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Photo#328986
Pickleworm Moth - Hodges #5202 - Diaphania nitidalis

Pickleworm Moth - Hodges #5202 - Diaphania nitidalis
Mobile (Dog River), Mobile County, Alabama, USA
September 5, 2009
Thought I'd never ID, determined it was a geometrid. Then I remembered BP said if antennae are laid back, it's likely a pyralid or a crambrid. Interesting behavior - slowly gyrates its "tail" when at rest. Would someone like to tell me me about this rear-end that looks like a New Years party novelty? Thanks.

Pheromone Pencils?
I believe the feathery appendages are for producing pheromones. The moth waves them around to increase their spread into the air.

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