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.