Geometrid Moth ??

Geometridae moth from Kenya. Photo © by Michael Plagens

At lights, upper Kerio Valley, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Kenya, Dec. 2014.

Male, night-flying moths must locate the female of their species, sometimes over considerable distances. This they do by following the scent, a chemical pheromone, that is released into the air by receptive females. The moth in this photograph is a male and has large plumose antennae that function to detect molecules of pheromone wafting in the air - their sensitivity is extraordinary! But, sometimes enroute they encounter an electric light and are fatally distracted from their biological mandate.

Geometridae -- Inch-worm Moth Family -- Subfamily Ennominae

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens. Page created 17 Nov. 2016