Last night we set up two sites at Barton Nature Area for attracting moths. This was a Natural Areas Preservation event and it seems like over 20 people showed up.
This was the site that was across the river and most distant from the parking area.
This was the sheet closer to the parking area and the river. At this site it wasn’t long before the sheet was covered with caddisflies and midges.
As time passed the caddisfly “orgy” continued numbering well over 10,000 individuals.
It was extremely encouraging seeing the mix in people with men, women and a surprising number of teens.
At the more distant sheet a few mayflies appeared. Actually, the great number of aquatic insects (mayflies, caddisflies and midges) spoke well for the health of the river.
The Common spring moth, on the left was a pleasant surprise since in my opinion it is not that common. The “aquatic crambid” on the right was really exciting as it has aquatic larvae, once again attesting to the water quality of the river.
While there were a few mid-sized moths the smaller moths dominated. Feather-edged petrophila moths (on the left) were numerous. Oblique-banded leafroller moths were also quite common at one of the sites.
At the edge of the trail at the distant site Alex found this banded garden spider.
This Crocus/False crocus geometer was quite popular with the people.
This was probably the largest moth that we had.
I really like this Yellow slant line.
And as the night progressed the mid-sized moths did too.
By the time we were done I had photographed over 20 different species of moths, Susan had a few more. She and I would exchange spots at the two sheets every half-hour or so until 11 PM when the event “officially” ended.
It was fun spending time with Heidi and Alex, as well as Matt (who organized the event) and David.
More later.
Michael's Place 