11 December 2010

Xanthopan morgani - "Darwin's moth"


The spur of the flower is 20–35 cm (7.9–14 in) from its tip to the tip of the flower's lip. The name "sesquipedale" is Latin for "one and a half feet," referring to the spur length... The moth approaches the flower to ascertain by scent whether or not it is the correct orchid species. Then the moth backs up over a foot and unrolls its proboscis, then flies forward, inserting it into the orchid's spur.
Via Myrmecos.  Photo: Natural History Museum of London.

1 comment:

  1. I saw a TV show a couple of years ago that featured a researcher staking out an orchid to video the moth coming for some nectar. After much persistence and patience, he pulled it off - the first time in history. It was very interesting.

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