With the unseasonably warm weather (highs in the upper 50s), I turned the porch light on to see if I could get any moths to show up. Nothing showed the first two nights, but on February 1 one moth showed up.
Spring Cankerworm (Paleacrita vernata)
This is the Spring Cankerworm (Paleacrita vernata). This was also the first moth that came to my light last year, although that was in late March. The following night, a second Spring Cankerworm came in along with this moth:
Straight-toothed Sallow (Eupsilia vinulenta)
This is a Straight-toothed Sallow (Eupsilia vinulenta), probably. ”Probably” because the Sidus Sallow (Eupsilia sidus) is apparently so similar that only microscopic examination of the wing scales can positively differentiate the two. Two nights of moths and two species was more than I would have guessed was possible during the first week of February. Today we are back to reality with our biggest snow of the winter.
Didnt know you had a blog Aaron. Cool photos and write ups! I’ll keep track!