twig of a birch tree when it is at rest. It flies at night, and can be seen from May to July.

[vintagewildlife]

Buff-tip moth By: Hervé Chaumeton From: Éditions Rencontre Cards 1979

[moonfall-requiem]

This is pretty much the perfect camouflage. The Buff-tip moth (Phalera bucephala) avoids predators by disguising itself as a broken stick when at rest.

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