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ID Moth from Swasiland (1 Viewer)

hans-b

Well-known member
Moth with strange pattern (for camouflage?)
Location: Lobamba (Mantenga NR) / Swasiland, 8.11.2017
If it is not possible to identify the moth the family or genus would also be helpful.

Thanks for your help
Hans

www.boeckler.name
 

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I know next to nothing about African moths, but until someone knowlegable comes along... This looks somewhat like some of the species in the genus Dysgonia (Erebidae), could this be a starting point?

Cheers
Paul
 
Thanks Paul.
I checked Dysgonia in Google and Wikipedia. For me they are all different. I miss the light stripes in the middle and at the outer side of the wings.
 
Hi Hans
I don't think it is T. hyppasia. In that species the diagonal line across the forewing doesn't quite reach the pale costa (i.e. the black is not fully divided), it also has more black parallel to the termen. I think T. pusilla is a better fit (see previous link) but I can check your image againt specimens in the Natural History Museum collection tomorrow as I will be doing some research there.
Martin
 
Hi Hans
I've now had a look at the collection and have changed my mind, I think it is T. hyppasia.
It is a larger species (wingspan 30-35mm) than T. pusilla (c.20mm). In some specimens of hyppasia the diagonal line does meet the pale costa.
It just shows how one can be fooled by a picture and the importance of a sense of scale.
Martin
 
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