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Feather Legged Moth (Macrotarsipus similis)

YC Wee
on 26th February 2016

Feather Legged Moth [AMARSINGH]

“Insects are fascinating in their diversity and beauty. I saw this Feather Legged Moth half a kilometre from my home (above). It is a clearwing moth of the Sesiidae family and has the scientific name Macrotarsipus similis.

“Wikipedia and other on line sources quote it as being identified in Indonesia and Thailand and that its habitat consists of ‘dark tropical jungle’. So it was a bit surprising to find it just near my home in Ipoh in an urban environment. An on line search shows one image taken in Langkawi. Like birds, I wonder now about the migration capacity of insects.

Feather Legged Moth [AMARSINGH]

“What is interesting about this clearwing moth are the
‘black feather-like tarsi at its hind legs’. A closer look (above) shows that they are not pure black but have a metallic blue sheen to them.

“It would interest me if anyone has any idea as to the purpose of this adaptation to the hind legs. The structure obviously limits their use in terms of resting on vegetation. I wonder if there is any function in reproductions or mating rituals.

“The rest of the insect is also fascinating with clear wings, dark body with blue stripes and blue metallic antennae (quoted as ‘green-violet sheen’ in one article, see references).”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
5th February 2016

References/Useful Information:
1. Wikipedia on Macrotarsipus similis: HERE.
2. Feather-like Hind Tarsi Clear Wing Moth (Macrotarsipus similis), Sumatra Indonesia: HERE.
3. Yutaka Arita & Oleg G. Gorbunov. A review of the genus Macrotarsipus Hampson, [1893] (Lepidoptera, Sesiidae) of the Oriental region. Trans. lepid. Soc. Japan 46(2):103-111, June 1995 HERE.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

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30th August 2023

Singapore-Nature: 16. Living close to nature

18th August 2023

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Singapore-Nature: 15. Looking versus studying birds

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One Response

  1. Absolutely stunning insect! Congratulations on the observation, it’s not easy to spot Sesiidae in the wild. Sesiidae are the topic of my PhD studies. All the best.

    Reply

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