Three Good Moths...

I've been lucky of late to visit some excellent sites for my mothing activities. Mostly I've been wanting to acquire some photos of common moths in order to "fill a few gaps". However, some rather lovely and unexpected gems have come my way - here are three of them.

Above is the superb little noctuid Cerma cora. It has to be said that I've been after this one for a long long time, so when I spotted it sitting on the sheet at Raven Lake last weekend it was a mad rush for a jar! Jarred it was, but it took an awful long time the next day before I could secure the photos I wanted. It was a restless little devil and I had to "fridge" it a few times before it got fed-up and humored me with a photo session!

This species seems to be little-known in Ontario. The larvae feed on pin cherry, which is common enough, but the moth itself appears inexplicably rare. It was indeed a rare prize, who knows when the next one will appear...


A couple of nights ago I was down at Wilson Tract again with my good friend Mike. It was another classic session with in excess of 260 species attracted to our battery of six lights. The highlight came pretty early when Mike pointed out an unfamiliar moth fluttering against one of the sheets. It didn't take too long to figure out what it was! Meet Eutilia pulcherrima, the aptly-named Beautiful Eutilia. We were both stunned, and then we saw five more! Just incredible. It reminds me of the Light Marathyssa in general aspect, but is chunky, more boldly patterned and has a large white patch on the hind wing. This lovely moth is on the wing mostly in June here in Ontario and the larval foodplant is poison sumac. Again, it appears extremely local within the province.


After all those Eutilias we figured it would have to take something very special to beat them. Well, there it was, in the bottom of one of the traps - Phosphila miselioides, the Spotted Phosphila. Indeed it was hard to miss what with those stunning snowy-white reniform spots. Sunglasses required! And yet another moth I've long wanted to see. Oh the joys of mothing. This super noctuid flies in mid summer and the larval foodplant is common greenbriar.

I'm off to UK tomorrow, so you may be seeing a few British moths over the next three weeks - stay tuned...

Shiny metallic...

I'm a huge fan of the Loopers. These compact, often shiny devils are the ultimate prize on occasion. Here in Ontario we have a fine selection of Loopers. Most are resident species but quite a few others are uncommon or rare migrants from further south. There are several different genera but here we are concentrating on the genus Plusia.

The beautiful moth above is Plusia putnami, or Putnam's Looper Moth. I was very pleased to see this one on the sheet because it had been about 12 years since I saw my last and I only had some rather grim-looking slides in my photo file. It is fairly widespread in the province but must surely be very local, or I would have caught more over the years. The adult flies from June until October whilst the larvae feed on bur-reed, grasses and sedges. It is only really similar to the species below. So...


On to this one, Plusia contexta, the Connected Looper Moth. A bit more golden overall with the metallic stigma spots fused. Again, a very local species in Ontario. They fly from June until October and the larvae feed on various grasses.


Lastly, not a looper but a fern moth. Callopistria cordata, the Silver-spotted Fern Moth. Pretty common, but lovely nonetheless. This moth is on the wing in June and July, the larvae feed, rather predictably, on ferns...

Smooth as Silk...

Along with my good friends Carolyn and Steve I was helping out with another organized moth event this weekend on behalf of the Carden Nature Festival in the Kirkfield area, a couple of hours drive northeast of Toronto. The weather was near-perfect with a slither of a moon, no rain and wonderfully warm throughout. We arrived on the Friday, caught a pile of moths, kept a few of the nice ones and then held the main event on the Saturday night. It's always good to have a few moths in hand to show the folks before things start to happen.

One of the moths we were pleased to be able to show off was the apple-green beauty above - the incomparable Actias luna, the Luna Moth. Rather amazingly I'd only seen this superb moth once before, at the very bottom of a moth trap at the end of its flight period and looking decidedly shabby! Therefore it was with no small degree of glee that I finally got to see a couple in better condition.


A different individual. Note the large feathery (bipectinate) antennae on this male. These super sensitive organs are used to detect the pheromones exuded by the female Luna Moth. The mercury vapor and blacklight bulbs that we use to attract moths mimic to some extent these pheromones and thus the male moths find the light very attractive, only to be sorely disappointed in the end!


Perhaps the biggest surprise of the weekend was the capture of a couple of this attractive Silky - Hyalophora columbia, the Columbia Silkmoth. I'd been wanting to see this one for many years but rarely had the opportunity to moth anywhere near tamarack trees, the larval foodplant of this lovely moth. It is similar to the much more widespread and familiar Cecropia Moth, but is significantly smaller, darker and lacks the reddish band on the wings beyond the white pm line that is prominent on the Cecropia - see below...


A dorsal view of this beautiful moth. In basic pattern it is very similar to a Cecropia Moth, but note the lack of the pinkish-red band near the trailing edge of the wings. The white wing spots also lack the reddish tinge present on the Cecropia. We were able to directly compare this moth with a Cecropia and found it to be about a third smaller.

This moth appears to be extremely local in Ontario, but it is perhaps overlooked due its short flight period, mostly in June. At this location I later learned that there was a nice swamp with many tamarack trees quite close to the house...


And here is a male Hyalophora cecropia, the Cecropia Moth. On this underside view you can clearly see the reddish band on the wings that separates this from the Columbia. Note also the bright red hair scales on the head and thorax and the pinkish-red shading within the whitish wing spots.


A dorsal view of the same Cecropia, again you can clearly see the pinkish-red band on the wings. Cecropia Moths are pretty common but it is the large green larvae that most folk find rather than the adult moth. The larvae feed on a wide variety of trees and shrubs and the adults fly mostly in June. Is a stunning moth.


The other big silky we saw over the weekend was this one, Antheraea polyphemus, the Polyphemus Moth. Compared to the two Hyalophora species above this large silky is rather drab-looking. In fact it looks a bit like a dead leaf and is remarkably well camouflaged when sitting on a tree. If you disturb one of the giants in the daytime they immediately drop to the ground like a dead leaf - a great mimic. If you do this though don't forget to pick it up and relocate in in a safe place...


Another view of the wonderful Polyphemus. I like this moth. It's not too flashy but it has those amazing eye-spots that are transparent in the middle. The larvae of this species feed on a wide variety of trees and shrubs and the cocoon can often be found in the depths of winter firmly attached to the food plant. The adults fly mostly in early summer. However, I've seen them as late as early August on Pelee Island suggesting a partial second brood.


Thought I'd finish up with a few sphinx moths. We recorded 11 species of sphinx over the course of the weekend, which is quite good. All were common species so there were no surprises. The moth above is the lovely Sphinx kalmiae, the Laurel Sphinx. Widespread within southern Ontario, I usually catch a few each year. Is a very sleek and elegant species with nice subtle colors. The larvae feed on a variety of trees, including ashes, fringe-tree, laurels and others whilst the adults are on the wing between late May and August.


Another sphingid in the genus Sphinx, this time Sphinx poecila, the Northern Apple Sphinx. Again, pretty sleek and tasteful. The moth is easily identified by the black top to the head and thorax. Also, note the relatively plain fore wing with the distinct white reniform spot. The hind wing shows that broad black subterminal band contrasting with the unmarked white fringe. The adults fly in the early summer whilst the larvae feed on a variety of trees and plants.


Always a favorite, the massive Pachysphinx modesta, or Big Poplar Sphinx is always a sight to behold. I've heard it described as a "large flying mouse", and this is indeed a pretty accurate description! the wings are nice shades of grayish-brown, paler basally and with a tasteful flash of crimson (not visible here) on the hind wing. Is common in Ontario, flying mostly in June and July. The larvae feed on poplars and willows.


Lastly, one of our smallest sphingids, Lapara bombycoides, the Northern Pine Sphinx. A trim, compact species with a subtle pattern of blackish lines on a slaty-gray background and no flashy colors. Another pretty common moth that flies in June and July in well-wooded regions. The larvae feed on pines and tamarack.

There were many other moth highlights this weekend and I'll post a few more photos later. Finally, I want to thank our wonderful hostess Dale though for fantastic support during this event. What a great place to live - I'll be back...

Garden Micros...

Just thought I'd post a few moths from last night here in my back yard. There wasn't much considering the weather, perhaps tonight will be better?

Above is another Synanthedon acerrubri! A slightly different view to show the utter craziness of such moths. Gotta love those orange-and-black anal tufts...


Okay, this is not a micro, but since it's a lovely moth that I've never shown you before I thought I'd stick it in. It is Palthis angulalis, the Dark-spotted Palthis. Usually this species has rather long palps that reach out in front of the head, but they are sadly reduced on this individual. It is a common species in Ontario that is on the wing through much of the summer. The larvae feed on a variety of trees and shrubs.


This tortrix has just started to fly for the summer. It is Notocelia illotana. I can't tell you much about it except to say that I catch a lot of them here in Toronto but few elsewhere.


A better view of the lovely tortrix moth Cydia pomonella. All the moths in this genus display beautiful patterns of fine vermiculations often crossed by metallic gold and silver bands.


Finally, a true example of a leaf-mining bit of microdust - Bucculatrix electa. A tiny moth, only about 4mm long. I don't know much about it but will try to find out what its host plant is and let you all know...

Crystal Clear...

I caught a very nice moth in my back yard trap last night. Was the moth above, a clear-winged moth called Synanthedon acerrubri. At first glance I thought it was going to be a closely related species called Synanthedon acerni, the Maple Callus Borer Moth, but I was mistaken, happily so I might add! It has been my experience that it is only S. acerni that actually comes to light on a regular basis - the rest you find by chance visiting flowers during the daytime, only one rarely does.

These clear-winged moths are micros in the family Sesiidae. There are quite a few species in Ontario but they are frustratingly elusive. Lights are ineffective for most species and searching them out in the daytime mostly proves fruitless. Because of their clear-winged appearance and day-flying habits many members of the Sesiidae are probably mistaken for various wasps. The larvae bore into the stems, roots and trunks of various woody and herbaceous plants.

By far the best way to actually see these magnificent creatures is to lure them with pheromones. Short of capturing a female and putting her into a little cage how can one go about this? Well, in UK one can actually buy pheromones. They come in little bags and the idea is to hang different combinations of pheromones in a low tree or shrub to lure different species. I tried it with a mothing friend a couple of years back when we were over there and it works like magic. No sooner had the bags been hung than the female-hungry males appear out of thin air - is quite something. They are then very easy to catch and photograph. I'm not sure if such packages of pheromones are available over here for our species...


Another view of Synanthedon acerrubri. Quite a fantastic-looking creature. I want more!

The Great Rondeau Moth Event...

These images show a few of the nice moths that we saw at Rondeau Provincial Park over the weekend. The weather wasn't the greatest but at least it was quite warm in spite of the blustery and often rainy conditions. It looked great as we drove west out of Toronto, high overcast and warm. It still looked good as we rolled into Rondeau at about 11 at night. Then, just as soon as we stepped out of the car it started to rain! Just typical. Not only did I have to set up in the dark, but in the rain too. Total misery.

However, it was worth it. Moths do fly in the rain you know, and I did want to catch a selection to show the folks before the main event the following evening. So, what do we have. Well, above is Euparthenos nubilis, the Locust Underwing. Not one of the "true" underwings, they all fall into the genus Catocala, but is close enough. Sorry I couldn't tempt it into opening its wings to reveal the flashy pattern of orange and black wavy bands. It is quite variable on the fore wing, this one is pretty average. It is quite common in Ontario where the adults fly between May and September in two broods. The larvae feed on locusts.


This is Charadra deridens, or The Laugher. A chunky, highly patterned species with tons of character. It is reasonably common throughout southern Ontario but always in low numbers. Most individuals I catch are slightly paler than this one. The adults are on the wing between May and September in two or more broods. The larvae feed on a variety of trees.


Horribly gaudy I know but I thought I'd better put this one on at some stage - sorry. This is Dryocampa rubicunda, the Rosy Maple Moth. It is common in the southern part of Ontario, especially close to the shore of Lake Erie. The candy-colored adults fly between May and August whilst the larvae feed on maples and oaks. Even the head looks as though it is fashioned from candy-floss! Yes, it looks good enough to eat, though I cannot be held responsible for what may happen if you do...


Ahh, this is more like it! Subtle and tasteful, yes. The lovely Cycnia oregonensis, or Oregon Cycnia. I do like the understated appearance of this moth, those whitish veins on the pearly-gray background are just right. The adults fly from May through August in two broods. The larvae feed on indian hemp.


We caught five species of Sphinx Moth on this occasion, including this fresh Paonias excaecatus, or Blinded Sphinx. This handsome devil is one of our more common sphingids and is on the wing between May and August in two broods. The larvae feed on a variety of trees and Prunus species.


I was initially confused by this flashy creature before realizing it was an ultra-bright example of the strange Dasylophia thyatiroides, or Gray-patched Prominent. I had never seen one so bright. Indeed, the ones I catch further north are positively dull compared to this - maybe there are two morphs? Anyway, this attractive moth flies between May and August and the larvae feed on hickories and legumes.


Finally, another Zale. Well, we all love 'em do we not. This one is Zale helata, the Brown-spotted Zale. Not one I catch too often, this one was attracted to some goop I had painted on tree trunks near the lights. It is an early flier, like most zales, and is on the wing in May and June. The larvae feed on larch and pines.

Knives Out...

I was helping out with a moth event at Rondeau Provincial Park this past weekend. It was jointly organized by the Toronto Entomologists Association and the Friends of Rondeau. We received fantastic support from the staff at the main park centre and all those who attended had, I think, a great time.

I'll present the main highlights in another post but though I'd show you a few Dagger Moths first. The daggers belong in the genus Acronicta which is within the huge complex of the Noctuidae - of which there are just under 3000 species within North America. There are quite a few species of Acronicta Daggers here in Ontario, maybe about 40 or more species. Many are superbly marked with fine dagger-like streaks on ash-gray wings, whereas others are boldly mottled gray and black.

The Dagger above is one of the more boldly-marked species. It is Acronicta noctivaga, the aptly-named Night-wandering Dagger Moth. A lovely species, it is on the wing from late May until August in wooded areas. The larvae feed on Poplars.


This is one of the "classic" Daggers. It is Acronicta spinigera, the Nondescript Dagger Moth. Beautifully-marked, though subtle - note the "dagger-like" streaks on the fore wing. There are some look-alike species but this one can be told apart by the incomplete thin black edge to the roundish orbicular spot. Like many daggers this one is on the wing from late May through August in two or more broods. The larvae feed on a variety of trees and Rubus species.


Some daggers lack the characteristic dagger-like markings on the fore wing, and this is one of them. It is Acronicta haesitata, the Hesitant Dagger Moth. The almost straight double am. line is a good clue to its identity. Again, the adults fly from May until August in two or more broods. The larvae feed on red and white oak.


This is one of the darker-looking daggers. It is Acronicta afflicta, the Afflicted Dagger Moth. The most obvious feature of this stygian beauty is that bold whitish, dark-centered, orbicular spot on the fore wing. The adults fly from late May until August and the larvae feed on oaks and walnuts.


Though not really a typical dagger moth Simyra henrici, or Henry's Marsh Moth is lumped with them. It more resembles some of the wainscots in the genus Leucania. It is a marsh dwelling species that is on the wing from May until August. The larvae feed on cattails, various grasses, sedges and willows. It is pretty distinctive with the most obvious feature being the three dusky streaks that run lengthwise across the fore wing.

All of these great moths were photographed at Rondeau this past weekend. Well, all that remains for me to say is that I hope you get the point of all this...