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Tag: moth
Western poplar sphinx (Pachysphinx occidentalis) at Ash Canyon.
This beautiful moth has a wingspan of almost 150 mm. As the name suggests the moth’s larvae feed on plants in the poplar family—the canyon cottonwoods and aspen on the Huachuca range peaks.
Follow Up No. 2: I’ve been enjoying observing this season’s azalea caterpillars (Datana major) at FatChance Manor (see previous posts here, and here). At this stage they spend most of their time massed together, wriggling and writhing on whatever azalea leaf they are devouring. But when they are disturbed they immediately rear their fuzzy heads and pronged abdomens, and all motion suddenly stops. The cohort moves together to create a startling alarm display.
Please click photo for full view.
Follow Up No. 2: I’ve been enjoying observing this season’s azalea caterpillars (Datana major) at FatChance Manor (see previous posts here, and here). At this stage they spend most of their time massed together, wriggling and writhing on whatever azalea leaf they are devouring. But when they are disturbed they immediately rear their fuzzy heads and pronged abdomens, and all motion suddenly stops. The cohort moves together to create a startling alarm display.
Please click photo for full view.
Larvae of the azalea caterpillar moth (Datana major), already getting bigger and hairier.
In Portsmouth, Virginia. Please click photo for enlargement.
Larvae of the azalea caterpillar moth (Datana major), already getting bigger and hairier.
In Portsmouth, Virginia. Please click photo for enlargement.
Early instar larvae of the azalea caterpillar moth (Datana major). As the curious formation of its common name suggests, this critter is more notable for its larval phases than its somewhat dull adult stage. These caterpillars will become more vividly colored in later instars.
I hope they eat fast. We leave for Flagstaff in just four days.
Photographed on my Formosa azaleas, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Please click photo for full view.
Early instar larvae of the azalea caterpillar moth (Datana major). As the curious formation of its common name suggests, this critter is more notable for its larval phases than its somewhat dull adult stage. These caterpillars will become more vividly colored in later instars.
I hope they eat fast. We leave for Flagstaff in just four days.
Photographed on my Formosa azaleas, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Please click photo for full view.
Ailanthus webworm moth (Atteva punctella), in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Please click photo to enlarge.
Ailanthus webworm moth (Atteva punctella), in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Please click photo to enlarge.
Dithyramb 