Meet the morning-glory plume moth (Emmelina monodactyla), a fascinating insect that completely redefines the typical moth silhouette. Popularly known as the “T-moth,” it holds its tightly rolled wings perpendicular to its body when at rest, creating a perfect cross-like shape. While it looks like it possesses only a single pair of narrow wings, its forewings are actually split into two lobes and its hindwings into three, all fringed with delicate hairs that tuck neatly away. Unlike many moths that vanish when the summer ends, this resilient species can be found nearly year-round, overwintering in sheltered garden sheds, ivy, and stone walls. True to its name, its caterpillars are specialized leaf-feeders that rely primarily on bindweed and morning-glory plants. During my bicycle tour along the Baltic Sea in June 2026, I frequently encountered these structural marvels, quickly learning to pick them out by their erratic flight and geometric poses. However, it wasn’t until the final days of my tour that I managed to get close enough for a proper macro session. At first glance, I assumed I was shooting the exact same species I had documented earlier, but a closer look at my photos revealed subtle, distinct differences—proving that while they share the same striking “T” silhouette, I had actually encountered a different genus!
