unusual appendage? - Zanclognatha jacchusalis

Moved

Moved from Frass.

The highly unusual forelegs are a very interesting adaptation (to pollen collecting maybe?). They are only partially visible in another submission for the species:

There is a ventral view for a moth only identified to the genus:

But it is not as clear even there that they are legs.

… Edward L. Ruden, 11 September, 2016 - 12:35pm

Out of frass

I hadn't realized we had so few images of these odd forelegs, so I think it's best that these images are in the guide, though higher quality images, especially of the appendages, would be especially valuable.

… Aaron Hunt, 11 September, 2016 - 2:31pm

better images

Thanks, I have specimens in storage and will get better images when I have access to them in October.

… Joseph Yost, 11 September, 2016 - 3:30pm

Manly Pom-poms

Moths generally don't collect pollen for storage, and this is (usually) only a female Bee activity. These hairs don't look like they would hold on to things very well.
Maybe these male-only parts are an important piece of the mating game and they may be pheromone related or possibly for an elaborate displaying purpose.

… Bob Biagi, 11 September, 2016 - 2:25pm

Frassed

Moved from ID Request.

… Aaron Hunt, 9 September, 2016 - 4:39pm

appears to be Z. jacchusalis

Wavy-lined Zanclognatha (Z. jacchusalis) forewing subterminal (ST) line is thin and bordered proximally by darker shading, AM and PM lines are usually more noticeable, and fringe is checkered on all wings.

… Joseph Yost, 10 September, 2016 - 11:06am

Male - Litter Moth

Possibly something like this guy. I'm not sure. The modified (kinked) antennae and the wild forelegs suggest that these are both males of that genus. WELCOME TO BUGGUIDE!!!!!
Genus = Zanclognatha:

Very interesting!

… Bob Biagi, 6 September, 2016 - 6:22pm

Zanclognatha jacchusalis

Male with modified antennae. Tough sp call, but appears to match this recent key note "Wavy-lined Zanclognatha (Z. jacchusalis) forewing subterminal (ST) line is thin and bordered proximally by darker shading, AM and PM lines are usually more noticeable, and fringe is checkered on all wings."

… Joseph Yost, 10 September, 2016 - 11:04am