SUBTLE INSECT BLOG.

Amazing Saturniidae Moth’s Caterpillar

photographs: pondhawk and Cheryl Harleston

(Source)

In all the orders in which they appear, mainly Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera, prolegs of any form evolved independently of each other by convergent evolution. Prolegs of lepidopteran larvae have a small circle of gripping hooks, called “crochets”. The arrangement of the crochets can be helpful in identification to family level. Although the point has been debated, prolegs are not widely regarded as true legs, derived from the primitive uniramous limbs. Certainly in their morphology they are not jointed, and so lack the five segments (coxa, trochanter, femur, tibia, tarsus) of thoracic insect legs. Prolegs do have limited musculature, but much of their movement is hydraulically powered. (via: Wikipedia) Photographs: T - Larvae of the sawfly (Craesus septentrionalis), in the Hymenoptera by Przykuta; B - Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) caterpillar by Didier Descouens

Size Wingspan 34-40 mm Identification Adult: similar to G. parthenice, G. phyllira has a less robust body, deeper pink shade of the hindwing, and the antemedial forewing band is vertical (perpendicular to the inner margin), not perpendicular to the costa as in parthenice. (U. of Alberta) Range Eastern North America Habitat Fields, etc. with host plants Season May-September Food Larvae feed on corn, lupine, tobacco, and other herbs. Adults probably do not feed.

photo source-The MacroClub Project

Wasp study Oil on wood 6”x6” Ida Floreak

Lopidea sp.

Sphacophilus cellularis

Torymus sp. (female)

Spilosoma virginica -Virginia Tiger Moth

Thermophilum deceguttatus ssp … but don’t know what ssp. it is .. found it already dead .. so not great preserved insect, but still one extra to have ( specially if you don’t have a specimen at all ) - South Africa - Paternoster - West coast.

Bombus bimaculatus- Two-Spotted Bumble Bee

Fulgens Prism ~ by Christopher Marley; 20 x 24”.   Rather than using standard entomology mountings, Marley interprets an artistic presentation of brilliantly-colored beetle species found around the world to emphasize their natural beauty.