Bird Dropping Moth

Acontia sp.

a noctuidae, Acontia sp., from Kerio Valley, Kenya, Africa. December 2014. Photo © by Michael Plagens

Observed at Kerio Valley, Kenya, Africa. Dec. 2014.

The wing patterns of many moths are designed to camouflage the insect during the day as it rests on a tree trunk or other object. The evolutionary strategy for this species is a bit different in that the pattern resembles an object that should not be eaten, namely a birds fecal dropping.

Noctuidae -- Moth Family

More Information:


Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, page created 15 Oct. 2015