Out With a Bang

Vespula maculifrons Queen which may or may not have been still kicking 12-28-13

They were amazing.......last and latest bug hunt of the year. The latest they were out was in November 2011......felt like Spring that day. Today it felt like Spring yet again and I was greatly awarded with all sorts of birds and assorted creepy crawlies.......and a surprise from my lepidopteran friends.

I had originally gone to the park to look for cocoons of various moths.....and maybe butterfly chrysalids or overwintering Polygonia spp. or Nymphalis antiopa and while I didn't find any of those.........I DID find something of a mystery lodged in one of the normally bug infested logs.

Mystery moth pupae 12-28-13

I wonder what exactly made this......so many many possibilities.

It was discussed via facebook & twitter and the possibilities are endless.....

Woodboring Erebidae
Notodontidae (Cerura and Furcula spp. specifically)
Cossidae (Prionoxystus robiniae)

To name a few of what it could be........Notodontids of the genera Cerura & Furcula I haven't seen here in any shape or form nor have I seen Prionoxystus robiniae or any of the other 3 Eastern N. American Cossidae. The pupa wasn't "large" by any means......but it wasn't "small" either. Medium? And skinny....but not too skinny.

Providing the weather is nice again after the snow we're supposed to get in a few days. I'll go back and see if it's still there and try and get better pics and maybe try and get it out. I tried but it seemed like it was stuck in there pretty tightly.

Silken pads most likely......and the added protection of a deep enough notch in a log. ^^* Another question though is when did it emerge? Last time I was there (Oct 15th) I didn't see it there but then again I wasn't looking for cocoons or pupae/chrysalids then since the adults of various lepidopterans were out pollinating the last of the flowers.

My only guess it that it was over looked. It wouldn't make sense for it to have crawled in there say late/early October pupated and then emerged on an abnormally warm Autumn/winter day only to eventually freeze to death. Don't have the climate for them to do that "successfully".

But I wouldn't rule anything out at this point. But the possibility of it being overlooked is more likely. Hope to find more this year......♥



Some kind of ground beetle?

No clue!! Was a shock to find this and many others zipping about. Midges/craneflies (these were in some sort of swarm) another beetle in flight, slugs, milipedes, centipedes.......woodlice. Oh it was wonderful not to mention the birds.



Juncos!! Some friends had confirmed these are juncos and I had also learned that there might be a junco species complex (Idk if that would be the right term here but Idk that much about birds to begin with) since the "experts had lumped them all together" so to speak according to said friends.

Aren't they just darling little things? Here's another:



I have many more but I'll post those in another post as once again I've probably ranted enough about my precious lovely little friends.....but I can't help it. *^^*

Until next time.

ɛïɜ

Moth Count 2013

Helicoverpa zea 09-17-13 ~ 09-18-13

So I've decided to document all the moths I've seen this year that I've ID'd and more or less ID'd. I had already more or less done this in a journal of sorts (along with every other insect/spider) I've seen earlier in the season due to the lack of a camera.

I continued after purchasing another camera out of habit and utter enjoyment I got from doing so. Also since I wasn't able to participate in National Moth Week (due to lack of camera and the weather being entirely inappropriate for moth hunting the entire week) this I think more then makes up for it I think. I'm wondering if I could submit these anywhere......at least the ones I was able to photograph??

*Note these aren't in order......exactly......just listing for convenience and enjoyment. Dates added when possible.

June

Campaea perlata 06-05-13 (Flat Rock Nature Reserve NJ)*
1 Unidentified "Zebra patterned" moth 06-05-13 (Flat Rock Nature Reserve)**
Dichomeris picrocarpa 06-05-13 (Tenafly (sp?) NJ)
Eido trimaculata 06-05-13 (Tenafly NJ) 
Hypena sp. 06-21-13

August

Costaconvexa centrostrigaria (2) 08-15-13
Hyphantria cunea 08-15-13
Pleuroprucha insulsaria 09-15-13
Autographa precationis 09-20-13
Elasmopalpus lignosellus 08-24-13
Mythimna unipuncta 08-27-13
Eupithecia miserualata 09-19-13
Dolichomia sp. Dolichomia olinalis? 08-24-13
Unidentified micro moth 08-27-13


September

Autographa precationis 09-06-13***
Orthonama obstipata 09-07-13
Unidentified Moth 09-12-13 Speculations of what it could've been:

Spiramater lutra
Mamestra aurialis
Apamea dubitans
Condica vecors
Acronicta afflicta

*Note: All the moths listed above have similar wing colors & patterns to the one on my terrace that night. I was unfortunately unable to capture it to confirm it's identity. This pisses me off greatly......sneaky little buggers. :P

Spoladea recurvalis 10-01-13 Saw about 5-6 of these throughout the season. First sighting was on 09-17-13. Was an utter bitch to ID but soooo much fun. *^^*

Caradrina montana 09-14-13 ~ 09-15-13 (1 for each night!)
Noctua pronuba 09-15-13 *Female looked gravid
Helicoverpa zea 09-17-13 ~ 09-18-13
Emmelina monodactyla 09-29-13
Canarsia ulmiarrosorella 09-29-13
Coleophora pruniella (Possibly.......guessing here...seen only briefly before it took off) 09-29-13

Atteva aurea 10-02-13 Hadn't seen these in a looooooong time. 

October

Spoladea recurvalis 10-01-13 ~10-10-13
Hypena scabra (?) 10-10-13

Halysidota harrisii caterpillar *Date unknown atm
Pyralis farinalis *Dates unknown atm
Spodoptera ornithogalli *Date unknown

A VERY cold Hypena scabra (Date unknown) It's very much alive. Not to worry. *^^*

Notes:

*Campaea perlata was found on the most EPIC bug hunt of the year. My friend had taken me up to New Jersey to see the cicadas and other assorted angels. Pics later.....in another entry. I think I've spammed you all enough. :P

** Unidentified "Zebra moth" was small.......not as small as some other moths I've seen
*** Autographa precationis was quite plentiful this year. Seen on numerous occasions throughout the season. A few of them might also have been Spodoptera ornithogalli......it's surprising how much they can look alike from a distance. XD

Additional Notes:

*Dichomerus picrocarpa & Eido trimaculata were both seen up at my friends house after the cicada fest. Skippers and Tiger Swallowtails joined in along with NUMEROUS other creepy crawly LOVELY angels of all sorts.

Oki doki that just about wraps this up for now.......will be edited as needed of course. Many firsts for me this season (and there's more to tell!!). Deliriously happy about all that's occurred bug wise. I only hope it gets even better with coming new year.

Speaking of which I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Bug infested 2014.

God bless!

ɛïɜ

Monarchs 2013

Danaus plexippus (Male) 10-15-13 3rd and last monarch of the season at the park by my house

As you know monarchs are declining year after year. This year I've only seen 3 and the year before I saw about maybe 20 give or take throughout the entire season (I wasn't able to get photos because these were almost always in flight like they were on a mission)!! This year I'm proud to say I've gotten pictures & videos of the blessed angels on 2 occasions.

The one pictured above was an absolute pleasure and honor to observe. I made a point of pointing it out to anyone who passed by while I was taking pictures (this is the best one out of maybe 10 attempts) of it feeding on the buddleia. It was a male. I hope it made it to Mexico okay.

Danaus plexippus (Female) 10-12-13 Bronx Zoo outside the restrooms

This one I had spotted in the treetops during my trip to the Bronx Zoo. What a pleasant surprise. I'm also happy to report that they FINALLY planted a nice patch of milkweed in the park by my house. Orange Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa?) I hope it helps the monarchs that fly through here immensely.

The first one I had spotted I wasn't able to to get pictures of due to the lack of a camera (I had unfortunately lost my old one) and the fact that it flew by me so quickly it would've been impossible to do so any way. XD It came out of nowhere just as I was pondering whether or not I'd see any this year........coincidence? I don't think so.

That wouldn't be the first time butterflies (in general) popped up in ways that make me wonder........especially this year. Any way, as for the monarchs I'll do everything I can to support them and spread the awareness that they need our help badly. Including keeping track of them and seeing if I can get some milkweed for my own purposes.....we'll see.

Here's a video of the first one: Click!! (Facebook doesn't allow you embed videos anymore bummer)

Until next time!!

ɛïɜ

I.F.B. Common's Moths of Australia

Plate from I.F.B. Common's Moths of Australia 04-25-13

FINALLY!!

I get to read this magnum opus. The NHM has a research library and they have........everything. It's magnificent and I was so content in there surrounded by dozens of books on my precious angels. But the most coveted one was I.F.B Common's Moths of Australia which I'll be ranting about.

First off this book is one of, if not THE most well written pieces of literature on our Heteroceran friends and it's something I've wanted for a very very long time. Sadly for reasons currently unknown (I'm trying to find out why) the book is out of print and thus insanely hard to get a hold of.

Sometime last year I found out the museum had a library and well........you can guess what happened next. I went searching their archives to see if they had it during my hunt for a copy and lo and behold they did. And I finally got to read a nice big chunk of it (they don't let anyone check out books, not even the staff! Unless under special circumstances) and take a shitload of notes. My hand was cramping toward the end of the day.......ohhhh it was wonderful.

This magnum opus of a book has both color and black and white photos a very nice layout of all the moth families found in Australia and insanely wonderfully well written descriptions of their life cycles, behavior, species themselves, everything. In short Mr. Common is a genus and has my full and utter respect and idolization.

I can fully understand why people would flip their shit over this book (as I have done) it's everything I thought it would be and more.

It also has occurred to me that I think these might be the first photos of this book online.........holy shit. I haven't found any except for the cover while searching online to see where I could possibly purchase a copy.

Bring on the photos:

Utter perfection!


One of the main reasons this book was of particular interest to me besides the obvious was the extensive information on the Epipyropidae whose larvae are parasites on various species of Homopterans. Epipyropids are yet another rule breaker of the "typical rules of Lepidoptera".

For example Common states that:

1. Larvae of Epipyropidae have been recorded on lepidopterous larvae
2. Females of Agamopsyche threnodes (Epipyropidae) are *PARTHENOGENETIC*

PARTHENOGENETIC LEPIDOPTERA PEOPLE!!

Holy. Shit.

If I remember correctly a while back I think stated something on the possibility of parthenogenetic lepidoptera, if there were any or something along the lines and that how I didn't see how that could be possible blah blah blah.

And how course I was open to any possibility of there being any......and look what happens. Holy shit. There's so much to rant about involving this book. I want to go back there and try and see if I can read the entire thing cover to cover.

I think it's doable. We'll have to see. I'll post more photos in other entries (there's more books to rant about) since for some reason I'm having trouble uploading more pics.

God bless you I.F.B Common.

ɛïɜ

Mystery Swallowtail - Heraclides anchisiades

Heraclides anchisiades? 03-22-13

I'm more then certain that this is Heraclides anchisiades. For a while though I was researching various other similarly patterned swallowtails and giving myself rather "pleasant" headaches trying to figure out what this is.



My friend had thought it was Papilio rogeri pharneces and I was inclined to agree until my second visit where I looked in their book and saw Heraclides anchisiades listed in there and went home and did research. I found this that further told me that this is/was most likely H. anchisiades.

Of course this is all still open to speculation but I'm 99.9% sure this is H. anchisiades.......I'd like to know what subspecies if possible. I don't know if the pics/vids are clear enough to determine that but........^^;;




Another one.

Interesting huh?

NHM Butterfly Exhibit #10

Papilio palinurus or Papilio daedalus 

Visit #10!! This was magnificent as always. Because it's towards the end of the season it was alot calmer and not so many people and not as many butterflies but still plentiful. Hmmm lets see....there were TONS of atlas moths. At least 4-5 of them hidden throughout the blessed place and I managed to get some extremely nice photos of my lovely angels.

I also had Heliconius cydno and Idea leucanoe adorn my hat for atleast an hour each. They simply wouldn't leave and in the case of Idea leucanoe I would've walked out the door with it had the staff not "intervened" (I was all for taking it home too :P).

Obeservations:

Papilio palinurus

There were 2. First one was perched up in the vegetation second one was flying around and had brushed against me and landed on the floor. One of the staff had picked it up and it was off flying again. It had reached the heat lights and the feeders. And I guess the light from the light fixtures emphasized this but as it was flying around the green of it's wings changed from green to blue to green again in various shades streaked with gold and silver.......*.* Like glitter.

I must stress to you how breathtaking this was. This verse never rang truer:

"Safe and warm I was born in a beige colored coat
Then I traded for wings built to dazzle and float....."

 ɛïɜ

 I was standing there with my mouth open. Literally. It then settled on the vegetation and I proceeded to get pics (see above). And if you look hard enough you can see said iridescence and the fact that the green is darker here then lets say this one:

This one was perched high up and away from nearby light sources. Species wise friends and I were speculating between P. palinurus & P. daedalus. But I'm 99% sure is palinurus. I'll rant on this later in another entry. They had these here before on 2 other occasions but this is my first interaction with them.

All the other times they were just perched somewhere out of the way and then they'd vanish and not be seen again. XD So this was beyond lovely. And they're my new fave after today.

Danaus plexippus

They had more of them today then I ever remember them having within the 9 other times I've been here. I've observed something today that I never knew about my precious lovelies. They too are iridescent. The black wing tips of monarchs have a blue iridescence to them under light.

It was GORGEOUS!! *.*

New Additions:

1. Heliconius cydno galanthus f. exornata (?)
2. Hamadryas (Ageronia) amphione 
3. Papilio polytes f. romulus (Female)
4. Possible Anaea andria
And 2 nymphalids that may or may not be "new". I think one of them was a Chocolate Pansy (Junonia iphita) which I've already listed and the other is one of the leafwings but I don't recognize it.

Any ideas as to what this lovely angel might be? Only thing I can think of based on wing shape is Anaea andria, and if that's the case then another new lovely angel has to be officially added to the ever growing list. ^_^

Inputs and suggestions always appreciated.

ɛïɜ

Moth List (A List of Moths Identified in my Area)

Microcrambus biguttellus 06-25-12

Another late nighter for me so I compiled a list of sorts of all the moths I have seen last year & throughout the years (for some) that I have successfully, or somewhat successfully identified.

I hope to add to this of course as the years go on.

My House/Park:

Sycamore Tussock (Halysidota harrisii)
The White-Speck (Mythimna unipuncta)
Underwing (Catocala innubens)
Bent-Line Carpet (Costaconvexa centrostrigaria)
Gold-Stripe Grass-Veneer (Microcrambus biguttellus)
Sober Renia (Renia sobrialis)
Common Looper (Autographa precationis)?
Pugs (Eupethecia spp.)
Yellow-Striped Armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli)
Lucerne Moth (Nomophila nearctica)
Maple Span Worm (Ennomos subsignaria)
European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis)
Hummingbird Clearwing (Hemaris thysbe)
Green Cloverworm (Hypena scabra)
Ailanthus Webworm (Atteva aurea)
Unidentified White Micromoth


Elsewhere:

Isabella Tigermoth (Pyrrharctia isabellae)
Lichen Moth (Crambidia pallida)
Dubious Tiger Moth (Spilosoma dubia)?

Supposed Spilosoma dubia

However looking at it again, comparing images in the Peterson's Fieldguide to Moths of North Easter North America I don't think it's Spilosoma dubia........no idea. I'll have to research more.

Pretty though. Was found in the window of a closed down store last year (I think it might still be there 0_0). Pitty I couldn't get to it for better observation/ID's but at least the pic is decent. ^^

Will edit as necessary. ^_^

Mystery Spider (Salticidae?)

1 of 5

Found this in my room this morning..........they just continue to outdo themselves. I'm thinking it's a Salticid but other then that I have no idea. Will be submitting video stills to Bugguide for possible ID's.......if I'm lucky I could get atleast to genera. XD

Another (better quality/viewing):



Facebook takes away the quality of videos. -_- This was/is much clearer elsewhere. But at least you can have an idea of what he (I believe it's a male since the pedipalps are visible and longish) looks like.

First of many creepy crawlies to come out. The others were wasps (Polistes dominula & 1 HUGE unidentified one). But for the most part it's been "quiet". Lots of flowers though. The weather is absolutely off it's rocker. Not normal Spring weather at all.

I'd like it go back to normal so I can enjoy it and look for my lovely angels please. ^^ Until next time. I'm off to try and ID this little fella

Wish me luck!

NHM Butterfly Exhibit Visit #9

What I believe to be a Heliconius cydno x Heliconius melpomene/erato (?) hybrid 04-13-13

I had the most delightful and rewarding (I GOT TO HOLD AN ATLAS MOTH!) visit today at my paradise. I had been invited to tag along with a friends trip with her daughter and we went and saw all sorts of things. Wound up in the Hall of Biodiversity and laid eyes on utter epicness:

Just one of MANY displays in the Hall of Biodiversity 04-13-13

Among other wonderful things. I also found out where the library is.......so I'll be investigating that ASAP. I want my books ^^* They have I.F.B Common's Moths of Australia (I had checked their databases) and I want to read it. It's out of print unfortunately so I at least want to read it. I hope one day I'll be lucky enough to obtain a copy somehow to call my own but for now I'd like to just be able to read that magnum opus.

After running around various exhibits I finally got to go see my precious lepidopteran angels.......and as I've said was rewarded greatly as I got to hold an Atlas moth (Attacus atlas). *.*

We (me and a volunteer) had basically rescued the precious angel from being stuck in the window bar thingy. And the poor guy was having a shit fit over my handling it (we're not supposed to disturb the moths & and he was a volunteer and didn't want to get in trouble) which cut my time short holding said precious angel. I did manage to get a hasty video though of my having a happy fit while said volunteer was trying to get me to "hand it over". I'll post that later. Now it's on with the lovelyness"

New Additions:

1. Parthenos sylvia philippinica*
2. Parthenos sylvia lilacina*
3. Heliconius eleuchia *Or it could've been H. sapho or H. cydno?
4. Unidentified orange Charaxes sp.?
5. Heliconius hybrid *Found a pic of this particular one online and I need to find it again to know the ID. This is pending
6. Numerous unidentified Heliconius hybrids, subspecies, etc. *.*
6a. Heliconius melpomene plesseni hybrids ♥

 *Parthenos sylvia philippinica & P. s. lilacina they've both had before but I didn't know that they were subspecies. I thought they were different color forms of Parthenos sylvia. Thanks to my friends Payam & Dave for ID'ing lovely angels. ^^♥

I also saw a Tuffed Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) outside the museum too. So many many birds everywhere that I've never had the pleasure of seeing before. Wonderful!

They also had my mystery swallowtail again and I'm now more then certain (99%) sure that it's Heraclides anchisiades. I'll have a separate post for this as there's alot to rant about.

Happy happy.

ɛïɜ

*Rant Alert* Neuroptera #1

Examples of 2 species of Nemopteridae (Neuroptera) Halter imperatrix & Chasmoptera sheppardi (which as of right now may or may not be synonyms).

It's 4:00 AM as I type this. XD For the past couple of days or so I've been researching them. Exactly what spurred this one (research binge) I haven't the slightest idea anymore but I've been re-falling in love with them due to said research. To sum it up, since it's late Neuroptera (Lacewings) have numerous families and of those families I absolutely adore the Nemopteridae, which I have just realized bear a resemblance to Himantopteridid moths (is this intentional or a coinicidence?) and Ascalaphidae......oh don't get me started on those.

I wish more then anything involving Neuroptera that we had Ascalaphids here. Never had the pleasure of personally observing them........only pictures (same goes with Nemopteridae). Speaking of which:

Nemoptera bipennis (Neuroptera: Nemopteridae) 

I kinda wanna briefly research even more on these wonderful insects but as I said it's late XD I MUST make time to do so later tomorrow. I did find some rather wonderful papers on them via. Wikipedia of all places (which has an insane amount of info, with references). I've been taking notes.

Only ones I've observed around here are Chrysopa/Chrysoperla spp. and the Brown Lacewings who's names I'm forgetting right now. Oh and then there's this:

Australian Ascalaphid........does anyone know what species? Will ask around. Any and all info/inputs are greatly welcomed and appreciated =)

Stay tuned for part 2 cause I must get some sleep and I can't think other then "OMG they're beautiful wheeeeeeee" :P

Nighty night!

NHM Butterfly Exhibit Visit #8

Female Attacus atlas laying eggs 03-22-13

If I counted right......I think this is the 8th visit since this wonderful insanity started in 2011. I cannot wait to get to visit number 10 whenever that'll be. But this one is memorable.........because I met Hazel Davies program director and Author (I proudly have one of her books sitting on the table amongst many others in my house) and although my meeting with her was brief it was infested with information on my lovelies. Volunteering also came up yet again.......I seriously think I'm gonna do it at some point. First though personal things have to be permanently taken care of and then they're (butterflies) are mine.......

all mine.......

She was mentioning schedules and I was thinking Sundays since I virtually don't have anything to do on Sundays so.....we'll see. But I'm not going to count my Actias luna eggs before they hatch......I'll keep my fingers tightly crossed though.

And now......

New Additions:

1. Papilio nephelus sunatus
2. Forest Queen (Euxanthe wakefieldi)
3. Tirumala septentrionis *
4. Atrophaneura aristolochia
5. Adelpha epione? **
6. Unidentified Heliconius *Possibly H. melpomene according to Hazel Davies 
7. Unidentified Papilionid *Possibly in the genera Eurytides or even Parides according to Dave Rolfe
8. Papilio demodocus

* These were (or another similar looking species (remember similar species within different genera) here before plenty of times and today the ones I saw were confirmed as Tirumala septentrionis
** Had seen several and asked which species they were and was told "Barred Sister" (Latin name unknown to all at the time) so I'd briefly check around online and the only "Barred Sister" I came across was the White-Barred Sister (Adelpha epione). 

The Unidentified Swallowtail. Never seen anything like it. Any and all input is greatly appreciated ^^

Papilio nephelus sunatus

There were also what looked like Parides photinus flying around too only that the black in the wings seems more grey/silvery to me and the tails might've been longer........I managed to get on in a video (will post shortly) but Idk if it's enough to ID them definitely as there's also a Mimoides sp. that looks like it too (mimicry is crazy).

2 Attacus atlas females were also observed. One was up right over the entrance door (photo) and the other was in the bushes a little ways away from said door on the other side. She unfortunately was near the end of her life as the poor thing wouldn't stop trembling.

She was still magnificent to see nonetheless. Euxanthe wakefieldi which just popped out of nowhere and I managed to get a couple of fuzzy pictures. Oh and there's this in the subway exits:

Protographium (Eurytides) marcellus!! ^^♥ 

Stuff like this was all over the walls and on the ground to the last exit they were letting people through because all the other ones were closed (yes I stayed "late" again). Didn't even know they had this.......♥

Epic! Oh! And I finally got to see "Flight of The Butterflies". It's a magnificent film and it left me with an even greater appreciation and love for Danaus plexippus and Mr. Urquhart God bless you both.

I'll leave a proper review of that in another post. For now I have research and more posts to write.

ɛïɜ

Happy Spring/Manduca sexta Emergence ɛïɜ

Manduca sexta 03-20-13 Freshly eclosed...........what a beauty.

"On the first day of Spring Mother Nature gave to me, a freshly emerged Manduca sextaaaaaa" :P

At around 8:00-8:30PM my lovely angel finally came into the world (again) as a beautiful adult Carolina Sphinx Moth (Manduca sexta). Totally unexpected and wonderful shock, and on top of that on the first day of Spring.

Talk about irony. Don't you just love it? ^^ I had heard quite a bit of rustling and I was thinking "WTF is that?" knowing that we get all sorts of critters in here (and I was hoping it wasn't a mouse XD) only to look and see the pupa moving and fall off the sponge I had it on. It then "burst open" with this lovely angel thrashing around to get out.

It immediately starting climbing everything to get to a higher spot to expand it's wings tried to help it out by letting it crawl on my finger hoping it would settle there........no it had other ideas ^^;;;; It had wound up crawling onto my shoulder at which point I just put it back into the pavillion thingy (what do you call those netted butterfly enclosures anyway?) where it climbed to the top and eventually settled down to expand it's wings.

Took about an hour or so give or take. I sat there the whole time and watched it taking pics & vids at different intervals. Since it was already dark out some are a bit blurry but what can you do when the lighting atm sucks? :P Work with what you got that's what.

Manduca sexta 03-20-13 Climbing up the sides of the pavilion thingy. Old pupal shell I had gently removed after taking this photo.

Of the brief minute or two I got to hold it I can tell you 2 things.

1. They as adults also have quite a grip (the larvae did too, perhaps even more so being that they're nothing but muscles designed for munching, chomping, etc).
2. They have a scent after they emerge. Idk how to explain it......it's not like anything I've ever smelt before. I know there's a "freshness" to it. Idk what it was that gave it that scent.....meconium?

And speaking of meconium the little sucker had dripped a nice splotch of it on the "floor" of the pavillion thingy......I do hope that'll come out easier later. XD

Manduca sexta 03-20-13 in the process of expanding and drying its wings. 

"Safe and warm I was born in a beige colored coat
Then I traded for wings built to dazzle and float........."

Perfection utter perfection!! *.* ♥ ɛïɜ

I cannot stress to you the utter joy I felt through out the entire miracle that was taking place in my house. And as I sit here thinking about it (in general) I'm utterly baffled and amazed on how these lovely and often misunderstood creatures come to be.

I once again have to thank the Lord for allowing me to enjoy his epic creations. I love every single one of them to pieces. And I hope that I get to enjoy more experiences with them in the future. Every year for the rest of my life.......♥

Manduca sexta diversity.....no idea they were so variable *.* ♥ɛïɜ

Found this while I was doing brief but thorough research on my lovely angels. I want to know what I have (male or female) as sexing Sphinx moths for me at least is not as easy as other moths (i.e. Saturniids) because their antennae aren't easily distinguishable.

But the general gist, females have thinner antennae & males have thicker antennae and after looking at photos of both males and females I think it's a male. ^^*

I'll have to wait until daylight to start getting better pictures/videos. Now I must go to bed. I have unfortunately picked up the habit of becoming nocturnal like my lovely heteroceran (moths for you non ento/lepto geeks) friends and that's no bueno.........it's already 4:40AM XD

Play time with the Sphinxy continues tomorrow. 

"I might leave very soon I might soar through the air
Weave a golden cocoon hung with silk fine and fair
I might leave this behind all this glitter and shine
And go far from the star of the show.........

....Oh there must be a reason for this time and season 
As empty and long as it seems but there's more to this moth
Then just fabulous cloth so I'll keep holding onto my dreams......."

ɛïɜ

NHM Butterflies: Chilasa clytia

Chilasa clytia f. clytia 03-01-13

Was mistaken for a Euploea sp. Once again I'm amazed at mimicry and how utterly convincing it is even to us humans. First of Chilasa clytia is a swallowtail.........

.......secondly and perhaps most obviously they mimic the Danaid butterflies of the genus Euploea and had successfully fooled me into thinking it was a distasteful Euploea. Bravo on job well done. =) Thirdly according H. L. Lewis Chilasa clytia has 2 distinct color forms named dissimilis (light) and clytia (dark).

And also I need to revise my list as I believe that at the time I had listed this lovely angel as an unidentified Euploea sp. because I didn't recognize it. No wonder......

I cannot get enough of them......nope. Never ending treasure.......♥

ɛïɜ

Moth Gallery

Actias luna *.*

So I finally got to see this. Basically it's nothing but a large hallway with the walls covered entirely in high resolution pictures of various species of moths depicting their breathtaking beauty.

I just about died though when I saw that they had these too:



"Actias luuuuunnaaaaa" *.* :P

Felt nothing but utter joy. Completely light and happy. Best birthday ever. A nice little overview of what this place is like:



I can't stress to you the utter joy I felt. Epic

Lepidopteran Birthday Bash

Rothschildia lebeau 03-01-13

*Speechless*

Best. Birthday. Ever.

To spend the entire day with the things and people you love most..........♥ Friends gave me money to go to the museum and epicness ensued. I hadn't been there in so long because life is busy (even more so now) so to have this "escape" was wonderful.

To make it even more epic Allison (one of the staff) gave me 2 extra voucher tickets to come back within the month. *.* I owe them everything.

Now onto the fun!

Observations:

Besides the fact that they were everywhere and all over me? ^^* One of the first ones I saw when I went inside was the Rothschildia lebeau which was at first hiding/resting among the Pentas and looking absolutely gorgeous. A little worn but stunning nonetheless.

Before I went in I had spotted what I now believe to be a Graphium antheus through the window:

Can you see it? I know it's not very clear ^^;;;;;;

And had spotted it again 2 other times but was not able to get better pictures/videos of it. I'll edit this one and see if I can make it easier to see later.

New Additions:

1. Swordtail (Graphium antheus)
2. Euploea sp. *First time seeing one.....and it isn't one I recognize.
3. Mystery "Blue Tiger" butterfly
4. Small Owl (Opsiphanes tamarindi)
5. Clearwing (Epscada mira)
6. Hybrid Heliconiid #1 *Cross between H. cydno and H. melpomene or H. erato perhaps?
7. Hybrid Heliconiide #2
8. Adelpha spp.
9. Papilio ophidicephelus
10. Gray Pansy (Junonia atlites)
11. Parides sp.
12. Mystery leafwing (orange)
13. Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) *New to the exhibit not to me as we get these in HOARDS here :P

Got to see the gorgeous Rothschildia lebeau in flight........ *.* No words......none. Speechless....... Opsiphanes tamarindi's eyes are amazing......observed one sitting on a leaf imbibing water or something. Very laid back. Allowed me to poke my camera into it's lovely face....with those eyes that seem to follow you. ^^

More piccies:

Hybrid Heliconiid #1

I'll have to consult Mr. Jiggins on what this one might be exactly but.......^^;;;; This is the only angle of it I could get it at. I tried getting it where you could see the upperside but the little sucker was up too high and in such a position/angle that made it impossible to do so.

But I tried my best. I have one more shot of it from at a distance that I think show a part of the upperside but I'll have to see. If I'm lucky enough it might be enough to get at least an idea of what this lovely angel is.
 

Papilio ophidicephelus?

Staff had taken this picture for me as I wasn 't able to do so obviously ^^ Had landed on my bag. Am question the ID a bit. The patterns were different from the other P. ophidicephelus I had observed so Idk if they're sexually dimorphic in anyway or if this is an aberration or subspecies..........or a completely different species.

Beautiful swallowtails though. Was mistaken for Papilio demoleus at first in flight. There were several of these. As I mentioned before museum staff (Allison) had given me 2 extra tickets to come back within the month (you know damn well I'll be there) and I next plan to go see the movie they have out.......Flight of The Butterflies..........ɛïɜ

More to come! I had a beautiful day.......... I thank everyone responsible for making it so. God bless you all!

ɛïɜ

"Glittery, Sparkly, Satin Moths"

Caviria vinasia

These are yet another one of my most favorites ever. There are 4 genera with species that are like this Arctornis, Caviria, Euzora, and Carriola. I believe all of them are in Erebidae, Lymantriinae. Idk if they have Common names or not but I've dubbed them all "Glittery Sparkly Satin Moths" because that's exactly what they are. XD

If I'm not mistaken there is a moth called "The Satin Moth" I think......not too sure but these definitely need to be called that or something along those lines. Abbreviated as GSSN for short from here on out.

And now the fun begins!

Carriola ecnomoda

Carriola ecnomoda (Swinhoe 1907)

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Lymantriinae *
Genus: Carriola
Species: ecnomoda
Synonyms: Leucoma ecnomoda (Swinhow 1907)
Links: Wiki Page * Flickr Photo of a Female (the male is also shown in the comments) *
Photo Credits: Arthur Anker Flickr

Questions/Ponderings & Additional info:

ɛïɜ #1 Lymantriinae used to be a family all on it's own within the Arctiidae (correct me if I'm wrong in any of this people!! Not too sure on things here) and for reasons I'm not entirely sure of taxonomist decided to make it a sub family of Erebidae of who's existence & creation I'm not entirely sure of how it came about. ^^;;
ɛïɜ #2 Wikipedia fails to go by correct classification. *sigh* -_- 
ɛïɜ #3 C. ecnomoda appears to be variable (?) Most of them have brown edges to their wings and the one in the photo I posted (which I got off of a tumblr) clearly does not. The one in the Flickr link I posted has lighter edges to her wings. But nothing that looks anything like this except for the green veins.

Which leads me to possibly conclude that:

1. It's an insanely beautiful variation/abberation etc
2. It's another Carriola sp. mistakenly identified as C. ecnomoda
3. It's another species in another genera altogether.

Enlighten me people!!

**Edit: After grabbing the original link (see above, "photo credits") I see it titled "Carriola sp. cf. Arctornis complex, maybe Carriola ecnomoda"

It leads to even more questions..........WTF is going on here! Arctornis complex?!! Do they hybridize or something?? I've read/heard about species complexes (*cough Hamadryas cough*) but genera complexes?? Is there even such a thing?

Another entry is needed for this! Later......on with it:

Arctornis sp. If you ask me it looks like (wing shape) the Carriola above. 0_0

If anyone know which species of Arctornis this is please let me know. ^^ Thank you

Photo Credits: Alexy Flickr

Arctornis l-nigrum I want to hug it. *.* Fuzzy sparkly angels....... *.*


Arctornis l-nigrum  (Müller 1764)

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Lymantriinae
Genus: Arctornis
Species: l-nigrum
Synonyms: Phalaena l-nigrum, Arctornis pusillata, Bombyx v-nigrum, Bombyx nivosa
Photo Credits: Good Old Wikipedia XD

Arctornis egerina

Arctornis egerina (Swinhoe 1893)

Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Lymantriidae
Genus: Arctornis
Species: egerina
Synonyms: Leucoma egerina, Redoa egerina gymnophleps

Stay tuned for part 2 cause there's more. XD As always copyright infringement is not, nor ever will be intended.

ɛïɜ

Lycaenidae #1

• Paradeudorix eleala (Hewitson, 1865)
• Pilodeudorix otraeda (Hewitson, 1863)
• bimaculata synonym of Deudorix lorisona (Hewitson, 1862)
• Pilodeudorix elealodes (Bethune-Baker, 1908)
• Paradeudorix ituri (Bethune-Baker, 1908)
• Pilodeudorix diyllus (Hewitson, 1878)
• Pilodeudorix pasteon (Druce, 1910)[
• Pilodeudorix deritas (Hewitson, 1874)
• Pilodeudorix kedassa (Druce, 1910)
• Pilodeudorix kafuensis (Neave, 1910)
• Pilodeudorix corruscans (Aurivillius, 1898)
• Pilodeudorix bemba (Neave, 1910)
• Pilodeudorix zela (Hewitson, 1869)
• Pilodeudorix caerulea (Druce, 1890)[
• Deudorix diocles Hewitson, 1869
• Deudorix dariaves Hewitson, 1877
• Deudorix lorisona (Hewitson, 1863)
• diopolis synonym of Deudorix wardii (Mabille, 1878)
• licinia synonym of Deudorix batikeli (Boisduval, 1833)
• Deudorix dinochares Grose-Smith, 1887
• Deudorix livia (Klug, 1834)
• Deudorix antalus (Hopffer, 1855)
• Deudorix caliginosa Lathy, 1903
• Myrina silenus ficedula Trimen, 1879?
• Myrina sharpei Bethune-Baker, 1906
• Myrina subornata Lathy, 1903
• Myrina dermaptera (Wallengren, 1857)
• Pseudaletis antimachus (Staudinger, 1888)[
• Pseudaletis mazanguli Neave, 1910
• Pseudaletis batesi Druce, 1910
• Pseudaletis leonis (Staudinger, 1888)
• Pseudaletis agrippina Druce, 1888
• Pseudaletis clymenus (Druce, 1885)
• Syrmoptera amasa (Hewitson, 1869)
• Syrmoptera homeyerii (Dewitz, 1879)
• Syrmoptera melanomitra Karsch, 1895

Been on a research binge. I really really adore the Lycaenidae........I have several favorites.......genera.....Horaga, Tajuria, etc. Too many. Deudorix epijarbus is beautiful. Red........who'd ever thought....red Lycaenids. *.*

Ok.......I'm on autopilot now of sorts so apologies if I'm not making any sense. Don't feel too great. It's snowing and I'm in my house researching my lovely angels.

• Deudorix diovis. Figs. 10 ♀, 11, 12 ♂. Accepted as Deudorix diovis Hewitson, 1863.
• Deudorix dioetas. Figs. 13, 15 ♀, 14 ♂. Accepted as Rapala dioetas (Hewitson, 1863).
• Deudorix epijarbas. Figs. 16, 18 ♂, 17 ♀. Accepted as Deudorix epijarbas (Moore, 1857).

I wonder why Deudorix dioetas was changed to Rapala dioetas? Was there something different in the wing venation/genetalia perhaps that distinguished it as a separate species worthy of it's own genera?

Warning.Some taxa/names may be misidentified/misapplied or placed in a different genus

• 1, 1a, b Nacaduba viola = Horaga albimacula viola (Moore, 1882)
• 2, 2a Nacaduba ardates = Prosotas nora ardates (Moore, 1874)
• 3, 3a, b Lampides aelianus = Cupido aelianus (Fabricius, 1793)=Jamides celeno aelianus
• 4, 4a Lampides elpis Godart, 1823 = Lampides kankena

 ↑ LOL at Wikipedia. XD If some of the taxa are possibly misidenitfied why doesn't someone do something about it? I'm no expert on Lycaenidae but I'm sure you could find someone. XD

I'll spam y'all with more later. I must go and de-thaw. It's disgusting out. X_X