SOUND THE SIREN: Our 15,000th posting is the Police Car Moth

Subject: black and white butterfly
Location: Colorado
July 23, 2012 8:34 pm
Hi! A friend in Colorado sent me this pic for id. I think it is a butterfly, although it is difficult to see the antennae. It could be a moth. Do you know what this is? Also, is the beetle a blister beetle? Thanks!
Signature: buggirl

Police Car Moth

Hi buggirl,
This diurnal Tiger Moth,
 Gnophaela vermiculata, is commonly called a Police Car Moth.  According to BugGuide its habitat is:  “Typically foothills, mountain ranges, mid-elevations.”  There is not enough detail to identify the beetle, but it doesn’t appear to be a Blister Beetle.

Ed. Note:  July 25, 2012
We just realized after the fact that this is the 15,000 posting for the website.  What a milestone!!!!

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