Moth'ers, Another great night for moths. Had to dodge torrential rains and intense lightning but it was well worth it. I added another 10 FOY species which brings my season total to 211. Also had at least two lifers (and potentially 4 others that I'm still working on). The biggest surprise was the Goldcap Moss-eater Moth (Epimartyria auricrinella) #0001. Considered to be the most primitive moth that occurs in eastern North America and one that is a scavenger feeder, believed to feed on liverworts. The adult is notable in Lepidoptera in having functional mandibles which apparently it uses to feed on pollen. The other lifer was the Little Cloud Ancylis Moth (Ancylis nubeculana) #3354. Good mothing! -- J. Merrill Lynch Echo Valley Farm Watauga County, NC Elevation: 3,400 feet
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0001 Epimartyria auricrinella.jpg
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3354 Ancylis nubeculana.jpg
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