Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Campaea perlata - Pale Beauty

This moth, while not exactly colourful, is none the less a truly beautiful example of a geometrid moth.

























The pale wings and pale but defined lines are just so delicate and clean.  This moth really does deserve its common name of "Pale Beauty."

Even though it is classified as common, I don't see these very often.  This one was photographed on August 14.  I have seen perhaps 2 or 3 since then.

The larvae are known to feed on the leaves of 65 species of both coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs, including blueberries.  Since I live in what is often referred to as "blueberry country," I am surprised I don't see these more often!

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Schizura unicornis - Unicorn Caterpillar Moth

Such a fanciful common name has been applied to this little moth!  It stems from the fact that the larval stage of this moth has a horn-like protrusion from its body.  I only managed to get one decent photograph of the moth, but it certainly was sufficient to identify it.

























What struck me as unusual about this moth was the angle at which it held its wings while sitting on my wall.  It has a very striking angle, as if it's preparing for take-off!

I snapped this one on August 12, and that's normal for this moth - it does appear later in the season.

The larvae feed on a wide range of plants and trees, including alder, apple, aspen, birch, elm, hawthorn, hickory and willow.  There is plenty of alder on my farm, as well as aspen, apple and birch, not to mention elm.  No wonder it decided my place was a good spot to hang out!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Feltia herilis - Master's Dart Moth

This beauty is a later-season moth around my area - at least, that's what I've noticed in terms of their appearance on my wall.  The Master's Dart moth almost looks like it is wearing a ball gown with gold detailing on a black surface.  Perhaps it's a black cape, with gold symbols to indicate superpowers?!

It's so difficult to get the photographs to show the shimmer that dusts the wings of this moth.
This was my first sighting of F. herilis, and it was on August 12. Since then, I've seen several of them after they've been attracted to my porch light.

























Unfortunately, the larvae is a type of cutworm.  It feeds on over 40 different plant species.  Nonetheless, I think the moth is stunning, and I share all the moths I find here, so it deserves its place as much as any other!