On Sunday, June 29, 2014, Larry McDaniel and I photographed 11 species of moths from 4:53am – 5:34am. It had rained over the night, and the temperature was moderate. Numbers have been continuously low, but we hope to remedy that with a new lightbulb. This light was recommended by the knowledgeable Tori Staples of Discover Life, and has been installed since our last study session. The moth of the week is Haploa clymene, or Clymene moth. It is in the family of Tiger moths, Eribidae, which is a rich, varied family. Like many of the other moths in the genus haploa, it is rather triangular at rest, with wings that are scooped at the tips. Haploas are patterned with bold black or chocolate brown markings on cream-colored forewings. The Clymene is distinctively marked with an upside-down cross that can be seen when its wings are folded. Just as lovely as the bold markings are the beautiful yellow underwings, each marked with a single black spot. Although it is quite common, it is always a treat to see, and was the clear beauty of the morning moth study. You might come across this moth during the day while hiking in the forest. It is also attracted to lights, so check your porch light occasionally to look for this striking Tiger Moth. Other firsts for the site this week were Amydria effrentella - Burrowing Webworm Moth, Double-striped Scoparia Moth, and Dark-banded Owlet Moth. Our insect of the week is in fact not an insect, but an arachnid. It was just too cool to be excluded from our report. It is the Orchard Orbweaver, Leucauge venusta. The Latin venusta translates as "beautiful", a very good name. This spider's abdomen is a show-stopping, metallic silver, with fine black lines. Shades of yellow and green start on the sides, and meet with orange in a chaotic splash of color on the underside. Orbweavers spin a very strong silk called dragline silk, which has been studied by DuPont scientists as the ideal material to replicate. Some believe that because of the Orbweaver's heavier mass, it requires a stronger silk to use as a safety net in case it falls. A heavier mass equals greater chance of injury in a fall. The next moth study session will be one hour before sunrise, on Sunday, July 13 at 5:15 am, on the back porch of the Headquarters building at Winged Deer Park. (This is the large white farmhouse next to Robert Young cabin.) If you would like to join us, please contact Larry at larry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. This project is sponsored by Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department, and Discover Life, http://www.discoverlife.org. Heather Jones
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Haploa clymene – Clymene Moth 6-29-14 wdp.JPG
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Leucauge venusta - Orchard Orbweaver 6-29-14 wdp.JPG
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