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Zhixuan Sun's Image
Zhixuan Sun’s (China) curiosity about the pattern on a tree leads him to spot a resting bordered duster moth.
Mindful not to disturb the well-camouflaged moth, Zhixuan grabbed his smartphone and slowly moved closer. To get the best results, he photographed it using close-up mode.
Bordered duster moths belong to the Geometridae family, named after the characteristic looping movement of their caterpillars.
The moths’ disruptive colouration helps them blend in and disguise their outline when they’re stationary, such as on this lichen-covered trunk.
Adults have a wingspan of 27–32mm (around 1 inch). It’s typical for them to rest with their wings held flat like this.
Behind the lens
Zhixuan Sun
China
Zhixuan enjoys learning and observing the insects that can be encountered in the city of Beijing, where he lives. In doing so, he came to understand the importance of cherishing our natural environment. Later, he started taking pictures of insects, initially with his phone and then with a camera. He hopes that through his photography, the world can learn about China’s wildlife.
Image details
- Vivo X100 Ultra
- 23mm built-in lens
- 1/265 at f2.2 (+1.5 e/v) • ISO 71
- Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Yunnan, China
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