Thursday, July 26, 2018

And More Moths ...


























This is National Moth Week, the subject of the last post on In Forest and Field; because of the large number of species found in northcentral Pennsylvania (vastly more than the total of bird and mammal species combined) here are some additional photos of our moths.


At times moths can be confusing to identify as some species are found in several different colors and/or patterns, witness the abbreviated button slug moth –













Many moths are rather nondescript; others are colorful, even spectacular. Here's a sampling of several dozen moths found in northcental Pennsylvania, first the less showy
















Now, some of our more spectacular and colorful moths   





















Moths aren't just household, agricultural or forest pests - they also feed our songbirds, break down already dead material, are the primary food for northeastern bats and add beauty and interest to our woodlands.

7 comments:

Camera Trap Codger said...

Wow, even more! You are having way too much fun! I recall some of those, and the slug moth rings a bell - I think the larval form can sting. I had never heard of stinging caterpillars, until a friend told me about getting zapped. Said it really hurt. looked it up and found it was a slug moth caterpillar (with a slug like foot).

Tammie Lee said...

How wonderful to see all these moths, you have quite the photo collection of them. I think of them as night time butterflies. So beautiful.

eileeninmd said...

Hello, the moths are beautiful. What a great variety! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend.

italiafinlandia said...

What a series!
I am familiar with some of them... the Rosy Maple and the Soft-lined Wave for instance.
Thanks for sharing.

A Colorful World said...

Wow! Some of the moths are really beautiful! How awesome that you have seen and photographed so many, and can ID them! Wonderful moth post to celebrate moth week!

Jacqueline Donnelly said...

Such gorgeous creatures! Thanks for all these clear and beautiful photos.

The Furry Gnome said...

Wow! You really know your moths!