Moths

 

The languid flight

in summer night

of a graceful moth.

Its patterned wings –

exquisite things –

soft like velvet cloth.

No need for flash

or dazzling hue –

subtle panache

bewitches too.

2019

(from the book Discoveries In The Dark by Doris Potter)

© Doris Potter

More Moths in the Neighbourhood

I never thought that I would find such a variety of moths (with many uncommon ones) in my neighbourhood.

Here are new sightings I have made.  As you can see, moths come in all shapes, colours, and sizes!

Nessus Sphinx Moth, amphion floridensis

Banded Tussock Moth, halysidota tessellaris

Maple Callus Borer, synanthedon acerni

Large Lace-border Moth, scopula limboundata

Grapeleaf skeletonizer, harrisina americana

Squash Vine Borer Moth, melitta curcurbitae

Carrot Seed Moth, sitochroa palealis

Moths in the Neighbourhood

As I continue to explore my neighbourhood during this pandemic, I am seeing many insect species.  So many, in fact, that I will do separate posts for moths, butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies, and miscellaneous others.  

You will notice that I may identify an insect with the modifier "possible".  This indicates a case where I have submitted the photo to iNaturalist for identification but have not had a confirmation yet.  I'll update the post as information comes in.

Here are the moths I have seen:

Possible Clover Looper Moth (Caenurgina crassiuscula)

American Dagger Moth (acronicta americana)

Eight-spotted Forester Moth (alypia octomaculata)

Virginia Tiger Moth (Spilosoma virginica)

Grass Veneer Moth (Genus: crambus)

Possible Soft-lined Wave Moth (scopula inductata)

Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth

(macaria pustularia)

Grape Plume Moth (geina periscelidactylus)

Cute Little Moths

This summer has been wonderful for sightings of a type of moth that I find very cute and appealing.

There are several species that flit from flower to flower during the day and I have been lucky enough to find four of them. 

These are fast moving, small insects who usually mimic either hummingbirds, bees, or wasps.  It has been quite a challenge to catch them in flight or as they hover and sip nectar.

Nessus Sphinx Moth

Squash Vine Borer Moth

Hummingbird Clearwing Moth

Snowberry Clearwing Moth

Snowberry Clearwing attacking Hummingbird Clearwing

I noticed that Snowberry moths will chase each other in territorial clashes but are much more aggressive with Hummingbird moths, often making physical contact.

Next time you think you've seen a hummingbird or a bee at a flower, take a closer look!