bORER MOTHS
Indigo Stem Borer. I have found a few individuals at my UV lights in late September and early October.
Ironweed Borer, one of many species in the Papaipema genus (borer moths). This is my favorite borer moth. Fresh individuals are stunningly beautiful.
Ironweed Borer, photographed October 7, 2016. The gold markings seem to glow in the dark.
Ash-tip Borer. I have found a few of these at my lights in September.
Northern Burdock Borer, photographed September 5, 2017. Very similar to the species above. Many of the borer moths (genus Papaipema) are very similar in appearance. Always consult reference guides when working with this tricky genus!
Aster Borer, photographed October 10, 2019. Notice the black "V" shape in the middle of each wing; together, these "V"s form a large black "W".
Another Ash-tip Borer that came to my moth lights.
This is a Stalk Borer moth, much plainer than most Papaipema borers. I found a few individuals in early September 2021.
Another Northern Burdock Borer, photographed September 6, 2022.
Rigid Sunflower Borer. This individual came to my lights on September 25, 2023, and it is my only sighting of this species.
Rigid Sunflower Borer. The red spot on its head is from where the scales have worn off.
Ash-tip Borer (same individual as above, from a different angle).
Ironweed Borer (same individual as above), found at my lights on September 28, 2023.