Headstanding white and orange moth

[Bruce Williams]

Stony Stratford, Bucks. On fencepost.

I was struck by the unusual posture of this moth with its abdomen stuck up in the air. The moth is resting parallel to the ground (bottom of the pic). Help with id appreciated:



Bruce

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Bruce,

I wonder if it's anything like Argyresthia spinosella?

Take care,

Jason

[peter2009]

Would need a side view for id

[Bruce Williams]

Jason - Thanks for that suggestion. Having checked several internet photos I agree A. spinosella does have very similar look and markings - in fact I have even seen photos with the same head down position.

Peter - Thanks for your interest - much appreciated. Unfortunately I only have this viewpoint. Out of interest, are there (many) other similar looking species with the same colouring and dorsal markings?

Bruce

[peter2009]

Yes,
Argyresthia bonnetella
" conjugella
" pruniella

[Bruce Williams]

Thanks for the added info Peter. So am I right in thinking that we can confidently identify the moth to genus (Argyresthia sp. )?

Any ideas why these fruit moths adopt a head-down, tail-up position?

Bruce