Insects

Small Baileya (Baileya australis), Newark DE. August 2017.  A moth commonly associated with forests and woodlots, the small Baileya is frequently encountered during light traps in the summer. Little is known about its larval stage, although there are reports that the caterpillars feed on black walnut (other members of this genus also feed on walnut).  I was unable to obtain eggs from this species, so hopefully next year we’ll have a better idea of their host preference.

AKA Fallen-bark Looper

Seen by Merri Golding, on NSW’s Southern Tablelands.

A large Oenochromine Geometrid moth, with female up to 8 cm in wingspan, and males slightly smaller. Native to the SE corner of Australia, where the caterpillars feed on various Eucalypts and Box Brushes.

The sexes are similarly marked, although the males have a dark line across the forewing. The undersides have a vivid purple and yellow warning flash. 

So… this happened. It was frozen there…chillin’, as it were 😏

This is the biggest Christmas beetle I’ve seen in years, it was so beautiful, and it pooped on me, it’s a chrism miracle.

Melanoplus differentialis (Differential grasshopper)

October 17, 2016

Fort Hood, TX, USA