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Post by beetlehorn on May 27, 2012 23:38:27 GMT -8
After a relatively bad collecting year here in Tennessee, it looks like things are shaping up in regards to moth collecting. During my blacklighting ventures, I have so far encountered some nine species of Catocala. They are C. micronympha, C. grynea, C. epione, C. ilia, C. coccinata, C. dejecta, C. illecta, C. ultronia and C. retecta, and it's still May. Perhaps this will be a Catocala year here. So far it's looking very promising. Tom Attachments:
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Post by joee30 on May 28, 2012 15:35:28 GMT -8
I found 2 C. ilia at a car wash along with 4 Lucanus elephas and A big H. cecropia female last night after coming from a fishing trip.
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Post by beetlehorn on Jun 4, 2012 18:49:11 GMT -8
For the month of May I collected some 80 Catocalas. It was the best May for these mothe Iv'e ever seen. The "black" underwings made an appearance such as Catocala epione, Catocala retecta, Catocala dejecta, and Catocala insolabilis. as well as the "red" underwings such as Catocala coccinata, Catocala ultronia, and Catocala ilia, (of which there were several different forms). To top it off I got two very nice Catocala illecta, which is a highly localized moth. Here is a sample. Tom Attachments:
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Post by beetlehorn on Jun 4, 2012 18:52:36 GMT -8
I forgot to mention all the Catocala micronympha, of which there were four different forms including Form "hero", and Form"gisela". Here is a closeup of Catocala ultronia, Form"celia". Attachments:
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Post by beetlehorn on Jun 4, 2012 19:00:27 GMT -8
Here is an example of Catocala coccinata, The Scarlet Underwing. I got a total of 14 within one week. I have been looking for this moth for some time. These will make fine additions to my collection. I should mount at least one recto, because of all the brilliant red coloration on the underside. Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2012 19:29:59 GMT -8
Can't wait until I'm down your way Tom. btw--Nice mounting jobs  |
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Post by beetlehorn on Jun 4, 2012 20:15:37 GMT -8
I can't wait either Bill, it looks like it's going to be a great Catocala year! Just before I wrote the last few responses, I put out my blacklight because it was rather overcast with a strong chance of storms tonight. I went out after the last post and saw several Catocalas on my sheet, one of which was the first Catocala flebilis of the year, and Catocala innubens, the rare for"scintillans"!! I also got two more forms of C. micronympha, and the first Catocala amica. When I took down my sheet due to high winds, there resting on the edge was another C. coccinata, which makes 15 so far, and tells me they are still flying. It is my opinion that Catocalas are probably the most interesting Noctuid moths, and on the top shelf for many moth collectors due to their variability, and handsome patterns. Tom Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Jun 4, 2012 23:59:36 GMT -8
lovely specimens Tom, beautiful moths those.
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Post by homard on Jun 5, 2012 13:34:53 GMT -8
beetlehorn, Very nice moths! I'm always wondering how many species of Catocala occur in North America! What are the small moths in the lower row? Look like Zygaenidae for me. The left one perhaps is Harrisina americana and the right one perhaps is Pyromorpha dimidiata. Is it so? Good luck with Catocala!
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Post by beetlehorn on Jun 5, 2012 19:59:39 GMT -8
In response to your question, the two small moths are Cisseps fulvicollis (the black one), and the orange one is Lycomorpha pholus. These belong to the "Wasp Moths", which are presumably wasp mimics. Tom
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Post by homard on Jun 6, 2012 3:01:27 GMT -8
beetlehorn, Thanks for your kind reply! Of course I am in no way an expert in Nearctic moths Anyway, I feel some shame because I have a couple of specimens of Cisseps fulvicollis in collection, LOL. Best regards, Alex
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Post by rayrard on Jun 6, 2012 16:51:34 GMT -8
I can't wait either Bill, it looks like it's going to be a great Catocala year! Just before I wrote the last few responses, I put out my blacklight because it was rather overcast with a strong chance of storms tonight. I went out after the last post and saw several Catocalas on my sheet, one of which was the first Catocala flebilis of the year, and Catocala innubens, the rare for"scintillans"!! I also got two more forms of C. micronympha, and the first Catocala amica. When I took down my sheet due to high winds, there resting on the edge was another C. coccinata, which makes 15 so far, and tells me they are still flying. It is my opinion that Catocalas are probably the most interesting Noctuid moths, and on the top shelf for many moth collectors due to their variability, and handsome patterns. Tom still flying? Don't they fly continuously until July? I've gotten 5 species on a single trip so far in late May (ultronia, ilia, amica, alabamae, and similis) |
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Post by rayrard on Jun 6, 2012 16:56:22 GMT -8
I am heading up to PA at the end of June... I'm hoping to run into Catocala, in no particular order:
relicta
concumbens
cara
cerogama
I hope the season is early up there too
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Post by beetlehorn on Jun 6, 2012 17:58:29 GMT -8
I think you should have a good collecting trip. In my opinion, the season is rather early due to the mild winter we had, and the abnormally high temps we had this spring. That seems to be the same across much of the Eastern US. According to most of my field guides, Catocala coccinata flies mostly in June, so encountering good numbers in May was a surprize for me. This past spring here in Tennessee, we had Dogwood trees in full bloom in March. Normally they start blooming in mid April, so this is just one example that "things" are ahead of schedule. Im' not sure what lies ahead though, hopefully a full summer of great collecting for all of us. Tom
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Post by beetlehorn on Jun 6, 2012 18:03:56 GMT -8
BTW Alex, I must say your avatar image of Parnassius autocrator female is a splendid specimen  . Probably the best one Iv'e seen yet. Is it one of your specimens? Tom |
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. Probably the best one Iv'e seen yet. Is it one of your specimens? Tom