Noctua pronuba -- the beautiful tramp.
Jul 10, 2017 6:08:51 GMT
nomad, skandinavisk, and 1 more like this
Post by trehopr1 on Jul 10, 2017 6:08:51 GMT
About a month ago I put my 175 watt merc.vapor light out for some early summer "mothing". Thought I'd give it a go and see what might show up. Well, low and behold a very nice ex-pupa example of the European "Large yellow underwing" (Noctua pronuba) decided to pay me a visit.
Now, I have heard that this "tramp" species from Europe was accidentally introduced to North America (first appearing in Nova Scotia, Canada) about 1979. Then, inside of ten years their were specimens being picked up in California! Amazing.
Well, none the less it is a species which I have only come across on 4 or 5 other occasions here in the "Corn Belt" of America's midwest. Specifically Illinois. So despite its "tramp" status I would not exactly consider it common fodder. More so a beautiful and attention grabbing damsel of the night. Akin, to some of our large and attractive Catocala moths of which Eastern North America is known for.
The lovely example which I encountered has a wonderful rich "chestnut brown" tone on its fore wings. Of coarse, it's hind wings sport the consummate "golden yellow" overall with the black terminal band. A "Jim Dandy" of a find really when you consider how many drole Armyworm moths I've had to look upon.
It's a funny thing how one collector's common everyday "run of the mill" encounter can be another collector's delight. Guess that's why it's important to never become any too "jaded" with that which can be had around you wherever you live.
Now, I have heard that this "tramp" species from Europe was accidentally introduced to North America (first appearing in Nova Scotia, Canada) about 1979. Then, inside of ten years their were specimens being picked up in California! Amazing.
Well, none the less it is a species which I have only come across on 4 or 5 other occasions here in the "Corn Belt" of America's midwest. Specifically Illinois. So despite its "tramp" status I would not exactly consider it common fodder. More so a beautiful and attention grabbing damsel of the night. Akin, to some of our large and attractive Catocala moths of which Eastern North America is known for.
The lovely example which I encountered has a wonderful rich "chestnut brown" tone on its fore wings. Of coarse, it's hind wings sport the consummate "golden yellow" overall with the black terminal band. A "Jim Dandy" of a find really when you consider how many drole Armyworm moths I've had to look upon.
It's a funny thing how one collector's common everyday "run of the mill" encounter can be another collector's delight. Guess that's why it's important to never become any too "jaded" with that which can be had around you wherever you live.
