Lesser Vagabond Sod Webworm
The young Roger Tory Peterson spent his nights catching and identifying moths by the streetlights in Jamestown. Suffice it to say I did not and have only started “mothing” this year. I was not sure which Agriphila this was but it seems to be Agriphila ruricolella, Lesser Vagabond Sod Webworm, in the grasses at RTPI.
Read MoreRoger Tory Peterson collecting insects
For #TransformationTuesday here’s a young Roger Tory Peterson with an insect net. Butterflies and moths were high on the list of his early nature studies as Roger would collect caterpillars and find moths at streetlights in Jamestown, especially near Lake View Cemetery. He even got a special permit from the police chief to stay out past the citywide curfew! You’ll be able to learn more about Dr. Peterson’s life in a new and interactive way soon…stay tuned.
Read MoreConfused Haploa moth
The Confused Haploa moth (Haploa confusa)…I don’t know if it has that name because it’s confused or because it’s a confusing identification given that it is so variable in appearance. I met this friend at RTPI last week. It’s a good time to look at our leps before it gets any cooler. These recent nights well in the 40s are a bit much.
Read MoreDark-spotted Palthis (Palthis angulalis)
The Dark-spotted Palthis (Palthis angulalis) moth seems so angular and streamlined, almost like a fighter jet, but then those labial palps…anddd it’s not. That would produce a lot of drag. It’s also known as the Angulated Snout-moth? Makes sense to me.
Read MoreEight-spotted Forester (Alypia octomaculata)
This is another sort of sighting from my Connecticut yard archives, the Eight-spotted Forester (Alypia octomaculata). The diurnal moth species is conspicuous in appearance and looks more like what we think of as a butterfly. This individual, resting on the side of the porch, flew off after a few photos and did not let me get close. And let me tell you, they are fast!
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