Thu 26/07/2018

A couple of minor moth entries today – firstly, this photo of a common plume. I have taken dozens of shots of this species in the past; it is one of the commonest moths in this area and is active all year except when it’s literally too cold to move. But for some reason it is very difficult to photograph – in bright light it is too reflective; in dull light on too dark or light a background the light metering gets messed up. But for some reason I thought this one might come out; it is in intermediate light against a background similar in shade to the moth itself, which means the exposure should be just about right. And indeed, for what it’s worth, I think this is my best common plume moth shot yet.

l also found this razor-thin micromoth flapping about in the car park. This is the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella. Can you see what I mean about the light metering? This moth is on a dark background, so the camera has boosted the light to compensate, and now the moth itself is over-exposed. Ptchah.