Uncooperative Moths...

There are times when the moths simply don't want to have their photos taken. I don't know why because I try to make it a painless and enjoyable experience for them. This morning I had all kinds of problems and when they just won't settle down drastic measures must be taken. Usually this takes the form of putting the moth in the fridge for a while. However, of occasion, this still doesn't work! These days, fed-up with having the moth fly into hyperspace before the id clinching photo can be taken, I ensure that I take a few photos whilst the little devil is still in the jar. Doesn't look great but is better than nowt.

The above Pseudaletia unipuncta Armyworm Moth did cooperate though. This is an easy moth to identify, basically the forewing is tan-colored with that tiny white spot in the middle and a faint, slanting apical dash. Is quite common, abundant at times, but I rarely catch them this early in the season.


Uncooperative moth number one was this Palmerworm Moth Dichomeris liguella. I do actually catch this one with some regularity. Quite easy to identify once you realize it's in the Dichomeridinae. Those long, narrow and sharply pointed wings are fairly characteristic.


This uncooperative moth was actually a new species for me - if I've identified it correctly that is. Obviously a tortrix in the genus Acleris I narrowed it down to one species Acleris maccana due to its large size (relatively speaking) and the sharply pointed apex, which is rather unusual within this large and complex genus.

Hmm. They don't look too good in jars do they...