INVERTEBRATE ALERT
This blog provides an informal forum for terrestrial invertebrate watchers to post recent sightings of interesting observations in the southern Vancouver Island region. Please send your sightings by email to Jeremy Tatum (tatumjb352@gmail.com). Be sure to include your name, phone number, the species name (common or scientific) of the invertebrate you saw, location, date, and number of individuals. If you have a photograph you are willing to share, please send it along. Click on the title above for an index of past sightings.The index is updated most days.

May 28

2021 May 28

 

   Jochen Möhr reports two Xanthorhoe defensaria (at two different lights) and one Lithomoia napaea at his Metchosin home yesterday morning:

 


Xanthorhoe defensaria (Lep.: Geometridae)  Jochen Möhr


Xanthorhoe defensaria (Lep.: Geometridae)  Jochen Möhr


Lithomoia napaea (Lep.: Noctuidae)  Jochen Möhr

 

Jeremy Tatum shows a Herpetogramma thestealis reared from a caterpillar from Blenkinsop Lake.  This is one of several caterpillars that feed on Stinging Nettle, in spite of the stings that presumably evolved to deter animals from eating the leaves.

 


Herpetogramma thestealis (Lep.: Crambidae)  Jeremy Tatum

   Here is another (caterpillar and adult) nettle-feeder, also from near Blenkinsop Lake.  I do not know what species it is; I think it is probably a tortricid.  Possibilities:  Phiaris glacialis or  Celypha cespitana.

Is anyone can help, please do let us know.

 

Nettle-feeder, probably a tortricid (Lep.: Tortricidae)   Jeremy Tatum

Nettle-feeder, probably a tortricid (Lep.: Tortricidae)   Jeremy Tatum