#carpenter moth

[drhoz]

#3007 - Culama dasythrix

A Carpenter Moth endemic to SW Australia.

It was first described in 1945, by pediatrician and amatuer entomologist Alfred Jefferis Turner (1861 – 1947). He left his collection of over 50,000 moth specimens to the CSIRO.

There are seven species in the genus, all endemic to Australia, and four of them were described by Axel Kallies & Doiglas J Hilton in 2012. Kallies identifies most of the Australian Moths I have trouble with.

Bibra Lake, Perth, WA.

[jonnysinsectcatalogue]

Wood Leopard Moth - Zeuzera pyrina

With numerous spots lining its scaled wings and its furry thorax, it's no wonder that this insect is commonly known as a Leopard Moth. While this specie is purely white-coated, other species with the Zeuzera genus that have more sandy-yellow coloration around the borders of the wings and thoracic hairs, further lending a resemblance to their namesake animal. A coat like this would look beautiful on a leucistic big cat, and it certainly allows this Moth to stand out against other similar-looking species belonging to different families. To be sure you've found one of these Moths in North America (today's specimen was photographed in Europe), take your time while examining your find. While there's no chance that one could confuse this Leopard Moth for something like a white Ermine Moth (whose spots are much smaller), there's always the possibility that you've found a Giant Leopard Moth (Hypercompe spp. which aren't actually Leopard Moths). Specifically, Hypercompe Moths commonly display spotted wings, but many of the spots along the wings are distinctively large and hollow. This should be a big help should you find a similar Moth in your garden - this specie originally called Eurasia home and was introduced to North America - but there are other key identification markers to look for.

Try and obtain a glimpse of the abdomen while your mystery Moth is at rest. Wood Leopard Moths have a black abdomen with white plumage while Hypercompe Moths have a abdomen of dark-blue with yellow/orange banding. You can actually see a bit of the former abdomen poking out from behind the wings. Furthermore, the legs of Hypercompe Moths have distinct patches of white (look to the femur and tibia), while true Leopard Moth legs are all black. Finally, the Hypercompe Moths are actually Tiger Moths (sorted into the family Erebidae) while the Wood Leopard belongs to the family Cossidae (Carpenter Moths). This may be a lot of information to take in at once, but Moth identification from just a picture can be very tricky, so you'll need the best angles and all the information you can capture to determine which Moth has visited you today/tonight. For today, this specimen is a male...as you could probably guess from the feathered antennae which pick up the alluring pheromones of female Moths (which lack the combs). Interestingly, this specie has only partially feathered antennae, with the rest of the antenna being serrated. It could be that this allows the antenna tips to function better as "feelers", but it could also be that the Moth simply doesn't need so many combs to sense pheromones. Whatever the answer, it certainly gives this specie a unique look.

This picture was taken on June 8, 2024 in Romania by a dear friend of the family. Thank you.

[onenicebugperday]

@jigokuzoshi​ submitted: A beautiful critter I spotted on my way into work the other morning. I believe she’s a carpenterworm moth!

Yes, that’s what they look like! Very cute :) Today’s Nice Bug is actually going to be a fellow from the same family!

[jillsdodds]

27 January addendum (2).

As a result of some recreational backyard ‘mothing’ during the trip, I may have inadvertently documented a couple of species that were not previously recorded in Tasmania (the first two below).

[birdersontheroad]

Birding Vacations in the Caribbean | Wildlife, Nature & Birds

Explore the beauty of Birding in the Caribbean with BIRDERS on the ROAD. From rare island endemics to colorful migratory species, discover birdwatching spots you’ve only dreamed of. Our expert guides and curated tours offer unforgettable encounters with tropical birdlife. Experience the thrill of birding while surrounded by turquoise waters and lush landscapes. Start your Caribbean birding adventure today!

[birdersontheroad]

Visit Original Link

Explore Mt. Graham Arizona – Trails, Wildlife & Telescope Tours

Experience nature like never before on Mt Graham Arizona, a hidden paradise for birdwatchers and outdoor lovers. BIRDERS on the ROAD offers insider knowledge, birding checklists, and travel tips for discovering this mountain’s avian wonders. Whether chasing warblers or hiking the trails, this resource ensures an unforgettable experience.

[astronomy-to-zoology]

Givira theodori 

...is a species of carpenter moth (Cossidae) that is native to the southwestern United States, ranging from Texas to Arizona; with records from Utah as well. Like other members of the family cossidae the larvae of G. theodori are wood borers (earning them the common name of carpenter moths) and will feed on wood.

Classification

Animalia-Arthropoda-Insecta-Lepidoptera-Cossoidea-Cossidae-Hypoptinae-Givira-G. theodori

Image(s): ©Maury J. Heiman 

[drhoz]

#318 - Cossid Moth

A Wood Moth, probably Endoxyla. The Cossid moths eat wood when they're caterpillars, with some species taking 3 years to reach maturity. The famous Witchetty Grub, popular bush food, is a cossid caterpillar.

One Australian cossid lays a record-breaking number of eggs - almost 30,000 in one case.

This particular individual turned up in the pool at a caravan park my mother was managing, back in the mid nineties. She was about the size and weight of a breakfast sausage. Tiiiiiny little head.