科學圖說

迷幻的落葉毯(Leaf Carpet Illusion)

深秋的中海拔森林裡，正在舉辦一場華麗的變葉舞會。駐足於緋寒櫻大樹下，留戀於色調飽滿的落葉地毯，偶然與一片特別美麗的落葉相遇。天蠶蛾科的銀目天蠶蛾，翅面上暖色調的花紋，鑲嵌著四枚銀白透窗，屬於中海拔冬季限定的大型蛾類。成蟲活躍的時間點，恰是許多闊葉樹種葉片變色、掉落的時期。這隻銀目天蠶蛾，停棲在枯黃程度不一的落葉堆上，畫面美得令人屏息。渾然天成的氣勢，究竟是多麼精緻的偽裝技巧！

In late fall, leaves change color in mid-elevation forests in Taiwan. Under a Taiwan cherry tree, a carpet of fallen leaves has formed. There appears to be one extraordinarily beautiful leaf. This is Rhodinia verecunda, a moth belonging to the family Saturniidae. Its wings are of warm hues with four silvery white transparent spots. It is a species of macro moth found only in winter in mid elevation forests. Adults are most active when leaves change color and fall to the ground. This moth is hidden among leaves in different stages of withering, creating a beautiful scene. This is also an outstanding example of natural camouflage.