From the monthly archives: "July 2013"

Male Dobsonfly

On · Category: Dobsonflies and Fishflies · Add Comment

Subject: STRANGE BUG
Location: greenbelt, maryland
July 25, 2013 4:58 am
this was located on the side of a cement building next to a grassy area. About 8 am in the morning temperature was around 62. Greenbelt, MD. long antenna in front move when motion in front of it. definitely has wings. and horns on its head
Signature: jean manall

Male Dobsonfly

Male Dobsonfly

Dear Jean,
We imagine your encounter with this male Dobsonfly was an eye opening event for you.  Though he looks fierce, he is perfectly harmless.

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Male Dobsonfly Dobsonflies and Fishflies Female Dobsonfly Female Dobsonfly

Second Annual Moth Night in Elyria Canyon Park

On · Category: Moths Tagged With: · 1 Comment

Second Annual Moth Night in Elyria Canyon Park:  Read about it in EastSiderLA
Location:  Elyria Canyon Park, Mount Washington, Los Angeles, California
Saturday, July 27 2013
Sponsored by What’s That Bug? and  the Mount Washington Homeowners Alliance, in cooperation with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC) and Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA). Gate opens at 7 p.m.; event begins 7:30 p.m. (sunset 7:58 p.m.) Light refreshments may be served. No restroom facilities. Lepidopterist Julian Donahue will talk about the moths that come to the black and mercury vapor lights. Daniel Marlos, webmaster for “What’s That Bug” and author of “The Curious World of Bugs,” will also be on hand to share his knowledge. Bring a flashlight.

Located on the southwestern slopes of Mount Washington, Elyria Canyon Park is a 35-acre nature park that provides a glimpse into the native habitat that once thrived in the hills near downtown Los Angeles. A network of trails meanders through fragrant communities of coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grassland and purple needlegrass. The park boasts one of the finest examples of California black walnut woodland in Southern California. The trails lead to vistas of the Los Angeles River, Griffith Observatory, and the city.

Black Witch on a Bicycle Tire

Black Witch on a Bicycle Tire

Directions: For this event use the Bridgeport entrance (1550 Bridgeport Drive, Los Angeles). Exit off the 2 (Glendale) Freeway at San Fernando Road (just north of Interstate 5 and State 2 interchange). Travel southeast on San Fernando Road; turn left on Division Street, turn right on Wollam Street, go 2 blocks and turn right on Scarboro Street, then next left on Bridgeport Drive. Park where you can on Bridgeport, or follow it to its end and park in the park (limited parking).

Photo from Moth Night 2012

Photo from Moth Night 2012

Related posts:

WTB? sponsors National Moth Week event Saturday, 21 July 2012 Mt Washington Homeowners Alliance sponsors National Moth Week in Elyria Canyon Park Moth Night In Elyria Canyon Park Elyria Canyon Moth Night: July 27, 2013

Bot Fly Larva

On · Category: Bot Flies · 2 Comments

Subject: Bot fly larva found in house!
Location: Cherokee County, NC
July 24, 2013 7:28 am
We found this fat little fellow slowly inching across the floor of our family room earlier this morning. Last night our cat decided to entertain herself by bringing in a dead mouse, so I think the little maggot likely came from the unfortunate rodent. It measured about an inch when scrunched up in the shape pictured, and a little longer when tying to move.
The mouse appeared to be a common house mouse, so I’m thinking it might be a Rodent bot fly, perhaps?
Signature: Jacob

Bot Fly Larva

Bot Fly Larva

Dear Jacob,
Your Bot Fly Larva photo is a welcome addition to our site.  Your speculation that it came from the mouse your cat brought in is most likely correct.

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Bot Fly Bot Fly Bot Fly Rodent Bot Fly

Tree Cattle

On · Category: Booklice and Barklice · 1 Comment

Subject: WTB
Location: Olean, NY
July 24, 2013 7:17 pm
I took a photo of just one of the numerous clusters of unidentified insects just sitting in these clusters, not moving too much, on our magnolia tree. If you zoom in on the photo you can see two distinct looking insects, possibly the male and female? We first noticed them about 3 days ago and they are still there, not doing much except huddling in these large masses. Can you tell me what they are and if they are dangerous? I live in Olean, NY.
Signature: Pat

Tree Cattle

Tree Cattle

Dear Pat,
These are Barklice, and they are sometimes called Tree Cattle.  They are benign insects that feed on lichens, and they will not harm your trees.  The striped individuals are immature nymphs and the dark individuals are winged adults.

Tree Cattle

Tree Cattle

Thanks so much, Daniel!  We’re relieved to hear they’re harmless critters.  You da man!  Thanks for the great vice you provide.
Patrick

 

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National Moth Week Sighting in Ohio: Polyphemus Moth and Pandorus Sphinx

On · Category: Giant Silk Moths, Hummingbird Moths, Sphinx Moths or Hawk Moths · Add Comment

Subject: Two big beautiful moths
Location: Dublin, Ohio
July 24, 2013 1:11 pm
Took the kids to the playground at the local elementary school today, these two big beautiful moths were hanging out in doorways on the school. I know I’ve seen similar pics on your sight before, but I can’t name them off the top of my head. Please enjoy the pics!
Signature: Amber

Polyphemus Moth

Polyphemus Moth

Hi Amber,
What a spectacular and timely sighting during National Moth Week 2013.  Your sighting is also heavy on the Greek mythology.  You have sighted a Polyphemus Moth and a Pandorus Sphinx.

Pandorus Sphinx

Pandorus Sphinx

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Bagworm

On · Category: Bagworm · Add Comment

Subject: What is this? LOL
Location: Orangeburg, NY
July 24, 2013 5:06 pm
This was crawling on the sidewalk and inching along and appeared to be dragging the ”salad” behind it…sort of an insect Carmen Miranda …any ideas? It was about 3~4 inches long…
Just curious!
Signature: Don Slevin

Bagworm

Bagworm

Hi Don,
This is a Bagworm, a caterpillar in the family Psychidae.  We believe it is an Evergreen Bagworm, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, based on photos posted to bugGuide.

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