Taken early one morning. I noticed that the antennae of the smaller moth are black and of the larger one are white.
Does anybody know which one is male and which one is female ? A bigger image is available on my site.

-- Jan van Bodegraven (janvnbdg@mandic.com.br), November 01, 1998

Answers

I really like the composition of this image, as well as the contrast created by the juxtaposition of the white moths on the brown, textured bark. Although I'd like to see a bit more sharpness (perhaps just the way the scan is appearing on my monitor...)exposure is very good, making for a pleasing photograph! Sorry, I can't assist with the biology...

-- Sandy Quandt (sandyquandt@centuryinter.net), November 01, 1998.

In most moths where sexual dimorphism occurs (different sizes between the sexes), the female is larger, since she has to produce eggs. Often the antennae of the males are more elaborate or plumose (is that a word?) as they use them to detect pheromones released by the female. This is a gorgeous shot, IMO. You have retained beautiful texture in the wings and preserved detail and color in the dark background.

-- Peter May (peter.may@stetson.edu), November 02, 1998.

I think that this is a beautiful image and it is certainly sharp enough. I am automatically drawn to the lower moths antennae and the way they stand out from the background. Also, I like the fact that the background has some definition. You didn't black it out when you exposed the image, therefore leaving the background texture which brings additional interest to the photo.

-- David Whalen (whalen@circle.net), November 02, 1998.

Very nice. I'd crop down to just past the white highlight on the left side and a little up from the bottom to balance this crop. This leaves a very satisfying, though symmetric composition.

-- Paul Lenson (lenson@pci.on.ca), November 02, 1998.

No more cropping! Do it right when you take that photograph. This picture is almost perfect as it is!

-- Albin Hunia (a.hunia@dlg.agro.nl), November 06, 1998.