Banded Tussock Moth
This is the Banded Tussock Moth (Halysidota tessellaris), a species I particularly loved discovering with that blue and orange mohawk look! It decided to stay very close to the porch light. It ended up a little too close getting some cobwebs on it that you can see in the profile view. However, it seemed to have been able to shake them off because the next time I checked on what was at my lights I did not see it. The more mothing I do the more addictive it becomes, and I can see why Roger Tory Peterson spent so much time on it…but I cannot possibly imagine how he did it without...
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 MoreGreen Pug (Pasiphila rectangulata)
This looks like a Green Pug (Pasiphila rectangulata) moth to me, quite literally. It has almost a seasonal sort of holiday feel to it! I do not expect to be seeing it come Christmas or even St. Patrick’s Day, though. It was easy to spot on this garage door, but I would think finding it so well camouflaged in the field would be a difficult task. Happy Fourth! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreBristly Cutworm (Lacinipolia renigera)
The Bristly Cutworm (Lacinipolia renigera) moth is apparently also called the Kidney-spotted Minor. I suppose I can understand that. In this case it was called to the sheet by an ultraviolet light, allowing me to photograph it before disappearing the next time I checked on the moth activity. Every time we try any nocturnal surveying we end up with different results with the thousands of often little-known species we call moths. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreWhite Slant-line
The White Slant-line (Tetracis cachexiata) moth seen here was blending in so well against this house. It seemed to be more attracted to the typical porch lights than the ultraviolet light that was set up, but who knows what brought it in. I can see why Roger Tory Peterson was so engaged in mothing as a child – it really is fascinating to see what shows up, and there are so many species that you can find so easily with little effort. Turn on your light for a little while one evening and see what strange sights visit. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach...
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