Merry Christmas!!

Mystery Arctiid Moth If anyone know what this gorgeous angel is please feel free to drop by and tell me =) One of many lovelies I found during research binges.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

First off to anyone reading this I wish you a splendid one and a wonderful New Year =) Secondly, long long time no see. I know I haven't posted on here often and I apologize. Life's a pain sometimes. XD I've been back and forth with so much it's amazing I haven't completely cracked under the stress and strain of it all. Idk  what's holding me all together (despite the fact that I've "broken" many times) but I'm extremely thankful for it.....whatever it maybe.

I think in part some of it has to do with my little friends. =) They have been wonderful this year. Once again they've outdone themselves. God bless you all =) So while I'm sitting here on this late/early Christmas morning/night (it's 2:27AM here) drinking hot cocoa and chai (most fave drinks in the world) I've been browsing the internet on various things and have come across some entomological Christmas carols that I'd like to share with you ^^

This is one of them:

Parcoblatta lata Wonderland
(to the tune of “Winter Wonderland”)

Roaches stink, are you smellin’?
Pheromones, they’re a-tellin’.
So succulent-sweet, what woodpeckers eat.
Parcoblatta lata wonderland.

Dr. Schal took a reading.
Found the compounds for breeding
By using some gas as roaches chased ass.
Parcoblatta lata wonderland.

Nuclear magnetic resonating
Let him know what turned a suitor on.
Then he synthesized a mix for baiting
And watched the males all falling for the con.

Now his sexy solution
Tells about evolution:
Viagra for some, for others it’s dumb.
Parcoblatta lata wonderland.

(Instrumental)

People say the lata’s a home-wrecker,
But the bugs are happy in the wood,
‘Til they’re chomped by red-cockaded pecker
Who wants a lata latte in the ‘hood.

Synthesized, it’s a winner.
“Go get laid, then be dinner!”
That pheromone blend helps avian friend.
Parcoblatta lata wonderland.
Parcoblatta lata wonderland.

Source:
“Cockroach Hookup Signal Could Benefit Endangered Wildlife”
NCSU Newsroom
http://news.ncsu.edu/releases/168mkschalpnas/

This pure genius! Whoever comes up with these masterpieces deserves a medal or something. Now anyone know of any Lepidopteran ones? Should I find anything more throughout the day I'll happily post it.

If all goes well there maybe more then one post for today. ^^ I dare say such a thing is greatly needed IMO.  Me thinks a Google search is in order. 

Merry Christmas! 

ɛïɜ

The Heliconiid Identification Project (H.I.P)

......."Both of those are melpomene I think - again hybrids with weird combination of genes but mainly from the east Ecuador hybrid zone around Puyo between H. melpomene plesseni and H. melpomene malleti."

- Chris Jiggins 

First off long time no see!! Haven't posted for forever I know.....life's complicated. XD  Secondly I eat, sleep, and shit, butterflies. ^^ More so then ever before.......♥♥♥

And now on to the fun stuff. 

So a while back (sometime last year) I had wrote about my frustrations that there weren't any guides/books on the Heliconiidae. I mean these butterflies are so versatile and there's practically nothing (book wise except for ONE) on them. -_-. So I have taken matters in to my own hands........

.....until someone wises up I have consulted every PDF I could get my hands on these fascinating butterflies and have contacted 2 extremely wonderful experts one of which has ID'd a bunch for me and is quoted here for future reference (hope you don't mind ^^):

Is believed to be a H. melpomene x H. cydno hybrid. Possible ID made by the wonderful Chris Jiggins



Believed to be a melpomene........neither one of us has seen anything like this before. 0_0



" Heliconius erato cyrbia x H. himera is my guess" - Chris Jiggins

Photo of said H. erato cyrbia x H. himera hybrid. Very proud of this one. ^^*

I've also taken it upon myself to do this:

"Heliconius and Related Genera Plates (Holzinger & Holzinger)" which apparently is from the only actual book on them. 12 more pages to go and I'm done!

2 sets of ink cartridges this thing cost me. XD But it's worth every bit of it. It's been something I've been thinking about doing for the longest time. The NHM actually inspired me to do this after seeing their guide to all the butterflies in the exhibit that they could wind up having. 

Did I mention how much I love that place? ^^♥ There shall be more to come.......this isn't over until they're "all" identified. :P  Fun fun fun!

ɛïɜ

NHM Butterfly Exhibit Visit #6

Rothschildia lebeau.......♥ Male/female from the Saturniid mating fest they had that morning. I unfortunately didn't get to witness such epicness but the eggs were everywhere.......ɛïɜ

Finally went today (was worth the month long wait) and as always they outdo themselves. The Heliconiids are once again confusing the hell out of me but I think I've figured somethings out on them......not everything but I understand a bit more.......I think. XD

Helped staff to ID a Memphis sp. (Memphis eurypyle) and found out about some epic things to go see next time when I go see the spiders before they close........a Moth Gallery! As in a hall filled with nothing but paintings (and framed specimens I think too) of moths from all over the world.

I tried finding it on my way out but I was too late to do so since the museum was closing and I didn't want to be stuck in there (that's a lie yes I would XD) and friends and family would kill me. ^^;; But I learned alot and have even more to look forward to next time.

And they asked me volunteer again........♥ ɛïɜ

*Happy sigh* One day.......I hope to do so.......♥

New Additions:

1. Rothschildia lebeau
2. Troides rhadamanthus
3. Zebra Mosaic (Colobura dirce)
4. Small Owl (Opsiphanes sp.?)
5. Hypolimnas usambara
6. Parides photinus *Did research and am now wondering if Parides and Mimoides are in anyway related...they're too alike!
7. Pointed Leafwing (Anaea (Memphis) eurypyle)
8. African Emigrant
9. Consul sp.
10. Charaxes protoclea *Male and female The male landed on me ^^
11. Ornithoptera priamus euphorion *Held the most beautiful male specimen that had expired and had another male alight on my jacket arm briefly. 
12. Heliconius himera
13. Heliconius erato cyrbia x Heliconius himera hybrid *Possibly was ID'd by Chris Jiggens 
14. Charaxes jasius saturnus
15. Unidentified Clearwing
16. Caligo memnon

Will be posting more photos and videos. Must get to bed!! Nighty night!

ɛïɜ

Steatoda triangulosa Observations

Steatoda triangulosa crawling on the side of my bathtub

Currently as of right now there are 2 of them 1 in the bathroom and 1 at the bottom of one of my closets. Both are females and appear to be a "dark form" (they are very variable in color and patterns). The one in my bathroom which is living under my sink has currently made 2 eggsacs and the first one is going to hatch any day now.

Keeping my eyes on them. Have been doing so since the entire "saga" began around late September.

Sept 17th: Male was found wandering around and had presumably mated with both females (there were 2 in my bathroom for the longest time) and this particular morning I had watched the latest drama unfold whilst having the most epic of bubble baths while I watched the male mess around with the female and then apparently run like hell..... :P

Poor thing was running around all over the place and eventually settled for a while above the light fixture and built a web. He stayed there for a couple of hours and then proceeded to vanish and was never seen again after that. No idea what happened.

The male. Pic was cropped for better viewing for ID'ing because at the time I had no idea what they all were just that they were obviously the same species. XD

Now I'd like to know what possibly could've happened to this fella? Remember I said there were 2 females at the time in my bathroom? Apparently he mated with both of them because both females produced eggsacs. The second female had moved from her original spot which was in the corner of my toilet and was crawling up the side of my bathtub (see photo) and eventually moved over to a corner behind the door and made her magnum opus........

........which proceeded to hatch as I had found 2 of her children in the most unlikely of places after they hatched. In my toothbrush holder and behind the hermit tank O.o

Any way she had stayed behind the door for quite a while and just recently I've noticed she too up and left. Just vanished......poof. WTF? What happened? Where'd she go?

Mean while Charlotte #1 (I've named them all Charlotte ^^;; I couldn't help myself ^_____^) has stayed underneath my sink, made 2 gorgeous eggsacs and proceeds to make me ridiculously happy along with all the other lovelies in my house.

I feed them evil little pests.....I wonder if that helps them along in anyway?? 

Oct 18th: 1st Eggsac will hatch any day now.......officially crunch time to their arrival. *Crosses fingers* I anxiously await the day.

Also I would appreciate if any one could elaborate on this more as there are things I don't understand and I have only theories on. Thank you.

Ichneumon Wasp (Pimpla sp.)

Pimpla sp. Photo from Bugguide......copyrighted to Tom Murray please don't sue. :P Link here for personal reference only. 

First off I want to say LONG TIME NO SEE!! I haven't been here in so long. Life's been crazy......but for the first time in a long long time I'm quite content atm sitting here blogging away about my lovelies listening to Lepidopteran Anthems (you know what I'm talking about ^^) and I haven't felt like this in quite a while so I'm happy.

Looking forward to being reunited with my Lepidopteran friends at you know where ASAP. And the spiders......I'll rant about those later. ^^

So anyway I found one of these lovely little wasps today on my terrace door window......shocking because it was soooo cold out today (Autumn is most definitely here people!!) and proceeded to take videos of course:



Was there for quite a while....went out came back and took this one (had gotten 2 vids, this was the better of the 2). So I wanted to see if I could ID it. These are very common here. I've seen these quite a bit along with  Ophion spp. & something that looks like Torymus spp. on steroids, all almost on my terrace windows or in the lobby window.

I wonder what they prey on? While trying to ID this to species I was forced more or less to simply leave it at Pimpla sp. because once again they're TOO MANY similar species. @_@ It could be:

Pimpla aegualis
Pimpla punicipes
Pimpla annulipes
Pimpla aquilona

or something that's not even within the guide yet. *Shoot me* Don't you just love it when they fuck with your mind? I know I do. I love the research. Perhaps one day I can narrow these down to species should I be blessed to buy micro cameras........one day.......

Off I go to write more entries. Good Lord I have my work cut out for me....but there's so much to tell ^^ 

Field Guide to the Insects of Morning Side Park Part 4

Sphecius specious feeding on some sap/resin from an elm tree.


Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera):

82. Nomophila nearctica

Beetles (Coleoptera):

83. June Bugs (Cotinis nitida) *Green and gold forms; Gold form was observed hovering over a patch of dry grasses, Several Green forms were observed darting/hovering through green grasses. ^^
84. Rove Beetles (Staphylinidae) *Ocypus olens? 
84a. VERY tiny unidentified rove beetle earlier in the year
85. Unidentified Ground beetle larvae

Bees, Wasp, & Ants (Hymenoptera):

86. European Hornet (Vespa crabro)
87. Bald-Faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata)

True Bugs (Hemiptera):

88.  Tibicen tibicen (chloromerus)

Spiders (Araneae):

89. Woodlouse Hunter (Dysdera spp.) *Cannot be sure if it's Dysdera crocata or D. erythrina they were smaller and orange-ish then the others I have seen over the years which might've been erythrina

Cicada Mania #2

Finally after multiple attempts of trying record their gorgeous songs on video I have finally been successful. 

YES!

Well I can definitely say that today was something else with the cicadas. I heard TONS and found a whole bunch of exuviae everywhere. And the burrows..........lots of holes in the ground of where they emerged. I didn't find any adults but I did find a nymph that unfortunately never made it to adulthood for whatever reason.

I cannot wait to go back to see more hopefully. I want to catch on in emergence someday. God that would be so breathtaking!! *.*

Even in death they're adorable!! Look at that face! *.*

Found this poor thing on the ground along with burrows and exuviae. I wonder what happened? One of it's legs was taken off somehow as there was this green gel around that area. 

Now I hope to catch one of these badboys in emergence........but how? What I would need to know is what time of day/night does Tibicen tibicen (chloromerus) emerge? I also suspect that we have Tibicen superba as I've seen one flying through the city a couple of weeks back and I've been hearing different calls that AFAIK aren't T. tibicen (chloromerus). I'll have to look into this a bit more.

But I've just realized that I have no idea on what would be a good time to perhaps catch one in emergence.....can anyone elaborate?

I'd appreciate it immensely.

I had stayed a bit longer today on purpose to find potential mothing areas. I dare say there's quite a few porch lights that I would like to check what moths may come there. But I don't know if it would be at risk to my personal safety because unfortunately they're nutcases out there. >_<

That and the park closes at 10:00PM and I was there until 8:00PM or so.......and from what I observed on my terrace at least the moths don't come out until 11:00PM - 12:00AM.

So that's something I'll have to figure out a bit later......safely of course. As long as I get my precious safe and sound I'm happy.

Long time no see yeah? ^^ Working on filling in post. The butterflies and bugs have been wonderful.
 

Sexing Polygonia spp. And Other Nymphalini Ponderings

From last morning.....from Wednesday's catch R.I.P my lovely you will be missed.

Ok I can't stand the wondering any longer.

On Wednesday I had the second most epic bug hunt ever (posts up later) in my beloved park for National Moth Week (Happy NMW everyone!!) and found a bunch of Nomophila nearctica flitting about the grasses and I captured 2 of those.

And of course the butterflies were as present as ever. I captured Polygonia comma and Polygonia interrogationis (1 of each) from that wonderfully lepidopteran/hymenopteran infested Elm tree that must've been leaking some sort of sap or resin (although I didn't see a thing) because they were all over it. *.*

All of this of course led to questions and realizations. I realized that as far as telling "who's who" the big ones are interrogationis and the smaller ones are comma. And they were both mixed in with each other on that blessed tree.

Which led to the questioning.........

Do Polygonia interrogationis & P. comma ever hybridize with each other? 

If populations are high enough and the "conditions" (whatever they are) are just right......is this possible? Be it I've yet to observe Polygonia spp. mating (GOD how I hope to one day) I have to wonder.......

Are Polygonia spp. Nocturnal?

Don't worry I haven't lost it... :P

I've observed Polygonia interrogationis (?) flying around Kentucky Coffee Trees (Gymnocladus dioicus) at dusk. I have no idea what they were doing but it looked like it could the territorial dances.......Pairs of them were spiraling upwards and chasing each other perching on leaves, darting through the trees.

It was around 7:00-7:30PM around the time the sun starts setting. Sky was still blue but it was dimming fast so I couldn't stay too long lest I worry friends/family ^^

But what were they doing tat late? I've witnessed similar behaviors during the day but.......and then the P. interrogationis and P. comma that I had caught had more or less lulled me to sleep one night. They were fluttering around the pavilion thingy like crazy (it was late-ish 11:00?) and I just laid there on my bed and watched them until I fell asleep.

What's going on????

And last but not least.....

How does one sex Polygonia spp.?

Peterson's Field Guide to Eastern Butterflies depicts both summer and winter forms of Polygonia comma and P. interrogationis but not where I could use it to determine what I have so I was wondering.......greatly.

Would appreciate if someone could shed some light on all of this. They never cease to out do themselves.......such amazing creatures.

*Goes to do more research*

Odonate Wonders

From yesterday:



Little jewels!!



Territorial battle yes?



One more.....♥

Cicada Mania

Tibicen tibicen (chloromerus)

F.I.N.A.L.L.Y.!

It had turned around and flown up towards the trees (not on video) and this sighting took my breath away. Literally.

I cannot stress to you how happy I am about this. I had found 2. First one was on it's way to Cicada Heaven (I kept it naturally) and the second was captured in this video. My suspicions have been confirmed. =)

They had started singing about a week or so earlier. 

I hope to see more. God bless you!!

They continue to out do themselves.......what next?! ^^♥

Moth Night #2

So tonight I must stress that the Heteroceran diversity is simply outstanding. I'm convinced that they know it's "their year" so to speak and they've gone all out.

Add the fact that Mother Nature has been greatly helping them along with all this heat and you have a stunning recipe for Lepidopteran epicness. I went moth hunting again tonight on my terrace and........



Catocala sp. Trying to figure out which. It's a beautiful specimen



FINALLY! Halysidota harrisii My babieeeeessssss *.*




Like a goddess! Mythimna unipuncta 

Best. Roommates. Ever.

Did I mention that my terrace is infested? ^^*

Fieldguide To The Insects of Morningside Park Part 3

Vanessa virginiensis 

Continued from this entry.

Butterflies/Moths (Lepidoptera):

65. Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
66. American Painted Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
67. Questionmark (Polygonia interogationis)
68. Pug Moth (Eupithecia sp.)
69. Elm Spanworm (Ennomos subsignaria)

Beetles (Coleoptera):

70. Propylea quatuordecimpunctata
71. Lucidota atra
72. Photinus pyralis
73. Charitodella sexpunctata bicolor
74. Chlaenius tricolor (?)Still wondering definitely Chlaenius sp. 

True Bugs (Hemiptera):

75. Orthotyline mirids
76. Four Lined Plant Bug (Poecilocapsus lineatus)

Grasshoppers/Crickets (Othoptera):

77. Scudderia sp.

Flies (Diptera):

78. Delphinia picta
79. Rivellia sp.

 Snails/Slugs:

80. Limax maximus
81. Mesomphix globosus

Moth Night #1

As all of you Lepidopteran junkies may or may not know in July they're having the first national moth week of the year where people from around the country (and the world, CYREN DO IT NOW!! :P) record/hunt for moths in their area an am guessing submit their findings to NMW (National Moth Week).

I, of course registered. But I must point out that at least for me Moth "week" had been more like Moth "year" over here as in as soon as it warmed up and the flowers started blooming and the first butterflies of the season started appearing the moths shortly followed.......

.........and simply exploded. There have been so many flying and turning up in the strangest and most unexpected places. There have been so many that I'm seriously considering of dipping into my savings and splurging on some well needed books but I'm going back and forth with that since said savings are for books that aren't easily obtained (they're EXPENSIVE) but I want these books before the year is out so I can properly use them while on my hunts.

Anyway so far I've seen these (around my house and the park):

Ostrinia nubilalis
Hypena scabra
Atteva punctella (FIRST ONE IN YEARS!! I've missed you) *Note now officially Atteva aurea according to Bugguide
Mythmna unipuncta
Unidentified Plusiinae
Unidentified Geometridae (Protoboarmia porcelaria was a contender until experts told me otherwise, will rant later)
Eupithecia spp.
Crocidophora spp.???
Unidentified Yponomeutidae *Researching as I type
Unidentified gray moth in grass
Pyrrharctia isabella
Unidentified White Moth (Geometridae??)

Anxiously awaiting the appearance of Halysidota harrisii. Come on my lovelies!! And now for pictures! These were all on my terrace tonight! ♥

Mythimna unipuncta. There were 4-5 of them flying around the lights. I caught and brought home 2 of them. ^^

Unidentified Yponomeutidae. Currently researching to see if I can narrow it down to at least genius.  Was on my shirt. Was very friendly. *^^*

I dare say to expect more ramblings. I have research to do. Toodles! =)

2012 Year of the Lepidoptera: Pyrrharctia isabella

IT. LAID. EGGS.! OH. MY. GOD.!

I am speechless. Absolutely bloody speechless. I had found this beauty on the steps in the train station of all places on my way to meet a friend and proceeded to take her with me (hence the jar) all the while I was smiling like an idiot on the entire train ride holding said jar with her in there fluttering like mad and looking gorgeous.

And then of course I had to go showing her to anybody and everybody like the trophy she most definitely is. It wasn't until I was on my way to visit family that the icing was added to an already epic cake.

SHE LAID EGGS!!

I then proceeded to jump up and down like a child on Christmas going "OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG" . I'm serious too. XD I literally jumped up and down I was so happy (Is this normal? They literally make me that happy and then some). ^^;;;; So that sealed it for me. I was keeping her (was going to let her go in the park) so I went home and proceeded to set up my little "Lepidopteran pavillion thingy" and make her as comfy as possible while she laid her precious eggs.

Even had the honor of her laying them on my hand has I had held her for a bit to get a better look at her gorgeous self.



Playing around. Was cut short due to memory card being full. XD Don't worry she was safely up righted of course.

Bunking with me of course. Best. Roommate. Ever.

God bless you Lepidoptera

Blogging Fireflies

*Speechless* Look:



Lucidota atra I believe it is. 99% sure. I know it's definitely within the genus Lucidota. =)

5 years since I've last seen thee. What a wonderful day this was. I had an appointment uptown from my house and my friend went with me. There was the most beautiful park in that area (Central Park owns all though, obviously :P) and we went walking through it on our way there.

Epicness had ensued. She (my friend) had told me that this particular park  is always infested with fireflies and that she too hadn't seen them for a while.

I had put this information (along with how to get back up there for future escapades) in the back of my mind never once thinking that I might see a firefly at all. So we get our business done and wind up going around afterwards to some benches and getting some delicious Italian ices.

Got my hands all red and stick from the cherry-y goodness and had my friend laughing (did I mention that for some odd reason I was just happy the entire day?) at my silliness. XD Made reference to the fact that sweet sticky fingers = bugs come a flocking and sure enough the most beautiful firefly came out of nowhere to join us.

*Happy Happy Sigh* First in 5 years, first of the species too. Although I might have to correct myself because a couple of weeks back in May I believe I remember one or two outings where I saw 2 beetles flying through the city that I'm now more sure then ever were fireflies.

Possibly Photinus spp. One individual had yellow within the elytra. When the sunlight had glinted off it you could see it clear as day but I was crossing the street and obviously could not attempt to catch it. ID's: Pyractomena sp.? Guessing here. Wasn't able to see it clearly.

But I know a Lampyrid when I see one in flight. And these 2 individuals were screaming Lampyridae at the top of their precious lungs (spiracles in their case ^^).

Did I mention that I'm absolutely ecstatic? I couldn't stop smiling. My cheeks had started hurting and going numb. It was wonderful. I needed something like this. The entire day was absolutely gorgeous. Thank you Lord.

The butterflies (Pieris rapae) have also left me questions after today's observations. There were so many flying throughout the city and all the beautiful mini gardens (the flowers were INSANE down here) it was wonderfully ridiculous. ^______________^ There was one that flew by me that definitely "earned" the name "butterfly"

It was off-white in color. Not "pure white" like your "regular" Pieris rapae. More like white-yellow? Idk how else to describe it but it lead me to wondering about subspecies (mainly), aberrations & different forms (seasonal or just "normal variation") within Pieris rapae.

So research will commence (with more blog entries possibly too you know how like to ramble ^^;;). Long time no see. *^^*

*Speechless*

Paper Kite (Idea leucanoe) These were "attacking" everyone. Goodness me it was incredible. I wonder what lotion everyone was using? Mine was "tropical fruit something" :P


Last visit before closing (May 28th). I.....it was once again a breathtaking sight to be among such beautiful creatures. After I was more or less content with taking a thousand and one pictures I just "sat back" and watched them.

I'll be forever grateful for this place. It's made me "open my eyes" since apparently I was "blind" before, which is saying something since I loved them all of my life but since visiting this place I've had a brand new appreciation and love for them.

And the intensity of it is shocking. I never thought I could love something so much that it completely takes over your entire being. People yes but with people it's a bit different. *^^* At least with me Idk.........but they make me feel things that people can't. They have been there (insects in general) in ways that people as wonderful as they are cannot.

And I'm forever thankful. God bless you Lepidoptera. Now on with business!

Morpho polyphemus what an honor to hold. Had to rescue this one as one of it's wings was kinda snagged onto one of the pine tree branches. 

Observations:

Once again too many to count and lots of "new species" for me AND for them as well. Had learned that many years back they had Chrysiridia rhipheus......alive in that blessed exhibit. Once again I'm speechless. I hope to one day lay eyes on this moth.

Had also asked about Entomology classes within NYC........I need to start searching CUNY website since I apparently had it all wrong. *^^* I wasn't thinking about all the "Science departments" I was looking for the word Entomology.......no wonder.........*Excited squee*

Observed Monarch (Danaus plexippus) and Great Southern White (Ascia monuste) eclosions!! Of course I have videos which will be posted ASAP since there's so much. The Paper Kites were attacking everyone. Idk what it was......certain people's lotion or perfume? And one Heliconiid was in love with everyone too. Was flying around people like crazy.

New Additions:

1. Green Underwing (Nessaea aglaura)
2. Dero Clearwing (Dircenna dero)
3. Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)
4. Morpho polyphemus
5. Charaxes guderiana
6. Catonephele numilia *Observed both males and females. Sexually dimorphic will be researching the entire genus Catonephele they're STUNNING!
7. Pink Rose (Atrophaneura (Pachliopta) kotzebuea)
8. Parides iphidamas
9. Atala Hairstreak (Eumaeus atala)

Parides iphidamas and Parides arcas are insanely confusing! >_< Observed both males and females of whichever Parides species was flying about. Males were often seen "chasing each other". Was told they have both arcas and iphidamas.

The Paper Kites were another story altogether. They were in love with everyone for some reason. I had stuck out my finger in an attempt to have something land on it not expecting a thing and one (Paper Kite) had just alighted on me. Came out of nowhere. ♥



1 of only God knows how many!! Uploading more pics & Vids to FB as I type this. Stay tuned for more. Aren't they gorgeous?! ♥_♥

The Celastrina Mystery Deepens

So a while back I was researching the Lycaenidae and their insanely fascinating life cycles and had run across this badass PDF on the association with ants within the Lycaenidae (Myrmecophily "ant love") and it got me wondering what exactly did the life cycle entail for Celastrina spp.?

More specifically for Celastrina argiolus and Celastrina neglecta since we supposedly, or rather I should say possibly get both "species" around here. So I started researching and was "reminded" of their seriously fucked taxonomy. >_<

Not only that but I think I'm going to have to edit my list of butterflies and moths in my beloved park again solely due to this:

"There were a lot of these flying around a dirt path by the edge of a woodsy area. I only got the one open-wing shot; luckily it turned out reasonably good! I didn't even realize at the time that it's apparently quite difficult to catch these guys with their wings open.

Peterson's Field Guide to Butterflies has this butterfly labeled as the summer form of Celastrina argiolus, common name Spring Azure. A Google search of "celastrina argiolus" turns up a bunch of results about the Holly Azure. Both of those names appear to be different species here on BugGuide, and there is no page for argiolus. Is it still a recognized species? Or is it now called something else?"

- Joel Gardner, Bugguide

And the response:

"The name was actually given to a Eurasian insect. However, for many years it was thought that ours were all the same variable species with a wide range across two continents. However, now it is thought by many people that none our "Azures" are the same as any of those found in Eurasia, and the name C. argiolus has been dropped for all of ours. Another development is that the idea of all of ours being the same species has changed. It is now understood that we have some populations that are definitely distinct species with different coloration and other characteristics that make them recognizable, and that do not interbreed with one another. There are also lots of populations that use different food plants, or seem to appear at different seasons, but that are not easy to draw lines between. Right now seems to be a phase of learning and naming, and many new names are being given to such populations as if they are really new species. Some likely are, and many likely are not. There has been much study, but needs to be much much more before these Blues are fully understood. To add to the confusion, they are variable in coloring and patterning within populations, and different "broods" of the same population may look quite different (probably the coloring and pattern is affected by things like day length, temperature, and even humidity). So, right now, to sort them out based on photographs alone, is very difficult. Especially since there are varied and conflicting opinions on what is going on. [Personally, I think there are few very adaptable and highly varied species - non many. I also have no problem with the idea that some of ours really could be the same as some of the Eurasian species.]"

- David J. Ferguson, Bugguide

And the response to that:

So basically what it comes down to is, the experts are nearly as confused as I am. Better leave this ID at the genus level for now (though I'll keep it labeled with argiolus in my photo collection; stick to the outdated but more stable taxonomy)

- Joel Gardener, Bugguide

First please don't sue for quoting you guys *^^* I'm trying to understand something here just as we all are on these highly confusing butterflies. @_@

Where's Nabokov when you need him?

So any way it looks like I might have to rewrite my list. If Celastrina argiolus is not a "full species" and......let me stop before I give myself a migraine. Based on observations I had made last year at one point in time I had thought I was seeing both C. argiolus and C. neglecta solely due to the fact that Bugguide had mention that any Azure seen flying after July 1st in the mid-Atlantic region is probably C. neglecta.

But now I'm having doubts as to exactly what I'm seeing. For one I'm not sure if I'm in the mid-Atlantic region. I can tell you I'm NYC, in Manhatten in Harlem and I'm infested up to my knees with butterflies, and all sorts of wonderful insecty goodness.

But is this the mid-Atlantic region? Can anyone confirm? Also Bugguide doesn't have a page for C. argiolus and now I can kind of understand why. But getting back to my observations that's making want to know what I'm seeing.

The blues normally come out around this time (haven't seen any yet.....I blame the weather.) from late April (maybe) through May-June. Last year I remember observing a particularly "friendly" female nectaring on button bush which is where I normally see them excluding individuals passing by my house.

She had her wings open and from what I remember looked sort of like the one in the photo taken by the observer I quoted from Bugguide (links below). Then there was the male I had rescued from the pool in August that changed "everything" I thought I knew about them at the time and just posed more questions.

So at that time I did research and came across Bugguide's neglecta page mentioning that any Azure flying after July 1st is probably C. neglecta. Which sated me for the time being until now. Until this came up while I was researching local Lycaenidae.

In other words: WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!!!

Linkies:

C. argiolus speculation
Bugguide's C. neglecta Page

Happy Mother's Day Snails *^^*

Is now believed to be Mesomphix sp., Mesomphix globosus (McMillan, 1940) Globose Button Thank you David *^^*

This adorable little guy/gal (they're hermaphrodites remember?) was found perched underneath the fence wire in my beloved park and was an absolute joy to have spent time with after spoiling my mother. ^^♥

And of course the butterflies........

 "Mmmmmmmmhmmmmm it's sooooo good!!"

This one must've been starving because no matter what I did it didn't fly off like the others normally do. It just sat there sipping away while I had my hand right next to it's gorgeous face trying to see if it would crawl on me. *^^*

Aaaaand another sighting of Nymphalis antiopa!! Flying through the city while I was on my way to the park. Smh.......what a sight. Also 2 possible dragonflies too. Harmonia axyridis adults and larvae (observed newly molted larva on the underside of a leaf!!).

Never ceases to amaze me........♥ Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms. God bless you all! *^^*

Moths

Suspected Protoboarmia porcelaria on my terrace.

Over the past few days along with the wonderful infestation of butterflies there have been long awaited appearances of my lovely Heteroceran friends.

So far:

Hypena scabra
Ostrinia nubilalis
Protoboarmia porcelaria
1 Unidentified brown beauty on said terrace

I love it! Keep them coming.

The Unidentified One. *^^*

*Notes: Was ALL brown with the hindwings being that classic tan-whitish sand color. Legs were tuffed a bit and the thorax had those little tuffs of scales that stick up in some moths.

Was very "flighty". All over the place. Wish I had gotten better piccies but for some reason it was not a good time for it. I think it had something to do with lighting again.  Need to research possible contenders before "speaking" on anything else.

Fascinating. I'm in awe of the variability of some species. It's amazing!!

Hypena scabra? Picture doesn't do it justice. XD

Specimen as far as patterns go looked a little worn for some odd reason. These like coming into my house alot during the summer. I'm surprised to see one out this early!!

For some reason I remember them coming in a little later in the season. June perhaps? But I've only observed them in my house. Never outside until now. Moth in photo was perched on the side of some wall to a shop a couple of blocks from my house.

Once again the Lepidopterans never cease to amaze me. My gooodneeeeess!! *.*

Mystery Moth

Mystery moth. Was found on the window in the lobby while I went to check mail. Apologies for fuzziness. ^^;;

Nothing but research atm. Came up with following most likely candidates:

The "Contenders"

Ostrinia nubilalis
Crocidophora sp.? *Bugguide only lists a "select few" so not too sure
Mecyna submedialis

↑ Going off on memory of patterns now. I tried (Lord knows I did) to get decent pictures/videos but the environment was not having it. Lighting sucked. *Is pissed* So now the little mothy wothy. :P is somewhere in my housy wousy.

Come out come out wherever you areeeeee. We're not done with our photoshoot!! :P

Butterflies Galore Part 2

Vanessa atalanta nectaring at Philidelphia Orange ("Mock Orange")

Continued from yesterday as there's just so much to show and tell. *^^*

Red admirals and the supposed Question Mark nectaring at Crabapple blossoms? 

Also a shoutout to a Mr. Khalid Fadil who I was conversing with about the supposed Question Mark who told me that the green thorax is a sign of a "fresh specimen". I didn't know this. Thank you very very much. Explains alot now.

Now all that's left is figuring out if they're definitely Question Marks and not just overly large Eastern Commas. :P

But I'm thinking they are.......I just need to see the underside of one of them to know for sure.

Older specimen

Aren't they gorgeous??? *.* Stay tuned for part 3 (YES there's THAT many)!!

Butterflies Galore

Best. Day. Ever.

At precisely 7:00AM this morning my friend had woken me up with the best news ever. "Butterflies ("unidentified") swarming through New Jersey getting ready to come to NYC" ← This was apparently on the news. Already knowing that the red admirals were owning 2012 in other states and slowly making their way over here (had seen about 4 flitting through the city already) I was thinking that the red admirals were the "culprits" until I had asked her what type they said they were.......she said that the news people had said "unidentified".

I had to laugh. XD Don't they research? So this lead me to thinking that if by some crazy chance they weren't the red admirals.......then what were they?

So late afternoon (after the sun FINALLY came out) I took my butt down to my beloved park.....and........*big happy breath*

They. Were. Everywhere.!

TREE RAPE!!

I cannot stress to you how many there were. It's impossible. I counted 4 as I was entering the park and as I got further down.....forget it. XD *Happy squee* I lost count! I can definitely say early on there were "8" (4 from before and 4 flying together in some sort of territorial dance) but after that it was a no go. XD

With in the catnip bushes there were Painted & American Ladies (Vanessa cardui & V. virginiensis) and on the other side of them the red admirals (Vanessa atalanta). These particular ones were smaller then usual.......I wonder why?

Aaaaaand this one:

*Speechless*

I once again have never seen so many.......ever. Except for maybe the Pieris rapae Mating Fest of 2011 but other then that........damn.

I'm also very pleased to report that after today's epic observations I have to add 3 new additions to the list of insects at that beloved park of mine:

American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis)
Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis) *see rant below
Mystery Syrphid Fly *see rant below

Questioning The Question Marks (Polygonia interrogationis)

If this is a Question Mark I don't remember them having green thoraxes.....0_0 Polygonia comma........I don't remember them being like this either.

Observations:

Was on a dead tree sunning itself with a few admirals lazing about. Got into a "fight" with one of the said admirals and wound up chasing it out of the area before it settled back onto it's "perch" (and a mighty big perch too!). Upon taking pictures and trying to get as close as possible without scaring it I noticed it looked a little different from the Eastern Commas (Polygonia comma) that I usually see.

For one it appeared larger and it was lighter in color (the orange) and the spots are a little different. Plus the thorax is green! What in blue blazes is going on here? What is this gorgeous beauty?

Will be cropping photos later for better viewing and ID'ing. 

Mystery Syrphid Fly

A very convincing mimic of Bombus impatiens!


But this is a Syphid fly......any idea on what species? Input is greatly appreciated. =)

This was observed buzzing along with other possible Bombus impatiens. *^^* Very convincing as I had at first thought it was one of the "smaller ones" (will get into this later) until it landed and I got a piccie *^^*

Isn't it just adorable? Once again will be cropping later for better viewing and ID'ing.

Additional Observations:

Harmonia axyridis buzzing about
An Earthworm and a millipede
Tiny ground beetle of some sort
2 "Oak Gall Wasps" on the underside of a supposed Dogwood and an Oak leaf
1 Psyllobora vigintimaculata or Propylea quatourdecimpunctata *This was larger then the last 2 I observed. Idk which species is larger. X_X

One more.......♥

Stay tuned for part #2 (simply because there's so many pictures/videos)! 0_0

*Note: Click on the piccies to make them larger for better viewing/ID'ing. Until next time!

Crittercam: Hypna clymenestra @ NHM Butterfly Exhibit

*Happy Happy Sigh*

Must've been on me for about 30 minutes or so. *^^* From this encounter I can truly appreciate why they're called "Silver Spotted Leafwings".

They're breathtaking.

When Butterflies Pretend To Be Moths & Moths Butterflies

Papilio laglaizei at the NHM Butterfly Exhibit. These are amazing mimics of Alcidis agathyrsus (Uraniidae) which are noxious (did not know this until now). Taken 11-05-11

Lepidoptera as you know has always managed to amaze me in some way for years. Every year as I discover how truly amazing they are they never fail to continue to make me speechless. This is one of those times.

Last couple of days I was reminiscing about past visits to that blessed exhibit of mine (ohh yes it's "mine" it's one of my sanctuaries now ^^) I was remembering a rather interesting butterfly that I couldn't remember exactly what it was. Only that it looked remarkably like one of the Uraniids and it was a Papilioniid within the genera of Papilio.

So naturally I got to researching. Blowing up my photos of their epic collection (you need to actually add some of those Uraniids) I went searching until I found it. And then I did research. Provided.......there's practically nothing on them.

There's only one live photo of an individual (cannot post without permission) all the rest are pinned specimens. Gorgeous yet not as they would be when they're in their prime obviously.

This lack of info has naturally led to questions:

1. What's their status? (Common, Uncommon, Threatened etc)
2. Is anything known of their biology (both the moth and the butterfly)?
3. Being that Papilio laglaizei is a mimic of apparently toxic moth what do the moth larvae eat that makes them so noxious that a butterfly would want to mimic them and not another moth?
4. Do the two ever interact with each other in anyway? Do they ever cross paths?
5. Are there any other Papilionidae that mimic any Heterocerans (Moths for you "non scientific people")?

And anything else on them really. There are many other moths that mimic butterflies.....so much so you'd almost have to wonder.........^^

Alcidis agathyrsus.........*Speechless*

More research is on the way with the whole mimicry ring with butterflies mimicking moths and moths mimicking butterflies.......because this is just fascinating as hell and it leaves me speechless on how convincing they are.

Even on their own.......Uraniidae in general are probably the most colorful and stunning moths on this planet. Smh.........God I cannot get enough!

FEED ME! *^^*

P.S. More photos of Papilio laglaizei here.

Chrysomelid Epicness

I cannot express how beautiful these are!! This is my first time seeing any of the Cassidinae and I've always wanted to lay eyes on any of these as they're some of my favorites of the Chrysomelidae and lo' and behold I get this beauty as a firstie. ♥♥♥♥

I also found 2 Psyllobora vigintimaculata or Propylea quatuordecimpunctata.......Idk which they're so tiny. I tried to get pics but it was just blech. >_<  All of these bad boys were observed on the leaves of Keolreuteria paniculata. *^^*

Is this a coincidence? I'm no expert on the Chrysomelidae or the Coccinellidae but is it a coincidence that they were found on the same tree? Or is it just "diversity"?

Input is greatly appreciated. And after today I've learned I need to pay more attention to the leaves and not just the flowers of various plants & trees. Lots of hidden treasures. Lots of research is underway now. Long time no see *^^*

The 2 ladybugs were on the underside of the leaves and "allowed" me to observe them before either flying off (in the case one individual) or walking onto the upper side of the leaf (in the case of the other individual) which I find odd.....isn't it supposed to be the opposite as walking to the upperside of leaves might put you in the sight of potential predators?

Once again I must learn more. This is fun!

Must go fill in post now since I'm behind in some.....life's been busy. Love you all! *Kissies*

Cheircanthium inclusum/C. mildei

Look who's on my ceiling at 1:30AM =)

Yay!

So after the last few days of March being backwards (it got cold very quickly) my beloved has returned slowly but surely. Also after today being quite hectic I needed a moment of relaxation.

I find it wonderfully ironic that whenever I'm in need of something to calm me down they always seem to make an extra special appearance. As if they know I need cheering up. How this is possible Idk......but I'm forever grateful.

Not only the butterflies (observed Pieris rapae & Polygonia comma) but the BIRDS!! Ohhhh my goodness they were just BADASS today.

Crittercams!

From last year on X-mas eve......♥ I'll have to research these later as Idk a thing on them.



♥

CRANEFLIES!!

Female of Tipula sp. Possibly Tipula (Tipula) paludosa. Observed 03-17-12

It's been a very very long time since I've last seen these. The last one I saw was last year in my bathroom and it was small with orange and black stripes on it's abdomen.

All the others I've seen (that I know know are Tipula spp. due to research) were either on my terrace or lobby windows or upstate at all the camps I went to for the summer.

So it was pleasant surprise to have seen this one buzzing about the various Narcissus invading the grasses.

Chasing Dreams.....

I had the highest of honors today. As of recent I've been swamped with various errands and appointments because life's busy like that sometimes and I was on the train with a friend reading my book on the Arctiidae when my friend had pointed out that "the lady must like butterflies cause she keeps smiling at you".

So I had turned around and asked her "Do you like butterflies?" She answered yes.....but the next words out of her mouth were ones I had not expected in a million years. "I'm an Entomologist" I just about died. So I had asked her about the Mechanitis butterflies and she had told me that she had specialized in Aquatic Entomology which just lead me to ask more questions.

Specifically about a beetle I had found a couple of days prior that I had suspicions of it being a Water Penny Beetle (Psephenidae) but after "proper research" I don't think it was a water penny beetle. I haven't the slightest clue on what it could be. I'll rant about it later.

I had asked her if any species were metallic and she had confirmed that there were some. What I did forget to mention was that this beetle had a very "housefly walk" to it. And the body shape reminded me more of Predacious Diving Beetles (Dytiscidae) but no where as huge as the diving beetles. Absolutely microscopic compared to them. But it's big enough to see and get insanely blurry pictures of. ^^;;

So we spent like 5 minutes discussing the Psephenidae and then next thing you know I'm at my stop and unfortunately had to leave. I was like a kid with "But I don't want to leave" :P But it was mandatory that I do so because my friend would've killed me and I couldn't afford to miss this appointment. But it's an experience I'll never forget.

So many things I wanted to ask her. The Odonata......ohhhh God the Odonata. T_T *Sigh* Here's hoping I meet more Entomologists someday.

This has lead me to remember about the aquatic lepidopteran larvae of the Crambidae and the Pyralidae. 0_0 Research has already commenced as I type this about a dozen possible new entries could from this and other non related research.

Goodness me there's so much.



What I'm currently reading. I'm on Chapter 8 atm. It's a wonderful book. *^^*



The page I was reading on that blessed train ride. Best train ride ever.

Crittercams! The Birds & The Bees.....

Was nectaring at flowering Quince. These have a lovely "apple-y" sent to it.



Anyone know what this is? Seen lots of these and would love to know what they are. Input is immensely appreciated. *^^*

BOTM: Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)

Finally!!

First and foremost I simply must thank the Lord for all the Lepidopteran History being made. Secondly as it's late here I'll only rant about this a little.

This was 1 of 4 I had observed within the past few days. They had all just started coming out on the 14th (I think don't remember there's been so many) and these were some of the new arrivals of the year.

After all of these observations of the beauties I think I've figured out where to find them. Almost every one except one was found in fields of leaf litter with rocks (the ones you climb) and trees. And their camouflage is simply amazing!!

The other "lone" one was observed flying over my head coming down the steps from up where all these flowers are. I wonder where are they all coming from and is this normal that they're out so early? Earlier then last year. 0_0

Shout out goes to my friend Cyren =)

Spring is Here Early

They're here! They're finally here!!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaay!

We have been having unusually warm Spring like weather since late February. Up until this point I've been seeing lots of honeybees and various creepy crawlies but I was aching for my lepidopteran friends and booooy did I get rewarded today. ♥

My little bugaboos:

5 Cabbage Whites (Pieris rapae)
✩ 2 Mourning Cloaks (Nymphalis antiopa) ✩
2-3 Hoverflies
2 Tan slugs
2 Milipedes
1 Spider (funnel web perhaps? Found under a rock)
✩ 1 DeKay's Brown Snake *Finally put an ID to my mystery snake and found another one! Or was it the same one? Found in the same area as the first one.
Bees (Bombus imperialis, mystery bees)
Mystery Wasps
1 Tiny Rove beetle *Never knew they could get so TINY!
1 Ground beetle
1 Centipede
Woodlice

I'm speechless........