ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Nov 5, 2011 19:47:08 GMT -8
70 mm! That is huge for a fly!
Charlie
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Nov 3, 2011 21:22:47 GMT -8
Ran across this on YouTube. I think it is from the PBS series "Nature". I saw another one where they estimated the population of this colony at 12 million! Here's the link (hope it works):
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Nov 2, 2011 8:09:45 GMT -8
I Googled the moth & found pictures on the WLSS site. Those caterpillars are wicked looking! Thanks for sharing the picture & your experience.
Charlie
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Nov 2, 2011 7:59:33 GMT -8
I would tend to agree with Hyalophora cecropia or at least something in the same genus, depending on where you live. I used to collect cocoons during the winter primarily on maple when I lived in central Illinois where I grew up. Was there an "outer cocoon" besides what is pictured? Generally it is tapered & bunched up where the adult will stretch it open as it emerges. I'd like to throw out a question to see if anyone else ever had the following experience. I noticed on several occasions that there was a kernel of corn tucked inside the opening of these cocoons when I'd open them. My guess was that a squirrel put it there for safe keeping until later. None of the "inner cocoons" were ever damaged, however. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Charlie
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Oct 28, 2011 8:24:19 GMT -8
The reference to eBay Bucks was a joke!
Charlie
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Oct 26, 2011 20:29:36 GMT -8
But just think of the eBay Bucks you'll earn if you buy it! LOL
Charlie
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Oct 19, 2011 20:45:02 GMT -8
Thanks for posting this. Very entertaining!
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Oct 15, 2011 19:22:47 GMT -8
This is quite unusual! Thanks for posting the pictures.
Charlie from Texas
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Oct 15, 2011 19:09:33 GMT -8
Hi, Rev. Sorry to hear about your moth. They are generally fairly common in the south & I'm sure you will find another one (although probably next year). I've got a 4 year old grandson living with us & am trying to teach him an appreciation of bugs. Haven't lost any "good" specimens to his inquisitive little hands yet, but have had a few close calls. I tend to agree with your viewpoint on the tone that these threads sometimes take. I do wish it could be a bit more civil. The one thing I have learned as I've gotten older is that when there are two extreme sides to a debate, the answer lies somewhere in the middle. It's up to each of us to figure out where it is. Just my two cents & hope I haven't offended anyone, as that is not my intention.
Charlie from Texas
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Oct 5, 2011 23:41:41 GMT -8
Good advice! To borrow an old slogan from American Express - "Never leave home without it".
Charlie
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Oct 5, 2011 23:36:36 GMT -8
Also very lovely!
Charlie
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ckswank
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Atlas
Oct 5, 2011 23:35:17 GMT -8
Post by ckswank on Oct 5, 2011 23:35:17 GMT -8
Very nice!
Charlie
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Oct 3, 2011 18:07:05 GMT -8
Could be a ground beetle (Carabidae), possibly Calosoma. Some are really aromatic, but I wouldn't describe their odor as floral or anything pleasant. They are predatory, feeding on other insects & caterpillars.
Charlie
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Oct 1, 2011 16:16:33 GMT -8
Your specimens look quite good, considering your level of expertise & newness to the hobby. It will get better & easier with time & practice. Hang in there!
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ckswank
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Post by ckswank on Oct 1, 2011 9:41:28 GMT -8
I agree wholeheartedly with pennswoods. It may be of great benefit to you and the scientific community, as well, to collect in a small geographic area over a period of years. Just be sure to add collection data to your specimens. I have been collecting primarily in one county here in Texas, just 40-50 miles to the SW of where I live over the past two years and have discovered some very interesting species. Many are undocumented, as no one has collected there before, even though there is some great habitat. I know next season, I will be trying more bait traps, including the area around my neighborhood, even though suburbia is overtaking the native habitat.
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