The first day of moth season at Whitefish Point

I have been interested in moths since the 1980s, when I was collecting insects. The majority of my insect collection consists of – dragonflies, butterflies and moths in that order. I no longer collect, but rather started photographing them in the early 2000s. I really became more excited about photographing moths when the most recent Peterson Field Guide to the Moths of Eastern North America came out. Since that time I have photographed over 900 species including some in Panama, Mexico and Brazil. Now, on to the first night of mothing in 2026

Lights not only attract moths but also other insects like this Ophion species wasp. I’ve only seen them at lights never during the day. I wonder where they spend the day?

Bent-lined Carpet is a common moth. This one must have been around for a while judging on the wing wear.

Blueberry Sallow. Since we have so much blueberry on our property is not surprising to find a moth that depends on it.

Norman’s Quaker on the left, Subdued Quaker on the right.

Celery Looper Moth.

Major Sallow.

The Scribbler, perhaps my favorite of the day.

More tomorrow…