FACT CHECK: Photo Of ‘Nun Moth’ Is Artistic Depiction, Not Real Image
An image shared on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, allegedly shows an image of a “nun moth” with a pattern that appears to show a screaming face.
THE NUN MOTH pic.twitter.com/DbnoG2TEmt
— toni (@tinyangelette) August 13, 2023
Verdict: False
The image is digitally fabricated and does not resemble a real life moth. It was originally posted by an artist advertising a poster featuring the moth. The creator confirmed the moth is just an artwork via email to Check Your Fact.
Fact Check:
Recent research has found that moths are as important pollinators as bees, according to Washington Post. A study found that pollination rates were higher during the nighttime, suggesting that moths are more efficient pollinators overall, The Conversation reported.
The X photo claims to show a photo of a nun moth. The image appears to show a moth with a screaming face on it.
“THE NUN MOTH,” the caption reads. The face is similar to a character from the 2018 film “The Nun.”
A picture of a real nun moth, which can be found on the National Invasive Species Information Center website, does not resemble the image.
The photo is a screenshot taken from an Instagram video from the account @richardwilkisonart. Wilkson identifies himself in his bio as an artist. The Instagram caption is advertising a poster which can be found on his website showing the moth. The moth is from a series of insects that are described as “imaginary insects inspired by the world of classic horror cinema,” the description reads. (RELATED: Did An ATF Agent Kill A Pet Moth While Searching A House Without A Warrant?)
View this post on Instagram
“The ‘Nun Moth’ is indeed one of my artworks,” Wilkinson confirmed in email to Check Your Fact. “I play around with making them look real for videos (just for fun!) but I’m hopefully clear about the fact that they are not real.”
