I was picking up dead leaves off the lawn today. Lawn is a bit of a stretch as much of it has died away. Nonetheless, like Graham Gooch’s head, a few tufts sprout here and there.As I picked up one leaf I saw something move. Closer inspection revealed this small moth – roughly 16mm wingspan – this is a crambid. The way the antennae are held along the back of the abdomen is a strong clue.
This ought to be a woodland moth and I can’t help thinking that its patterning would afford it much better camouflage there than on my lawn. Ah well, beggars can’t be choosers and I’ll say thank you for the photo and allow it to settle wherever it chooses.
All downhill from here 
I’m glad he alighted on a nice contrasty background. I thought he looked a like a rock with a powdering of snow, but I guess woodland would have been good too.
I admire your knowledge of moths… very few people bother with them for some reason. They really are worth the close look, aren’t they?
They are but I am not an expert. I enjoy finding and photographing them but I get confused by the taxonomy. Way over my head 😁
Looks like he’s got his hair gelled back, ready to hit the town!
He’s a cool dude.
Beautiful specimen, he does seem to be sticking out like a sore thumb among the green grass. Good find.
One never knows what may be lurking in the leaf piles on our lawns. When a find like your crambid happens, I figure it is a reward for the good deed of gardening and I will just say “ay, Carambid”.
A fine looking moth, Andrew, and very distinctive antennae. Certainly a moth easily overlooked in its woodland environment
It has a very interesting delta shape. Does it move its antennae or are they always flat? Wonder what they tell the moth.
Beautiful markings and subtle colours.
They do move, Rod. I think some moths use antennae for detecting smells (pheromones) but there may well be other uses, like car indicators. I am about to fly right.
As in”straighten up and fly right”?
The “lawn ranger” is dainty and pretty. I’m glad you found it. Just think, you could have stepped on the poor fella and your followers, readers and, viewers would not have had the pleasure of viewing the close up.
They don’t look nearly as good flat, Yvonne.
B.A. (before Andrew) I never knew moths were so good-looking ! 🙂
I am happy to have contributed to your education M-R.
As indeed you have, and with mor photographic subjects than moths, Andrew. I thank you, my dear !
It is a beauty. I almost feel like stroking it.
Feel free, Gerard. No charge.
In the photo, the antennae look like strings of pearls!
How lovely. I see it now. Thank you Yvonne.