Bizarre Lepidopteran pairing!

[bugboy]

Well most of us have probably seen the odd picture of some unusual pairings from different species, usually closely related, but I think this really takes the biscuit as the most unusual pairing I've ever seen.

A friend sent me these pictures taken in London Zoo's Butterfly house today

I think the Atlas Moth was most likely the innocent victim in this sordid liaison with a Morpho!

[badgerbob]

Should have gone to Specsavers!!

[Trev Sawyer]

A valiant (if misplaced) attempt at speeding up evolution but unfortunately, it isn't destined to lead to the flutter of tiny wings
Just imagine the huge blue buttermoth which might result if it was possible though Now that really would be something wouldn't it!

Trev

[MrSp0ck]

We had Giant Atlas Moth pair with a male Swallowtail at Syon Park Butterfly House many years ago. As the Morpho is from South America and the Atlas is from Asia, they could be using the same perfume and the male thinks its his female.

I have a photo of Pearl Bordered Fritillary and Common Blue pairing in the wild here.