Recent Microdust...

Well, what can one say about microdust? Never 'erd of it? Well, think of tiny moths...only smaller! Honestly, some of the little blighters are so rediculously small that I have to check the trap contents twice cuz I'm afraid I've missed one on the first sweep - I often have!

Microdust pose a few problems for the MM. Firstly, they can be very difficult to identify - not only because of their tiny stature but also the relative lack of reference material. Secondly, they often will not stay still! It is maddening when all they really wanna do is run around in little (big would be hard for these pint-sized dwarfs) circles when the MM wants then to pose nicely on a leaf! Finally, it can be hard to get in close enough with the camera to get enough of them in the frame without shading them out too much. Problems, problems...but what would the mothing world be like without the odd challenge or two?

I have really grown to like miocrodust. Many are small, dull and boring. However, others are brilliant and gem-like - like tiny Christmas tree decorations. I've included some micropix for your viewing pleasure...


This little fellow belongs to the genus Phyllonorycter in the family Lithocolletinae. I cannot specifically identify it right now but will add the name once sorted. I caught it in my Toronto garden trap. Very tiny, but lovely nonetheless.


This curious-looking creature is Micrurapteryx salicifoliella and is found within the Gracillariidae. They are odd things what with those long legs and pencil-slim wings. I caught this last night here in Toronto. Oh yes, did I mention that they are mostly...very small...


This one is Chionodes formosella and is found in the huge Gelechiidae complex. Subtle but nice. I trapped this one up at the cottage south of Parry Sound a couple of weeks ago.


Lastly, the smart-looking Epicallima argenticinctella in the family Oecophoridae - a moth with a name several times longed than it's own body! Though still a lot larger than most microdust types. This one is quite common throughout Ontario.

I hope you like these tiny creatures. I think I may show you some more next time...