Butterflies, Moths, Dragonflies & Damselflies of Dayton, Ohio

The Pink-streak moth. This uncommon species is classified as  threatened in the State of Ohio. Pink-streak moths reportedly use switchgrass and possibly other grasses as their host plants. 

Orange Wing moth on a Queen Anne's Lace flower. These moths are very common. I have found them from every month from April through September.

Chickweed Geometer. This abundant species flies from May through October, but they are most common in late summer and autumn. 

Black-bordered Lemon moth, photographed at the Beavercreek Wildlife Area. I have found these moths from late May through early October. These moths are fairly common. I often encounter them while walking through wet, grassy fields and prairies during the day. 

Orange Wing moth, attracted with UV light. Their orange hindwings are usually not visible when this moth is at rest, but you can see bright little flashes of orange when they are in flight. 

This is an all-pink Chickweed Geometer, an unusual color variation for this species. The individual at left is the only one I have seen with this all-pink color pattern. It was photographed in Miamisburg. Chickweed Geometers are exceedingly common along the Great Miami River. I see them by the hundreds while I am hunting clubtail dragonflies. 

I found this Pink-streak moth (same individual as above) at my UV lights on August 1, 2017. I didn't realize she was a female until I saw her laying eggs! I quickly let her go at that point so she could find a more appropriate place to deposit her eggs. 

Chickweed Geometers are easily flushed from the grass during the day. Due to their small size, most people never stop to notice these beautiful creatures right at their feet.

A Chickweed Geometer that came to my moth lights. 

Orange Wing moths have a tendency to land on passing hikers (similar to emperor butterflies). They will land on humans to drink minerals from their skin.