A year after the Cove Fire consumed over 30,000 acres of the Modoc National Forest, the site along Forest Road 40N11 that Leonard and I are monitoring is rapidly recovering. Over the last year we recorded many mammal, bird, … Continue reading
This gallery contains 4 photos.
There are over 100 species of underwing moths (Genus Catocala) in America north of Mexico. Many look similar and are difficult for the amateur to tell apart. Based on range, physical traits and larval hosts, I believe this specimen is … Continue reading
This gallery contains 3 photos.
Although the species name of the yellow woolly bear (Spilosoma virginica) refers to the State of Virginia, this moth is found in wet forests and meadows throughout much of North America. Appropriately, an alternate common name for S. virginica is … Continue reading
This gallery contains 4 photos.
The fingered dagger moth, also commonly called an alder dagger, was formerly classified as a separate species, Acronicta hesperida. This “western form” is now included in Acronicta dactylina and is no longer a separate species. Fingered dagger moth caterpillars are covered … Continue reading
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The white-lined sphinx (Hyles lineata) usually flies at dawn and dusk, although it also flies during the day. This specimen was photographed at Ash Creek Wildlife Refuge (Modoc County CA) in the late afternoon, although it was an overcast day. … Continue reading
This gallery contains 2 photos.
Many sphinx moths are excellent photographic subjects because of their nocturnal nature. For example, this Cerisy’s sphinx (Smerinthus cerisyi) was sitting on some iris leaves in our yard (Modoc County CA). It never moved while being photographed. I was then … Continue reading
This gallery contains 2 photos.
The ceanothus silk moth (Hyalophora euryalus) is found in woodlands and forest from British Columbia to western Montana and south to Baja California. The ceanothus silk moth color varies – rose red, purple red or dark red-brown. The fore wings … Continue reading
