Lymantica velutina - 2, Ranomafana, Madagascar

Updated ID by Maik Bippus.

comments (8)

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

Absolutely stunning! Posted 5 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks! Posted 5 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

This moth is beautiful!! Did you pet it? Good point about the documentation! Posted 5 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Lol no, I generally don't touch my subjects. Only when a moth is in an impossible position I may try to move it. Posted 5 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Haha, well, you know I like to touch...respectfully and gently, of course. Posted 5 years ago
  2. 1. Ferdy Christant
      
      Lion
      
      I know, and to each their own. My main reason is that I have no desire to touch them if not needed, but I do also have a practical reason: we're usually covered in insect repellent, I'd not do any insect any favors touching them. Posted 5 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Oh, yes - that would be bad. It's great that you are so conscientious!
        
        I do try not to touch and know that it's a tricky issue: there are those who say never touch so that you don't disturb nature, and then there are those who kill the critters and pin them in their boxes. Then, the gray area - the in between. I'm not judging any part of this spectrum. I prefer to leave nature as I found it...but, humans are part of nature and I connect by touching when appropriate. I am always gentle and find that if you sit quietly and put your hand out, many creatures will climb right on. They are curious about me, just like I am about them. I sound like I'm defending myself, haha. But, I'm not because I know that you totally get it...whether you are touchy or not ;). Posted 5 years ago
      2. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Yep, no need to defend touching. There's nothing wrong with it. As it comes to insects, there's not even a defense needed to kill and collect. I don't touch or kill (or at least try not to) but I pass no judgement. It's just a different style, that's all :) Posted 5 years ago