Migrant moths

October is often a good time to search for migrant moths. A small number of species are annual visitors to southern Ontario from further south. Two of the more regular moths are both in the genus spodoptera, the Fall Armyworm Moth (top) and the Yellow-striped Armyworm Moth (lower). Both have rather long and narrow forewings which are variably, though sometimes strikingly, marked and have slightly tufted femur sections on the forelegs. They can be attracted by use of mercury vapour lights and by sugaring. Sugaring is the process of smearing a goopy paste of beer, sugar, molasses and rotten bananas on likely-looking tree trunks. It's amazing just how many moths can be attracted to this foul, though perfectly edible, concoction! I'll go into more detail on another post...something for my faithful readers to really look forward to...