Caterpillar foods: leaves of broad leaved trees and shrubs including birch, grape, hickory, maple, oak, willow, and species in the rose family. (Bugguide) I’ve reared many of these moths on oak leaves.
Polyphemus Moths are common here in west-central Wisconsin, but for a long time I had never seen any. A few years ago some friends found a large Polyphemus moth caterpillar on the ground on one of our paths.
After a few days it made a cocoon. I kept it over the winter, and in the spring, when it hatched, it turned out to be a female. It hatched on May 23, 2006.
Here are some eggs that the female, who escaped from her cage, laid all over the walls of our porch. The dark brown patch is the “glue” that cements them to the surface.
Polyphemus caterpillars can eat the leaves of many different trees and shrubs. The lists I’ve seen include: Ash, Birch, Grapes, Hickory, Maple, Oak, Pine, and Cherry. Like other Giant Silk Moths, once they start eating one kind of leaf, they don’t like to switch. I feed mine on oak leaves. For a while I stuck to oaks in the “black oak” group – Black and Red Oak, but I’ve also fed them White and Burr Oak and they don’t seem to care.
They make their cocoons wrapped up in leaves – usually leaves that have fallen on the ground – or on the floor of their cage.
Wings are inflated; now the moth gently moves its wings for an hour or so until they’re dry and hardened.
The moths usually emerge during the day, and by evening they’re ready to mate. The males get impatient to fly at dusk – I hear them flapping against the walls of the cage – and I release them. The females sit still, usually at the top edge of the cage. Males start showing up at midnight or 1 am.
In this case, two males mated with one female – this seems to happen often. There’s usually a scramble to figure out who will mate with each female, and then it resolves itself into two or three, or sometimes even four moths in the cluster.
The couples (or the cluster) usually stay together until dusk of the following day. By dark they’re both ready to fly – flapping against the cage.
Here’s a female in a cherry tree. I had released her the night before, and she was still there the next day.
Nd-whigreen moths are a fascinating group of insects found in the state of North Dakota. With their distinct green and white coloring, these moths really stand out. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of nd-whigreen moths – their biology, behavior, and how to identify them.
The term “nd-whigreen moth” refers to a number of moth species found in North Dakota that share a similar green and white wing pattern. They belong to the family Geometridae, a group commonly known as geometer moths.
These moths get their name from the way they walk – taking steps of equal length, like a geometer measuring distance This unique walking style is due to how their prolegs are positioned far back on the abdomen, forcing the moths to propel themselves inchworm-style
Though they may look delicate, nd-whigreen moths are actually quite hardy. Most species overwinter as adults, hunkering down in leaf litter or under the bark of trees. When spring arrives, the adults emerge to mate and lay eggs on suitable host plants.
Identifying Nd-Whigreen Moth Species
There are several species of nd-whigreen moths found in North Dakota. Here are some of the most common:
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The Limestone Geometer Moth (Petrophora subaequaria): This moth has velvety charcoal gray wings with bright green bands outlined in white. The upper forewings also have a small white discal spot. It has a wingspan of 30-38mm.
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The Fasciated Geometer Moth (Trichodezia albovittata): Easily identified by the wavy white line running across the middle of its mossy green forewings. The upper hindwings are gray-green. Wingspan around 25mm.
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The Twin-spotted Sprawler (Macaria bicolorata): Wings are apple green with two small white spots on each forewing. Underside of hindwings are yellow-green. Wingspan 25-30mm.
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The Juniper Geometer Moth (Nepytia freemanii): Forewings are sage green with a complex white line pattern. Hindwings are uniformly gray-green. Wingspan 22-28mm.
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The White-fringed Emerald (Nemoria lixaria): Bright emerald forewings with thin white fringe lines and a white discal spot. Hindwings grayish white. Wingspan 18-26mm.
When and Where to Find Them
Nd-whigreen moths are primarily nocturnal, doing most of their activities at night. During the day, they usually rest on tree trunks and rocks, camouflaging quite well with their mossy coloration.
Look for them in woodland habitats, especially areas with coniferous trees. The larvae of many species feed on pine, spruce, and juniper foliage. Adults also frequent meadows, fields, and backyards where flowers provide nectar.
Peak activity periods are late spring through mid summer. However, a few species like the Juniper Geometer are active in fall. At night, nd-whigreen moths can be spotted resting under lights or attracted to light traps and sugar bait.
Nd-Whigreen Moth Behavior and Life Cycle
The life cycle of nd-whigreen moths contains four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
In early spring, adults emerge and females lay clusters of eggs on the undersides of host plant leaves. Young caterpillars hatch and begin feeding on foliage. The plump green larvae reach maturity by mid summer.
When ready to pupate, the caterpillar spins a cocoon made of silk and bits of plants. Inside the cocoon, the larva transforms into a pupa. After 1-2 weeks, the adult moth emerges to continue the cycle.
Most nd-whigreen moth species produce one generation per year. However, some may have two broods in warmer climates. The Juniper Geometer Moth spends two winters as a pupa before emerging as an adult.
As mentioned earlier, the adults are quite active at night. They have a fascinating courtship dance where the male flies circles around the female while flashing his scent brushes. Mating usually occurs after this ritual.
The moths are able to hear the high-frequency sounds of bats, allowing them to adeptly avoid predation in flight. During the day, their camouflage offers protection from birds when at rest.
Benefits and Threats to Nd-Whigreen Moths
Though rather plain looking compared to brighter species, nd-whigreen moths play an important ecological role. Their larvae munch on trees and shrubs, recycling nutrients through the food chain. And adult moths are a food source for bats, birds, and other predators.
However, these moths do face some significant threats. Pesticide use can reduce their numbers, along with habitat loss as forests are cleared. Introduced tree pests can also negatively impact their host plants.
Citizen scientists can help researchers track nd-whigreen moth populations by reporting sightings to databases like BAMONA and iNaturalist. Avoiding pesticide use and planting native vegetation beneficial to moths are also great conservation actions.
Wrapping Up
Native Habitat Restoration in Western Wisconsin
Family Saturniidae Hodges # 7757
Caterpillar foods: leaves of broad leaved trees and shrubs including birch, grape, hickory, maple, oak, willow, and species in the rose family. (Bugguide) I’ve reared many of these moths on oak leaves.
Polyphemus Moths are common here in west-central Wisconsin, but for a long time I had never seen any. A few years ago some friends found a large Polyphemus moth caterpillar on the ground on one of our paths.
After a few days it made a cocoon. I kept it over the winter, and in the spring, when it hatched, it turned out to be a female. It hatched on May 23, 2006.
It mated on May 27.
I kept some of the eggs, and raised them to adulthood.
Here are some eggs that the female, who escaped from her cage, laid all over the walls of our porch. The dark brown patch is the “glue” that cements them to the surface.
Some of the eggs I pried off of the walls
Polyphemus caterpillars can eat the leaves of many different trees and shrubs. The lists I’ve seen include: Ash, Birch, Grapes, Hickory, Maple, Oak, Pine, and Cherry. Like other Giant Silk Moths, once they start eating one kind of leaf, they don’t like to switch. I feed mine on oak leaves. For a while I stuck to oaks in the “black oak” group – Black and Red Oak, but I’ve also fed them White and Burr Oak and they don’t seem to care.
Eggs hatching – 6/6/2006
First instar caterpillars on oak leaves
A later instar, just after shedding its skin
These are late instar caterpillars
They make their cocoons wrapped up in leaves – usually leaves that have fallen on the ground – or on the floor of their cage.
They spend the winter as cocoons, and sometime in May, the adults emerge.
A cocoon after the moth has emerged.
Here’s a sequence of a male moth emerging from its cocoon – May 16, 2007.
Just climbing out of the cocoon
Just after emerging – before its wings are inflated
Wings are beginning to inflate
Wings are inflated; now the moth gently moves its wings for an hour or so until they’re dry and hardened.
The moths usually emerge during the day, and by evening they’re ready to mate. The males get impatient to fly at dusk – I hear them flapping against the walls of the cage – and I release them. The females sit still, usually at the top edge of the cage. Males start showing up at midnight or 1 am.
In this case, two males mated with one female – this seems to happen often. There’s usually a scramble to figure out who will mate with each female, and then it resolves itself into two or three, or sometimes even four moths in the cluster.
The couples (or the cluster) usually stay together until dusk of the following day. By dark they’re both ready to fly – flapping against the cage.
Here’s a female in a cherry tree. I had released her the night before, and she was still there the next day.
Other individuals that came to my lights.
6/11/2014 Search for:
A moth’s legendary transformation…
FAQ
How do you get rid of plume moths?
- Check for signs of infestation: Look for moths, larvae, or damage to plants or stored items.
- Discard or treat infested items: If you find infested clothing, fabrics, or pantry items, either discard them or treat them.
- Freeze infested items: Freezing for 72 hours can kill moth larvae and eggs.
Is it okay to touch a luna moth?
With bold patterns, moths like the Actias luna (Luna Moth) can be tempting to pick up. However, these moths are very delicate. So, you should avoid touching them.
Are death head moths rare?
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Rare Migrants:Death’s head hawk moths are not native to the UK and are considered rare visitors, arriving from southern Europe in late summer or autumn.
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Occasional Influxes:While small numbers are recorded each year, there are occasional times when larger numbers arrive, leading to more sightings.
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Distribution:They are typically found in the south and east of England, but have been recorded across the UK.
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Distinctive Features:These moths are known for their large size and the skull-shaped marking on their thorax, which gives them their name.
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Honeybee Connection:They are known for their strong connection with honeybees, as their short proboscis is adapted for stealing honey.
What are plume moths attracted to?
Plume moths are commonly attracted to lights at night but are also often seen resting on nonwoody plants or flowers during the day. It is common to see them resting on the sides of buildings in the morning, near porchlights that had attracted them the previous night.