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The Small Stuff

Amateur nature photography, with an emphasis on insects. Images are not edited so natural colors can be observed, and no creatures are harmed or disturbed!

I am not an entomologist and do my best to correctly ID species, but always welcome correction.

07/21/2021

It's National Moth Week! And no, I didn't make that up 😉 https://nationalmothweek.org/

Moths are what began my interest in entomology, and are still my favorite insect. Absolutely gorgeous "butterflies of the night"! I've been saving some favorite photos to share this week.
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We've seen interesting, colorful moths so far this week. How about appreciating the simple beauty? This Large Maple Spanworm is perfectly disguised as dry leaves, not just in color but also with the delicate points it's forewings come to, and in the middle of its hindwings. A fairly large moth, with up to a 2" (50mm) wingspan.

07/20/2021

It's National Moth Week! And no, I didn't make that up 😉 https://nationalmothweek.org/

Moths are what began my interest in entomology, and are still my favorite insect. Absolutely gorgeous "butterflies of the night"! I've been saving some favorite photos to share this week.

Pearly Wood-nymph Moth. This critter looks pretty unappetizing from above (we all see bird poo, right?), which helps it stay safe from predators. But take a look at the side and the beautiful colors and pattern are revealed! Fairly small, around a 1" (30mm) wingspan.

07/19/2021

It's National Moth Week! And no, I didn't make that up 😉 https://nationalmothweek.org/

Moths are what began my interest in entomology, and are still my favorite insect. Absolutely gorgeous "butterflies of the night"! I've been saving some favorite photos to share this week.

Yes, it's a moth!

The Dogwood Borer is a type of clearwing moth. Predators are discouraged by it's wasp mimicking appearance (as probably most humans are!). Moths are an incredibly diverse group of insects, from yesterdays hairy (mustached!) example to this tiny clear winged trickster!

07/18/2021

It's National Moth Week! And no, I didn't make that up 😉 https://nationalmothweek.org/

Moths are what began my interest in entomology, and are still my favorite insect. Absolutely gorgeous "butterflies of the night"! I've been saving some favorite photos to share this week.

This is a Large Tolype moth. While it may appear to have a rocking handlebar mustache, those are its antennae. Both butterflies and moths use their antennae to smell. But because (most) moths are nocturnal, they need a little extra help finding food and mating partners in the dark. Each hair of the antennae has scent receptors, and some species of moths can detect pheromones of a potential partner from miles away.

07/17/2021

It's National Moth Week! And no, I didn't make that up ;) https://nationalmothweek.org/

Moths are what began my interest in entomology, and are still my favorite insect. Absolutely gorgeous "butterflies of the night"! I've been saving some favorite photos to share this week.

Here we have a Virginia Creeper Sphinx moth. With about a 2" wingspan, a fairly good sized specimen. Moths are masters of camouflage, and you can easily imagine this one blending into foliage.

07/15/2021

Oriental Beetle

While not as destructive as Japanese Beetles, these little invasive critters can still have an impact on your garden. Damage is primarily done in the larval stage, when they enjoy eating the roots of plants. As adults, they prefer flowers like roses and hollyhocks but cause minimal damage.

07/14/2021

Monarch. Known for their bright wings, but my favorite thing is their polka dot bodies!

07/13/2021

Banded Flower Longhorn Beetle

Larva feed on decaying wood, adults go for pollen and nectar, plus they're absolutely gorgeous. What's not to love?! Fairly good sized, about 1/2" not including antennae.

07/12/2021

Red Banded Leafhopper

Forever one of my favorite (local) insects. Glad to see these little ones (7m, or 1/4") out and about again!

07/10/2021

Twelve Spotted Skimmer, female

07/07/2021

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Showing off it's tails, and also note the proboscis dipping into the flowers.

07/05/2021

Waved Sphinx Moth

With a wingspan of 4" (11cm) this is the largest moth I've ever caught in my (catch and release) moth trap. Like the majority of moths, the adults don't eat. Caterpillars feed on ash and oak, but are not considered pests. Rather than pupate hanging from vegetation, these critters burrow underground to form their cocoon, where they spend the winter before emerging in the late spring/ early summer as adult moths.

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