Another test of your nature knowledge: or just a fun way to expand it.
As with Mystery Photo #1 and Mystery Photo #2, the idea is to look at a photograph for a few seconds and see if you can think what it might be. Only then are you “allowed” to scroll down and discover the answer!
So let’s try with this little fellow below. Any idea what it is?
I didn’t know what it was when I saw it in my garden last summer.
My first thought – and maybe yours? – was that it’s a WASP.
No – it’s not a wasp.
Well maybe a BEE?
No, it’s not a bee either.
Mmm, what else could it be?
A HORNET?
No. It’s not a hornet.
A clue: look at the antennae, and its proboscis. Does it remind you of anything?
Yes, it’s a MOTH!
The Dusky Clearwing moth, to be precise (Paranthrene tabaniformis). You were right to think it could have been a wasp or a bee. The Dusky Clearwing actually mimics a wasp or a bee, not only in its appearance but also its behavior (it feeds on flowers). This makes it less vulnerable to predation!
So our mystery photo is a clever moth!
Denzil Nature 
sphinx moth?
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You did well to see it was a moth Pat.
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Thanks, Denzil.
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Moth.
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Right first time Michael.
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One of my favorite species.
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Loved this post Denzil.
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Great, I bet you’re looking out for one now Malc!
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A moth…cool!
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Super photo!
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This moth is a poser. Anita
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Yes indeed Anita, an imposter.
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The antennae were the give away for me but didn’t know what sort of moth
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Well spotted.
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Cool!
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Very interesting quiz and I absolutely didn’t know what it could be. It is pretty anyway. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Luisella, maybe you’ll see one in Finland this summer.
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That moth sure fooled me! Thanks for a real poser.
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I would never have got it
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Ah, but when you see one in the field Derrick, you now will!
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Indeed 🙂
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I was so sure that it was a wasp.
Lesson-What we see and think is a crazy perception. So, Don’t believe what you see😃😃lol
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Absolutely. Even nature has its deep fake.
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😃😃
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I was flummoxed by this, although the antennae really should have alerted me!
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Apparently it’s not present in the UK, but you may see it on one of your travels!
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That’s a very clever disguise!
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It is isn’t it. Unless you meet a bird that likes eating bees and wasps!
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That’s true 😁
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Very interesting moth!
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I would never have guessed moth!
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No it had me fooled Andrea.
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