Juniper-twig Geometer
Here is the Juniper-twig Geometer (Patalene olyzonaria) moth, one that Sean and I have been spotting a bunch of lately. This is a worn individual that must have been having a good summer to be flying around still, avoiding predators or any real damage. One of the amazing things about mothing is how much the species makeup in your yard can change from week to week…or less! You never know what you will find next. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreEuchlaena muzaria
This is Euchlaena muzaria, the Muzaria Euchlaena moth, a relatively large and active species – at least in my limited experience! This was the best photo I could get of the jumpy individual as it continually kept flying off the building and away from the lights and towards me. It literally hit me several times in the continual cycle of land, approach, possibly take one photo, and fly (into me). Going off of the photo alone it would seem to be shy but…not so much! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreVariegated & Great Spangled Fritillaries
Here’s a beautiful close-winged view of the Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) and Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele). Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Connecticut while on assignment for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History.
Read MoreBanded vs. Hickory Hairstreaks
It’s been a great year so far for the Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus) says Sean. He can typically walk around right now in favorable areas and find four or five. Recently while out walking at Audubon Greenwich he spotted a Hickory Hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorus), a difficult hairstreak to find and get a confident identification of in Connecticut. He put together a comparison of the two to help with some of the small diagnostic differences. Photographed by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global biodiversity project in Connecticut while on assignment for...
Read MoreRed Admiral
This Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) was doing its best job to hide on this fencing, blending in rather well when it was not flashing those bright red orange wing stripes. They have been pouring to the north in the last week, migrating whenever possible in comfortable and calm June conditions. I do not often get to see this side of the species, and I was glad to have a chance to actually see one pausing with all of them floating by. I hope it is having a good trip and things are now looking up. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
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