Eastern Saturniid Collecting Trip

[mswisher]

I am looking to plan a week long collecting trip this spring with the primary focus of Eastern Saturniids (other moths and butterflies during the day as well, but primarily Sats).  Ideally it would be a location with a variety of species with no restrictions for collecting (i.e. National Forest or other established location). I am thinking late May somewhere in the Midwest, but would like to hear recommended dates and locations.   

[beetlehorn]

Well, it all really depends on which species you are after. Here in Tennessee the very first Saturnids to appear are the spring form of Actias lune, which is really the most vibrant and handsome form of the species. They are usually on the wing in late March to early April. Then as the season goes on they gradually change and vary into the summer forms. Another early Saturnid is Sphingicampa bicolor. The very first ones have gray colored forewings, with burgundy hindwings,(the later generations are orange-brown in coloration). If you are in the right area, you might find Callosamia promethia in April. Although if you are after this species you would be better served in hunting for the cocoons which can be found hanging from Wild cherry, Sassafras, or even Persimmon trees. Late May into early June you might encounter Hyalophora cecropia, which usually flies in the late hours into the early morning. At the same time you will almost certainly find Antheraea polyphemus. All of the species I mentioned above can be encountered in late May, but A. luna (the spring form) is gone by then. Here is a perfect example of an early spring form of the Luna Moth.