VARIOUS PYRAUSTINE MOTHS - Group #2
Melonworm Moth. These moths usually have a tuft of furry scales at the tip of their abdomens. This particular individual has lost most of his tuft, but the wing pattern is still recognizable. These moths typically live further south, but they occasionally stray north to Ohio. I saw this individual at Cox Arboretum on October 17, 2017. It is the only Melonworm Moth I have ever seen.
Polygrammodes langdonalis. This species has a very restricted range. Almost all of the records are from southern Ohio and Indiana and northern Kentucky. Their larvae eat ironweed. I found this individual at my moth lights on July 27, 2020. This particular individual is very worn; the thorax has been rubbed smooth. Fortunately, the wing pattern of this species is distinctive, even in faded individuals like this.
Zebra Conchylodes, a very beautiful moth. I have found a couple of individuals at my lights in July and August.
Basswood Leafroller moth. The wings have a beautiful pearly, iridescent sheen. Attracted with UV light on August 5, 2021.
Hollow-spotted Blepharomastix. I found this moth on July 4, 2016, at Shawnee State Forest (southern Ohio). I have not yet seen this species at my home lights.
Southern Beet Webworm, photographed at my moth lights on October 26, 2023. Note the two small black dots on the abdomen.
Serpentine Webworm, photographed July 27, 2023 at my moth lights. I have only two sightings of this species. The other one was in October.