Thursday, July 22, 2010

Tulip Tree Moth

Tulip-tree Silkmoth (Callosamia angulifera)
 
Insect art to promote insect growth and development.

The Tulip-tree Silkmoth, a member of the Giant Silkworm family (Saturniidae), is found in the woodlands and forests of eastern North America. Silkworm moths exist solely to mate. Having no mouths, they neither eat nor drink and live for only a week. They are nocturnal, with distant males responding to the female’s pheromones, and mate between dusk and midnight. At dusk the following  evening the female lays eggs, in rows of 4-10, on the leaves of the tulip tree. The eggs hatch in a week with young caterpillars feeding in groups. Older caterpillars do not eat the main vein of the leaf and are solitary creatures. In nature the caterpillar feeds only on the tulip tree, also called the yellow poplar, (Liriodendron tulipifera); its range matches that of the tree, shown here. The cocoon, in a curled tulip tree leaf, is not attached beyond the petiole and falls to the ground where it overwinters.

Artist: Elise Ross
E-mail address:  elisejr@optonline.net

Thursday, July 8, 2010

American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)

American Copper (Lycaena phlaeas)  
Insect art to promote insect growth and development.
  
                                       

American Copper is a common widespread little butterfly that ranges from Nova Scotia south to Georgia, Tennessee, and Arkansas; west across the Great Lakes to North Dakota. In the east it can be found in open or disturbed areas, including pastures, fields, and landfills. This small butterfly has a wing span of 7/8 to 1 3/8 inches. Males perch on grass or weeds to wait for receptive females. Females lay ribbed, pale green eggs singly on the stems or leaves of its host plant, sheep sorrel, (Rumex acetosella). The chrysalis overwinters in leaf litter. There are between two and three broods a year.  The caterpillar can be reddish to yellowish-green, possibly marked with red on the back or sides. It reaches an average length of 3/4 inch. Caterpillars feed on Rumex acetosella by chewing holes on the underside of the leaves. Adult butterflies drink nectar from many flowers including buttercup, white clover, and butterfly weed.

Artist: Beth Rhame

Contact Beth at: Banditboo2@aol.com