EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Each week a different image of our fascinating environment is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional ecologist.

11-17 February 2019

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Saturniid at Night

Saturniid Moth, Family Saturniidae, Order Lepidoptera
Monkoto, Democratic Republic of Congo

Credit & Copyright: Dr. Bruce G. Marcot

Explanation:  Night falls early here in the tropics.  We are in the heard of the Congo River Basin of central Africa.  Outside our hut a bare light bulb, lit by the brief spark of a gas generator, is attracting all manner of insects.  

One visitor is this saturniid moth. 

Perhaps this moth -- unidentified to species -- is the same species that creates large caterpillars that are gathered here by locals as food.  So let it rest where it is, in peace and soon in the deep dark when the generator cuts out and returns this site to the depth of its tropical night.  
    
    

Next week's picture:  Tiny Dancer

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