Paonias myops

Eyespots. This moth just couldn't stay still.

comments (5)

Christine Young

Lion

I love seeing the eyespots, yet it's so hard to capture! Thanks for sharing this one! Posted 6 years ago
1. Gary B
  
  Lion
  
  This moth got really excited when I picked it up from the deck and then that's when I saw the eyespots. I use a tripod to steady my camera and a cable release to avoid any vibration from my hands. To get this I set the ISO at a high setting and shot away. The flash didn't come on so this was taken with just the porch light but it gets the actual color of the eyespots and the surround underwing color correctly. I think if the flash had worked then maybe there'd be less blurriness. I'm pretty sure the camera's reflex mirror clunking slowly did not help either. Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    It's so challenging to get the colors right, but still to get them in focus. I use a headlamp (wrapped around my wrist) to provide a light source from another angle. But, I still find that it can wash out the colors, in addition to not allowing for the entire moth to be in focus. Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Gary B
      
      Lion
      
      Sometimes I've noticed my flash washes out color or creates too much sparkle. I hold a piece of white paper or paper towel over the flash to soften it a bit. Maybe that would work for your headlamp? I should get some small lamps that I can position from the sides. Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Good idea! I'll try that tonight. Sadly, I tend to be lazy with gear, something I'm trying to overcome. But, I think I can handle a paper towel ;P. Posted 6 years ago

The Small-Eyed Sphinx

The Small-eyed Sphinx is a species of moth of the Sphingidae family. It is found from south-eastern Canada to Florida and westward almost to the Pacific Coast. It is also known from Mexico.

Info 9 0

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies

Species identified by Gary B