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Post by trehopr1 on Aug 3, 2020 5:05:28 GMT
Well, time once again for another installment of Catocala discussions... Tonight's topic centers on a species for which I have a particular fondness. Our Clouded Underwing (Catocala nebulosa) is a "honey" of a species... It is large with a wingspan of between (78-86mm). Its forewings have the most "woodsy" looking appearance about them of any large Catocala. There is a very dark basal patch of brown which then gives way to a lighter (mid-wing section) with varying medium brown infusions. The forewing tips end in a solid medium brown. Fresh examples even exhibit a "greenish" sheen over the woodsy background. A real unmistakeable species it could be said. Below, I offer up a selection of this marvelous moth. Clouded Underwing (Catocala nebulosa) Edwards 1864 The larvae are said to feed upon Black Walnut and Swamp Hickory; so naturally this is a species one will only likely encounter around relict expanses of woodland. At best I have found it to be only an occasional find in its haunts. I have only picked up 1 or 2 in any given evening and so far only during the month of July. All told I have 7 more besides these for my efforts. I really find this species a delight when found and a prize to be sure ! Thanks for "tuning-in" on another Catocala related story.
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Post by trehopr1 on Aug 2, 2020 19:23:03 GMT
I agree with you Nomad indeed ! By the way -- its good to see you again as it seems you have ben absent for a while...
Anyway, I suppose I should have said it looked like somebodies "cast-off" lesser appealing pair from their collection. Condition is everything in personal appeal so, naturally collectors who have these ALWAYS keep the best pairs for themselves. Lesser appealing pairs are still worth something so it is these kinds of pairs which tend to get "privately' exchanged amongst collectors.
I have seen a fair number of really pristine pairs in private hands. The museum where I once worked didn't even have a single pair. A collector whom I've known since the late 1980's showed me 6 fabulous pristine "pairs" which he owned + 3 more (spare) super males (back in 1991). He has since added to these holdings via cash or specimen exchange since that time !
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 31, 2020 20:17:57 GMT
I can always find something to talk about insect related. It's such a HUGE science ! Just looking thru my collection I can pick out something, think about it a moment, and have something to say about it. Of coarse, a quick consultation of my library helps bolster my thoughts. So, todays brief topic is Mantids... Those noble looking, patient, well camouflaged, apex predators of the insect world. The order Mantodea contains at present over 2400 species in about 430 genera in 15 families. Its largest family is the Mantidae. Mantids are distributed worldwide in temperate and especially tropical habitats. In my little piece of the world here in the Great lakes states region we have at least 3 species which I am aware of and have encountered. Two of the species are accidentally introduced ones which arrived here from both Europe and Asia around the turn of the last century. Below, I present a specimen of the European Mantis (Mantis religiosa) female. This marvelous large species is completely green throughout in life. You can hold one in your open hand and it will fill it at being 5 to 5(1/2) inches in length. These benign fascinating creatures can make a "curious" pet of sorts for a time... Of curious note is that despite being an introduced species (1899/nursery stock from So. Europe); it is the official state insect of Connecticut ! My example here has managed to hold most of its natural color pretty well for a preserved specimen... I tend to see this one far less often than the next one. Below, I present our other large visitor from elsewhere -- the Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis) female in flight... This species which is native to Asia and the nearby islands comes in slightly larger at 6 inches or so with females. In 1896 this species was accidentally introduced via a nursery person at Mt. Airy near Philadelphia Pennsylvania. I have encountered this species quite a bit more often than the previous one. It is mostly a light brown or tan in color with only the costal margin of the forewings being green. I really only find these creatures about mid-September; for a period of about 2 weeks. Usually I spy them sitting under the occasional streetlight or parking lot lights. Have kept at least 3 or 4 alive as pets but, they usually expire by mid-November after having lived a full life of about 4 months. So, hope you have enjoyed my brief discussion today on the Mantids which I most commonly encounter in my area. I have only kept 6 or 7 as specimens (those which have preserved their colors and condition the best); otherwise I just enjoy them for being the magnificent and fascinating creatures that they are...
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 29, 2020 20:14:28 GMT
I concur with radusho... The female also has water staining on its wings. A likely older pair from the mid-late 60s or 1970s.
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 29, 2020 6:43:31 GMT
In a continuation of my previous post I stopped by today to visit my favorite "Catocala shelter" in the wilderness (shown in the photograph above). Well, low and behold another fair damsel of the summers night was found resting there. Only this time it lighted in a place high among the overhead trusses (beams). This happens and you have to be prepared for it or at least innovative in securing your quarry... So, realizing that even with my net it was well out of reach I had to look for alternatives to "gain" height. I had to improvise, adapt, and overcome the dilemma at hand if I was to be successful. Fortunately, a nearby picnic table looked to afford the precious height which I needed to gain. Between the 4 ft. table and my 6ft. height you would figure problem solved. Well, no -- still to short to reach up with the jar. So, the ole' net was still required but, it was not going to cover the location sufficiently. I still had to give "chance" a shot and tapped the net nearby it to cause flight ! Well, as you can see I was successful with my improvised method of capture. Afterward, I proceeded to move the picnic table back in place and something colorful for a moment caught my eye in my peripheral vision. Turning around I scanned the immediate area. Do you see him? Here's a close-up... This fellow was not here upon my initial survey. Something had frightened it from its daytime perch and this darkened void was the best getaway ! Catocala moths "gain an edge" initially on any predator or "perceived" one through their "flash" coloration. They initially "startle" any would-be bother and then do the ole' "duck and hide" maneuver. This species is the Ultronia Underwing (Catocala ultonia). Of coarse, this one was easy pickings... So, for a quick 10 min. trip from the house to the woods and another 20 min. spent searching and collecting this site I am rewarded this time with 2 fine specimens and species. As mentioned, in my above post I generally find 1-5 of these fellows on any visit... If my summertime exploits collecting Catocala in the "daytime" continue to offer up such rewards; then I may show the combined "fruits of my labor" after everybody has nicely "cured" on the spreading boards. More talk of Catocala's will be forthcoming... Have a nice summer as well and "Good Hunting" !
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 27, 2020 7:24:02 GMT
Another caveat of "hunting" for Catocala during the daylight hours is the chance encounter of finding them in one of man's purpose built shelters. Over here, in America many forest preserves, picnic groves, and nature reserve areas offer visitors shelters such as this pictured below to have a shady picnic, a small gathering of friends, or a place to even read a book and commune with nature for a while... Of coarse, we are not the only ones to visit such a weigh station in the wilderness and some visitors such as ants, wasps, and spiders may even call it home. Now, these somewhat cooler shaded spaces can (when necessary) also serve as a "Catocala shelter" for those individuals unable to find a suitable resting spot near daybreak ! Also, I believe that Catocala resting within a certain proximity of such a structure use these as sort of a "quick getaway maneuver" should they be disturbed on their tree bark locality. Once lighted here they may stay the remainder of the day until nightfall; or at least until something else disturbs them ! I have to say that as a "small game" hunter I have experienced some "fair" success in investigating these darkened voids or hollows of man's own making. When I do discover Catocala hiding in the ramparts of these structures I usually find anywhere between 1-5 resting here. Catocala are loners and like their privacy however, danger for them still lurks here in the way of spiders who may be quite brash in ambling about looking for lunch... Well, that is one spider that is going to go hungry a little longer because another "small game" hunter seized his prey ! After my visit here it was back onto the woodland hiking trail in search of possibly more daytime resting Catocala. Every tree trunk has possibilities both big and small. Just walk softly, no big movements, and keep a sharp eye on that shady side of the tree... Good Hunting !
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 25, 2020 15:53:37 GMT
And so as I have postulated: Bumble's bounce...
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 25, 2020 15:48:13 GMT
Recently, through the kind efforts of our member "larrycurlymoe" I was able to glimpse photographs of "blue aberrations" of our native Buckeye butterfly (J.coenia). He remarked that the photo's are not his but, are from the web and that perhaps others might like to see them. So, here they are... Very unique indeed !
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 25, 2020 7:08:05 GMT
Well, it is now midsummer here in the Great Lakes states region. Enthusiasts on our sister forum are finally reporting species occurrences for sorted Catocala species. One young fellow (mothman27) has reported a tally thus far of 13 species from Indiana. Another from further Northeast (rayrand) has reported 21 species thus far. Having read of these accounts I have been once again "spurred" to "get out among them" as Leptraps has lamented... Now, whilst "lighting" for moths is relatively easy work and "sugaring" for moths is involved; I have been known to sometimes employ a more un-conventional method in locating and collecting the elusive Catocala for which I have a dedicated thread here... A few folks on the other forum employ what they call "tree tapping" for Catocala. And whilst some lay claim to having SOME measure of success in finding Catocala; just how many specimens percentage-wise are actually caught is questionable... The idea with this method is to "startle" the resting moths into flight in the hopes the fleeing moths will quickly light on a nearby tree within reach. It is a gamble but, I can see the possibilities for capture. I also see a lot simply flying off never to be seen or of startled moths landing impossibly high on a tree and out of reach ! My "counter-method" of daytime Catocala collecting is what I term "tree looking". I instead, employ stealthy approach mixed with a search pattern in my mind of anything non-conforming to a tree barks pattern. Catocala are good indeed at "blending in -- in plain sight" but, they are not perfect to a seasoned collector ! Today, I went out "tree looking" for Catocala and enjoyed the adrenaline rush of possible finds... Below, I offer up a photo of one such find ! Looking at the photograph can you spot my quarry on the bark of this tree ? My net stands nearby just in case he abruptly takes flight before I can place a jar over him... Catocala are indeed elusive moths. They are part of the natural fabric of woodland haunts. They carry on their lives -- finding mates, breeding, an eventually dying; all within the shadows of their forested realm. Only a very few sharp eyed predators will ever actually snatch one up as food whilst the greater majority go about resting on the cool, damp, moss covered side of a forest tree awaiting the night... Below, I provide a closer look of my prospective capture ! Do you see him yet? Over time, using my un-conventional method I have found that resting Catocala always favor the "shaded" side of any given tree. It's cooler there with shadows and even shrubbery to help conceal their whereabouts. Should a ray of sunlight "creep around to their location"; they are off and looking for another spot. Should an ant or Daddy-longlegs go wandering by they also "high-tail" it for a more a peaceful resting place. They seem to like their privacy ! Have you spotted the elusive Catocala yet ? Here he is in close-up... My image tho' slightly blurred shows him clearly resting. I was trying to do this photo thing whilst all the time trying NOT to accidentally startle him ! Once, I do locate one of these lovelies I stealthily work my way around him and into a position where I can readily place a jar over it without preferably "startling" him in the process. If all goes well and according to plan then "Waa-laa" we have a Catocala... So, for those of you unaccustomed with collecting Catocala in the daylight or those with a flair for the unconventional I suggest "tree-looking"... Wear long pants whilst in the wood, keep a sharp eye, and carry out some Catocala "sleuthing" of your own. The woods are now alive with the drumbeat of nature. So ends another discussion of something entomological.
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 25, 2020 4:28:39 GMT
Well fellas, something is certainly going on out there on a worldwide basis (perhaps for several key reasons)... Those german chaps only helped us to realize years ago that our world is changing and has changed already (from previous decades). Today, as just an example I went to one of my favorite haunts pictured below. There is a tremendous expanse of field present here within "eyeshot" of this old farm. I was there today... Everything was lush, green , and vibrant while wildflowers of many kinds abounded. I did get there later in the day admittedly at 6:30pm but, the sun is setting at 8:30pm so it was still sunny, a little humid, 84 degrees F., and yet still next to nothing in terms of Lepidoptera ! I spied a few tired ole' Monarch's flying about the field (nothing fresh); and glimpsed 3 Common Sulphur's (Colias philodice) on the wing as well. No skippers, no nymphalids, no swallowtails, no satyrines. Oh' yes, a couple of small lycaenidae in passing... What gives !! Here I am at mid-summer; sunny and 84 deg. F. with a blossoming field of wildflowers and other assorted plants and little to bother collecting (or if needed) chasing. This is pathetic. I will try elsewhere again tomorrow... I am sure others of you have likewise encountered this as well in your regions. Seemingly, idyllic and yet strangely depauperate...
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 25, 2020 3:52:19 GMT
I have always been a big fan of those "humble" bumblebees... Every year from late spring until early fall (mid-May - late Sept); these fuzzy industrious gentle giants (of a bee) go about their daily tasks of foraging for food, enlarging the nest, caring for the brood, and of coarse keeping things clean (of mold, mites and other unpleasantries). Most of what we humans encounter of them are the worker base; (the small to medium sized) ones in our gardens or wayside areas. However, every now and again her majestry herself (the Queen) ambles out of the nest to forage, stretch her wings, and embrace the sunshine... Bumble's as I like to call them are hefty (weighty) native bees. Their considerably larger size and girth means that when they find a flower they like -- they "drop" in for a visit with little care to anyone else sitting on that spot ! Believe me, everyone else steps aside -- even wasps. As, they light their sheer weight causes the flowers to bend under the added weight. After, a brief 5-10 seconds of lapping up the good stuff they lift-off (surprisingly effortlessly); and its off to the next tasty treasure. Watching these busy bees casually at work they almost appear to be "bounding" or "bouncing" from flower to flower. Bee lights -- flower bends down -- bee lifts off -- flower uprights and bee then lands again. Poetry in motion..... (Bumble's bounce)! In my immediate area, we have 3 different species of Bumble's present. Although, I don't think most folks would ever beg to differ since most tend to think "feet don't fail me now" upon the sighting of a large bumble in their flower garden or yard. Yes, they are noisy large bees of presence but, they really are benign gentle giants. They can of coarse, protect themselves or their colony (home) as needed. However, I've never known of them as having any "attitude" unlike most of their Hymenopteran brethren. Bumble's are pretty tough to get clear photo's of whilst pollinating; but, they don't seem to mind how close an observer gets in the attempt ! They have work to do...
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 25, 2020 2:41:23 GMT
Hmmm, this is certainly of concern to those winged "small game" of the 6-legged variety...
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 22, 2020 6:20:20 GMT
Thank you exoticimports for your reply. I'm happy somebody gave their thoughts to the subject. Bravo, for that keen observation regarding the jar comparison. I know that I did not look that closely to notice that detail. However, in general I am glad to see that NatGeo at least "brings to light" scientific topics of ongoing concern by the scientific community. As you stated it is OK to keep the public somewhat informed.
As to any sensationalism or "shock material"; well that can be found in almost any article in any magazine you are likely to pick up. If there was not something there (visual) to captivate your interest in the first place then you would likely move on...
I have not subscribed to NatGeo myself since 1994 but, I still make it a point to see the monthly offerings of the magazine at the magazine stands in stores. I'm still a traditional reader of things rather than fixate on my "hand-held computer with the phone app" for all relevant worldly information.
That being said, I buy the magazine when Insect articles are offered. I still enjoy learning something new about any ongoing research, problems, or concerns regarding my favorite subject. It would be nice to see a few more produced a little more often...
It is nice at least that periodically NatGeo does come out with something still informative for the masses; because, without their input I don't think you would ever hear much of anything from any other magazine offerings.
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 20, 2020 19:13:06 GMT
Finally, after a year's wait the first examples of this gaily colored Pierid species are now beginning to appear in nearby fields. In my region, these typically begin to be seen in Mid-July sometime... I just went out afield a couple days back (July 18th) and spotted 4 fresh males on the wing. Only managed this one prime example but, they were all fresh and being quite elusive ! A common species which I like collecting because, so long as these are out I'm certain to have something nice from the field to prepare when I get home. A simply lovely species with a captivating depth of color !
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Post by trehopr1 on Jul 20, 2020 18:47:58 GMT
Here we have the cover of the recent May issue of National Geographic magazine. A sad lament of all of the continued ongoing losses and ecological destruction via our expansionist ways...
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