Ian Maton Nature Photography: Blog https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog en-us Ian Maton [email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) Mon, 16 Mar 2020 06:51:00 GMT Mon, 16 Mar 2020 06:51:00 GMT https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/img/s/v-12/u1031719030-o330317982-50.jpg Ian Maton Nature Photography: Blog https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog 120 94 Blog for 8th, 9th and 10th July https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/7/blog-for-8th-9th-and-10th-july There were 89 macro moths of 18 species on the 8th July, 87 of 28 on the 9th and 128 of 23 on the 10th.  As can be seen the numbers are quite high which is to be expected during this warm and fairly dry spell.

During this period there were 7 new species for the year.  1 of these was a new moth for my backyard, a Brown-lined Sallow Moth (Sympistis badistriga).  The other new species for the year were:

Johnson's Euchlaena (Euchlaena johnsonaria)
Pale beauty (Campaea perlata)
Parthenice Tiger Moth (Grammia parthenice)
Canadian Fan-foot (Zanclognatha lutalba)
Wavy Chestnut Y (Autographa mappa)
Anhimella contrahens

It’s always nice to get your first tiger moth of the year and the Wavy Chestnut Y (Autographa mappa) is certainly a colourful species.

wavy1 (1) wavy JE PT BJS PB

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/7/blog-for-8th-9th-and-10th-july Fri, 10 Jul 2015 13:15:00 GMT
Blog entry for 6th July https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/7/blog-entry-for-6th-july There were 65 macro moths of 19 species on the 6th.  4 were new for the year:

Split-lined Angle Moth (Speranza bitactata)
Neoligia subjuncta
Stormy Arches (Polia nimbosa)
Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/7/blog-entry-for-6th-july Thu, 09 Jul 2015 19:30:00 GMT
Blog entry for 3rd July https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/7/blog-entry-for-3rd-july This was the best night of the year so far with 107 macro moths of 27 species in the light trap.  5 of these were new for the year and 1 was a macro moth that I haven’t recorded before, a Northern Pine Tussock Moth (Dasychira plagiata).  I haven’t seen many Tussock moths so this was a very nice addition to the list.  The other new moths for the year were:

The Scribe (Lettered Habrosyne) (Habrosyne scripta)
Little White Lichen Moth (Clemensia albata)
Brown-streaked Rustic (Hypocoena rufostrigata)
Disparaged Arches (Orthodes detracta)
Trichordestra dodii

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/7/blog-entry-for-3rd-july Thu, 09 Jul 2015 17:24:00 GMT
Blog entry for 2nd July https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/7/blog-entry-for-2nd-july Due to the weather, my light trap has only been out intermittently over the last week or so.  I did have 64 macro moths of 24 species on the 2nd with 3 new species for the year.

False Bruce Spanworm (Speranza loricaria)
White-banded Toothed Carpet (Euphyia intermediata)
Rusty Holomelina (Virbia ferruginosa)

It’s always nice to be able photograph a couple of Geometrids as they tend to be a lot more active than the Noctuids.  This was only my second record of the Rusty Holomelina (Virbia ferruginosa), although, I think I could quite easily overlook this small moth.  The Garden Arches (Lacanobia radix) is a common backyard moth.

FBS WBTC RH GC

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/7/blog-entry-for-2nd-july Tue, 07 Jul 2015 17:39:00 GMT
Blog entry for 28th and 29th June https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/7/blog-entry-for-28th-and-30th-june I’m a little behind with my blog entries so I will be combining a few.  The moth numbers have exploded during the recent hot spell of weather.  On the 28th there were approximately 20 species of 95 macro moths in the light trap and on the 29th there were 31 species of 119 macro moths.  Over the 2 days there were 59 Bristly Cutworm Moths (Lacinipolia renigera), which continues to be my most numerous backyard moth and 2 new species.  The new species were a Two-spot Dart Moth (Eueretagrotis perattentus) and a nice looking geometrid, a White-ribboned Carpet Moth (Mesoleuca ruficillata).

The other photographs are a Ruby Dart (Xestia oblata), which in my opinion is one of the most colourful noctuids and a Morrison's Sooty Dart (Pseudohermonassa tenuicula) which is quite common but sometimes tricky to photograph.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/7/blog-entry-for-28th-and-30th-june Fri, 03 Jul 2015 17:22:00 GMT
Backyard Report https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/backyard-report_26 The high early morning temperatures are making photography quite tricky.  A number of moths flew out of the trap as soon as I lifted the lid.  I did record 57 moths of 15 species so the numbers are continuing to increase.  Just 2 new moths for the year:

Yellow-dusted-Cream (Cabera erythemaria)
Dark Metanema (Metanema determinata)

The Thoughtful Apamea (Apamea cogitata), shown below, has just started to appear in the light trap.  This is another one of the very common backyard moths.  The Flame-shouldered Dart (Ochropleura implecta) was recorded on the 12th June.  Normally very active and difficult to photograph no matter what the temperatures.

THAP FSD

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/backyard-report_26 Fri, 26 Jun 2015 08:11:00 GMT
Backyard Report https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/backyard-report There were approximately 49 macro moths of 17 species in my light trap last night.  I say, approximately, as a few got away before I could photograph them.  The warm overnight weather means they are quite active even at 6:30am.  8 were new for the year but there were no completely new species.  The new ones for the year were:

Common Idia (Idia aemula)
Putnam's Looper (Plusia putnami)
White-lined Quaker (Apamea niveivenosa)
Glassy Cutworm (Apamea devastator)
Civil Rustic Moth (Platyperigea montana)
Cloudy Arches Moth (Polia imbrifera)
Divergent Dart (Euxoa divergens)
Catocaline Dart (Cryptocala acadiensis)

The Vancouver Dart (Agrotis vancouverensis) is another very common backyard moth.  The Blind-eyed Sphinx Moth (Paonias excaecata) photograph was taken in the Okanagan.

LP1k VD8K IMG_12471k

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/backyard-report Thu, 25 Jun 2015 12:32:00 GMT
June 24th https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/june-24th It was fairly quiet in the Light trap this morning.  There were 24 macro moths of 9 species with 3 being new for the year.

Pepper & Salt Geometer (Biston betularia cognataria)
Apamea commoda
Olive Arches (Lacinipolia olivacea)

Olive Arches (Lacinipolia olivacea) and Bristly Cutworm (Lacinipolia renigera) moths are two of the most common moths that I record in my backyard.

The other moth photograph is a Single-dotted Wave (Idaea dimidiata) which was taken in the Okanagan.

Untitled_Panorama1A Untitled_PanoramaC Single-dotted Wave Moth (Idaea dimidiata)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/june-24th Wed, 24 Jun 2015 10:14:00 GMT
June 23rd–New Moth https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/june-23rdnew-moth I’ve just returned from a weeks vacation in the southern Okanagan.  I’ll include a few moths from the Okanagan in the next couple of blogs.

Last night there were 29 macro moths of 16 species in my Calgary backyard light trap.  9 of these were new species for the year.  One of these was a moth that I haven’t recorded before, a Small Phoenix Moth (Ecliptopera silaceata).  The other new species were:

American Idia (Idia americalis)
Yellow-headed Cutworm Moth (Northern Quaker) (Apamea amputatrix)
Apamea alia
Thoughtful Apamea (Apamea cogitata)
Garden Arches (Lacanobia radix)
Bristly Cutworm Moth (Lacinipolia renigera)
Many-lined Wainscot (Leucania multilinea)
Rosy Dart (Diarsia rosaria)

The One-eyed Sphinx Moth (Smerinthus cerisyi) is an Okanagan photograph.  These moths appear to be quite common in the area.

Small Phoenix Moth (Ecliptopera silaceata) Large IMG_1214

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/june-23rdnew-moth Tue, 23 Jun 2015 18:29:00 GMT
Another good moth night https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/another-good-moth-night This morning I recorded 47 macro moths of 17 species.  This included yet another 2 new species.  A very nice Splendid Dagger Moth (Acronicta superans) and a Wormwood pug (Eupithecia absinthiata).  I must admit I sometimes overlook the pug species but this one caught my eye as it had some fairly prominent markings.  That brings my new backyard macro moth species for the year to 9.  And it’s only June! 

Other new species for the year were:

Morrison's Pero (Pero morrisonaria)
The Canary Thorn (Neoterpes trianguliferata)
Double-banded Carpet (Spargania magnoliata)
Dark-spotted Palthis (Palthis angulalis)
American Angle Shades (Euplexia benesimilis)
The Mottled Rustic (Brungult Lovfly) (Caradrina morpheus)
Intermediate Falconer (Cucullia intermedia)

sp wp MP CT DBC AAS

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/another-good-moth-night Thu, 11 Jun 2015 19:51:00 GMT
More new backyard moth species https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/more-new-backyard-moth-species The moth numbers jumped last night with 47 macro moths of 14 species.  There were another 2 new species which included a very nice Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia isabella).  I have seen this moth in the Okanagan but it was certainly a welcome new backyard species.  The other new moth was a Praevia Dart Moth (Xestia praevia).  The latter  was on the house siding across from the trap and I almost missed it.  Other species recorded this morning were:

The Vestal (Cabera variolaria)
Brown Bark Carpet Moth (Horisme intestinata)
Miranda Moth (Proxenus miranda)
Celery Looper (Anagrapha falcifera)
Pink-barred Lithacodia (Pseudeustrotia carneola)
Impressed Dagger Moth (Acronicta impressa)
Neighbourly Arches (Lacinipolia vicina)
Wheat Head Armyworm (Dargida diffusa)
Lesser Wainscot (Mythimna oxygala)
Ruddy Quaker Moth (Protorthodes oviduca)
Vancouver Dart (Agrotis vancouverensis)
Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/more-new-backyard-moth-species Wed, 10 Jun 2015 18:37:00 GMT
Post for Tues 9th June–More new backyard species https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/post-for-tues-9th-junemore-new-backyard There were 13 macro moths of 7 species in the Light trap yesterday morning.  This included 2 new species.  The new species were Pale-marked Angle Moth (Macaria signaria) and Orthodes obscura.  Other species included:

Brown Bark Carpet Moth (Horisme intestinata)
Gray dagger (Acronicta grisea)
Lesser Wainscot (Mythimna oxygala)
Vancouver Dart (Agrotis vancouverensis)
Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/post-for-tues-9th-junemore-new-backyard Wed, 10 Jun 2015 17:28:00 GMT
New Backyard Moth Species https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/new-backyard-moth-species There were 11 moths of 6 species in the light trap this morning and 2 were new backyard species.  A Gray Spruce Looper Moth (Caripeta divisata) was a completely new species for me while a Sigmoid Prominent Moth (Clostera albosigma) was a new species for my backyard.  The image of the Sigmoid Prominent was taken in the Waterton area as I failed to get a good photograph of this moth this morning.

GSL Sigmoid Prominent Moth (Clostera albosigma)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/new-backyard-moth-species Mon, 08 Jun 2015 18:17:00 GMT
Moths number increasing https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/moths-number-increasing I haven’t had the backyard light trap out a great deal recently but last night there were 12 moths of 7 species.  They included an Atlantic Arches Moth (Lacanobia atlantica) which I believe is only the second time I have recorded this species.

In spite of some warm weather, May was a very quite month for moths but I have included a smart looking Anarta farnhami which was in the trap on the 28th.  The Celery Looper (Anagrapha falcifera) and what I believe is an Alien Probole (Probole alienaria) were recorded on the 6th June.

The moth numbers are definitely on the rise.

Anarta8k AA AP CL IP

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/6/moths-number-increasing Sun, 07 Jun 2015 19:59:00 GMT
April 22nd https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/4/april-22nd Last night there was one new species for the year and 6 Speckled Green Fruitworms (Orthosia hibisci).  The new species was an Orthosia segregata (no common name that I can find).  This is an expected moth species for this time of the year.  Nothing in the bait trap yet apart from a good number of flies…

Untitled_Panorama1

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/4/april-22nd Wed, 22 Apr 2015 18:46:00 GMT
Some different moths at last… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/4/some-different-moths-at-last There were a couple of new backyard moths for the year in the light trap this morning.  One was a Thaxter's Pinion Moth (Lithophane thaxteri).  This was a good record as I have only seen this moth once before on the 22nd Oct 2013.  The other new species for the year was an Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica).  This was my earliest record for this moth by a few days.  Of course, there were also the inevitable Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci) moths.  8 in total.  I have the bait trap out as well now so we’ll see what that attracts.

Untitled_Panorama8k

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/4/some-different-moths-at-last Tue, 21 Apr 2015 17:44:00 GMT
April 16th Moth https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/4/april-16th-moth Not many moths in backyard at the moment.  Just 1 Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci) in the light trap this morning.  If the wind drops I’m hoping for more tonight.

The Olive Green Cutworm (Dargida procincta) below was taken on October 21st last year and was one of my latest moth records.  I thought I’d add this migrant American Wigeon photograph , taken yesterday, for some colour.  The bird migration is underway…

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/4/april-16th-moth Thu, 16 Apr 2015 18:09:00 GMT
April Moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/4/april-moths Not too much to report for last week, although, I did find a new backyard micro moth on the door next to my light trap yesterday morning (11th).  I think the new micro is a Semioscopis inornata.  I found 2 common names for this moth.  The one used on the E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum is Dull Flatbody Moth and in the Peterson guide it is Plain Semioscopis.   I guess it is plain and could be considered Dull so you can take your pick…Smile

With regards to macro moths, I had a single Large Grey Pinion (Lithophane georgii) in the trap on the 9th and 8 moths of 2 species in the light trap on the 11th.  The latter comprised  of 7 Speckled Green Fruitworms (Orthosia hibisci) and a new species for the year, a Western Swordgrass Moth (Xylena thoracica).

Strong winds kept my light trap inside last night and may keep it in tonight.

IMG_0138 IMG_0142 IMG_0150ik  9913 Large Grey Pinion (Lithophane georgii)_2

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/4/april-moths Sun, 12 Apr 2015 14:26:00 GMT
March 31st Backyard Moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/4/march-31st-backyard-moths There were 3 moths of 2 species in the light trap on the 31st.  2x Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass (Xylena curvimacula) and 1x Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci).  Since then cooler temperatures and strong winds have prevented me from putting the Light trap out.  Hopefully the weather will settle down again soon.

The photographs below were taken in 2013.

IMG_8220flickr IMG_8250flickr

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/4/march-31st-backyard-moths Thu, 02 Apr 2015 17:36:00 GMT
My First Backyard Macro Moth of 2015! https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/3/my-first-backyard-macro-moth-of-2015 We’ve had a lot of warm weather recently but my light trap had remained stubbornly empty until last night when 2 Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci) moths turned up.  This is my earliest ever record of a macro moth since I started mothing in 2007.  My previous early record was a Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass (Xylena curvimacula) on the 1st April 2013.  Hopefully, this is the start of an interesting mothing year.

Orthosia hibisci

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/3/my-first-backyard-macro-moth-of-2015 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 10:29:00 GMT
Summary of my Calgary Backyard Moth Species for 2014 https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/3/summary-of-my-calgary-backyard-moth As the 2015 mothing season appears to be just around the corner, he says hopefully, I thought it was about time that I did an end of year summary for 2014…

The macro moth numbers were considerably down when compared to previous years but that is as much due to the number of times that I had the light and bait traps out as to anything else.  With vacations and bad weather I only had the light trap out 3 times in June!

Still the year was not a complete loss. I did record 133 species of macro moths, 7 of which were new records for my backyard.  As usual, these figures do not include a handful of species that I have not yet identified and some micro moths.

The new backyard species were:

Black-rimmed Prominent (Pheosia rimosa)
Leucania insueta
Brother Moth (Raphia frater)
Atlantic Arches Moth (Lacanobia atlantica)
Scripted Arches (Mamestra curialis)
Spruce Cone Looper Moth (Eupithecia mutata)
Spotted Grass Moth (Rivula propinqualis)

This brings my backyard macro moth list to 280.

The following is a summary of my most frequently record backyard moths.  No real surprises here:

Backyard Moths where the numbers counted were greater than 50
Common Name Latin Name Number
Glassy Cutworm Apamea devastator 395
Thoughtful Apamea Apamea cogitata 308
Bristly Cutworm Moth Lacinipolia renigera 160
Olive Arches Lacinipolia olivacea 109
Civil Rustic Moth Platyperigea montana 83
Morrison's Sooty Dart Pseudohermonassa tenuicula 71
Lesser Wainscot Mythimna oxygala 65
Bronzed Cutworm Moth Nephelodes minians 56
Mottled Rustic  Caradrina morpheus 53
Setaceous Hebrew Character Xestia c-nigrum 53

Once again, a special thanks to Gary Anweiler and anyone else who helped with the ID’s.

The following photographs were taken in the Okanagan, although, I have seen these Sphinx moths in Alberta.

IMG_7063 IMG_7071IMG_7074A

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2015/3/summary-of-my-calgary-backyard-moth Thu, 26 Mar 2015 18:50:00 GMT
White-faced Ibis https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/9/white-faced-ibis I've been trying to get some reasonable photographs of White-faced Ibis for some time and so was very pleased when I managed to follow a flock of approximately 15 birds to a marshy landing spot east of Calgary.  After feeding for 30 minutes or so I lost sight of them as they continued their southward migration.

White-faced IbisWhite-faced IbisIn late summer a flock of White-faced Ibis pause at an Alberta marsh during their migration south. White-faced IbisWhite-faced IbisIn late summer a flock of White-faced Ibis pause at an Alberta marsh during their migration south.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) Ibis bird birds faced marshland wader white https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/9/white-faced-ibis Mon, 15 Sep 2014 20:51:24 GMT
Eared Grebes taking care of their chicks https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/9/a-few-birds-of-august Eared Grebe chicks take a ride on their parents back.   These photographs were taken at a small marsh east of Calgary.   Eared Grebe and chicksEared Grebe and chicksSome inquisitive Eared Grebe chicks ride on the back of their parent.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) bird birds black chick chicks eared grebe grebes necked https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/9/a-few-birds-of-august Mon, 15 Sep 2014 17:25:00 GMT
Snow and a few more August moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/9/snow-and-few-more-august-moths The snow of last week has cleared and temperatures should reach the low 20’s Celsius for most of this week.  However, after 15cm of snow, severe frosts, temperatures as low as –4 and untold tree and damage I was quite surprised to find any moths in my light and bait traps trap this morning.  There was a single macro moth in my light trap yesterday but 5 moths of 5 species this morning.  I will blog about todays moths in a later post but here are a few more moths from the balmy days of August…

Untitled_Panorama1 Untitled_Panoramab IMG_9392 Untitled_Panorama2 Untitled_PanoramaA

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/9/snow-and-few-more-august-moths Mon, 15 Sep 2014 10:17:00 GMT
August – A good month for Underwings https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/9/august-good-month-for-underwings With snow and temperatures barely above freezing, here in Calgary, the high temperatures of August already seem like a distant memory.  August was certainly my best month on record for Underwings.  On the 15th, 13 Underwings of 4 species in the bait trap was a record for my backyard.  I don’t think I’ve had any Underwings in the light trap this year but the bait trap has been very productive.  I’m not sure if it made a real difference but this was the first year that I used Pineapple.  Other ingredients were banana, grapes, a dash of maple syrup and any other fruit that came to hand… Actually, described like that it almost sounds like a nice desert recipe! Smile  

The following are the 5 species of Underwing that  I have seen in my backyard this year.  The moth that I believe is a Once-married Underwing Moth (Catocala unijuga) was definitely the largest Underwing that I have seen.

Untitled_PanoramaNew Untitled_Panoramawhite IMG_9582 Untitled_Panorama2 Untitled_Panorama3 Untitled_PanoramaB IMG_9167A Untitled_Panoramac

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/9/august-good-month-for-underwings Mon, 08 Sep 2014 16:03:00 GMT
August Moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/8/august-moths With no threat of storms, I finally managed to get the bait and light traps out last night.  The combined total this morning was approximately 110 macro moths of 30 species.  The bait trap paid off with a Charming Underwing Moth (Catocala blandula).  I’ve only had this species once before and didn’t manage a particularly good photograph previously so I was happy to get a second chance.  Other new backyard species for the year included  a Northwestern Phoenix (eulithis xylina) and a Dark-spotted Looper Moth (Diachrysia aereoides).  The Celery Looper (Anagrapha falcifera) photograph was the product of 6 stacked photographs while the Dark-spotted Looper  was the product of 5 stacked photographs.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/8/august-moths Wed, 06 Aug 2014 19:17:00 GMT
77 moths of 19 species https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/7/backyard-moths-for-july-22nd There were approximately 77 macro moths of 19 species in the light trap this morning.  44 of these were either Glassy Cutworms (Apamea devastator) or Thoughtful Apameas (Apamea cogitata).  There was one new species for the backyard, a geometrid, which I believe is a Spruce Cone Looper Moth (Eupithecia mutata).  I’m not 100% certain about the ID but will call it that for now.

The following is a selection of photographs taken this morning and include one of the more colourful noctuids, a Rosy Dart Moth (Xestia oblata).

Untitled_Panorama8kA Untitled_PanoramaC8k IMG_8879 Untitled_Panorama1k Untitled_PanoramaD8k Untitled_PanoramaB8k

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/7/backyard-moths-for-july-22nd Tue, 22 Jul 2014 15:24:00 GMT
A few more July moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/7/a-few-more-july-moths There were 61 moths of 23 species in the Light and bait traps on the 11th.  This included 7 new species for the year. There was a new backyard moth on the 8th July, a Scripted Arches (Mamestra curialis) and another new backyard moth on the 4th, a Black-rimmed Prominent (Pheosia rimosa).  I have seen the latter species during my trips south to the Waterton area but this is the first time I have seen a Black-rimmed Prominent in my Calgary backyard.  Last night was a little quieter with 41 moths of 16 species and just 1 new moth for the year, a Delphinium Leaftier (Polychrysia esmeralda). The following are a few photographs from the last few days.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/7/a-few-more-july-moths Sat, 12 Jul 2014 19:34:00 GMT
July Moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/7/july-moths Getting good numbers of moths now and no thunder storms last night…  Conservatively, there were 40 macro moths of 20 species in the light trap last night.  Due to the warm morning, several species escaped as soon as I opened the trap.  I didn't think there were any new backyard species but there were several that were new for the year.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/7/july-moths Tue, 08 Jul 2014 11:15:00 GMT
Some mothing at last… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/7/some-mothing-at-last What with the overnight weather and recent trips, I haven’t done a lot of backyard mothing this year and it is already July!  Where has the time gone…?

Anyway, I did have 2 new backyard species yesterday (2nd July), an Atlantic Arches Moth (Lacanobia atlantica) and a new micro moth with the rather unfortunate name of “Destructive Pruneworm Moth” (Acrobasis tricolorella).  Presumably it was called this due to the fruit that the larvae feed on.  Larval feeding habits aside, it is quite a colourful micro moth.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/7/some-mothing-at-last Thu, 03 Jul 2014 19:18:00 GMT
Calgary moths for the 7th-9th June https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/6/calgary-moths-for-7th-9th-june After being away for a couple of weeks I’ve finally managed to get the moth trap out for a few nights and am seeing some nice species.  This morning (9th) I had my first backyard Sphinx of the year, a White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata).  Other species over the last 3 nights were:

Vancouver Dart (Agrotis vancouverensis)
Intermediate Falconer (Cucullia intermedia)
Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica)
White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata)
Friendly Probole (Probole amicaria)
Nevada Arches (Lacanobia nevadae
Sutrina Moth (hada sutrina)

There were also 2 species that I can only give tentative ID’s of Lobophora magnoliatoidata and Leucania dia.  In my location these are difficult to separate from Lobophora nivigerata and Leucania insueta respectively.  Thanks to Gary Anweiler for his help with these.

The numbers have been low and only the Vancouver Dart was a repeat species.  These were all in the light trap.  I must get the bait trap out soon…

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/6/calgary-moths-for-7th-9th-june Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:15:00 GMT
A few moths at last… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/5/a-few-moths-at-last There were just 4 moths of 3 species in the light trap last night.  3 were Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci) moths and one was a Gooseberry Stretchia (Stretchia muricina).  Gooseberry Stretchia is a medium sized noctuid that I usually see in spring.  The other photograph is of a Small Engrailed Moth (Ectropis crepuscularia) that I found while walking around the Weaselhead area of Glenmore reservoir.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/5/a-few-moths-at-last Wed, 14 May 2014 19:37:00 GMT
Recent Moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/5/recent-moths Not much to report from the last week.  On the 30th April there were 6 Speckled Green Fruitworm moths (Orthosia hibisci) and 1 new backyard species for the year, a Western Swordgrass (Xylena thoracica).   Other than that, on the 1st May there were 7 Speckled Green Fruitworm moths, 1 Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass Moth (Xylena curvimacula) and 1 False Pinion Moth (Litholomia napaea) in the light trap.  The latter was also a new species for the year but a rather worn specimen.  Now waiting for the weather to improve…

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/5/recent-moths Sun, 04 May 2014 13:03:00 GMT
Variations of the Speckled Green Fruitworm moth https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/4/variations-of-speckled-green-fruitworm Due to the weather I haven’t had the light trap out much recently.  However, on the 22nd April there were 9 Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci) moths in the trap.  The following are stacked images (two more images using different focus points combined) and show three variations of this moth.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/4/variations-of-speckled-green-fruitworm Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:08:00 GMT
Two more hibernators https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/4/two-more-hibernators Because of strong winds I haven’t had the light trap out for a couple of nights but l did put it out last night and was rewarded with two Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass (Xylena curvimacula) moths.  The Least Chipmunk was seen at Glenmore reservoir.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/4/two-more-hibernators Fri, 11 Apr 2014 09:47:00 GMT
At last! The first backyard macro moth of 2014… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/4/at-last-first-backyard-macro-moth-of I put my light trap out last night for only the second time this year and there were two moths in the trap this morning.  Not unsurprisingly, the macro moth was a Large Grey Pinion (Lithophane georgii) which a hibernator and one of the more common Lithophanes.  The other was a micro moth which is probably an Acleris sp.  I also saw my first butterflies of the year yesterday at a local Calgary park.  A Milbert's Tortoiseshell and  two Mourning Cloaks.  Both of these butterflies overwinter so it is not surprising that these are often the first to be seen in spring.  It’s another warm day today so depending on the wind I should have the light trap out again tonight.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/4/at-last-first-backyard-macro-moth-of Tue, 08 Apr 2014 17:49:00 GMT
Spring…??? https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/3/spring Well, with a wind-chill of close to –20º C this morning and more snow on the ground, spring still seems like a bit of a dream.  That said, I have had several large flocks of American Robins moving through the backyard and the forecast appears to be improving so maybe it won’t be too long before I get the first hibernator in the trap. 

With regards to 2013, I only recorded 165 macro moth species and very approximately 2253 individual moths.  This compared to 2012 when I recorded 201 species and 2778 individual moths.  I still have a reasonable number of unidentified moths from last year but even allowing for these and for some margin of error it is clear that the species and numbers were down for 2013.  It will be interesting to see what 2014 has in store…

I didn’t record many micro moths last year so thought I would post a photograph of the fairly common California Grass-veneer Moth (Euchromius californicalis).  This was taken on the 1st June 2013.  The forewing length is approximately 10mm.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2014/3/spring Mon, 31 Mar 2014 15:22:00 GMT
A Late Moth and Butterfly record https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/10/a-late-moth-and-butterfly-record I haven’t had much in my light trap for sometime but had a very nice looking moth last night which is a first for my Calgary backyard.  I believe it’s a Thaxter's Pinion Moth (Lithophane thaxteri).   In addition to this, last Friday, I decided to walk up Sulphur Mountain for some exercise and in search of bird and mammal photographic opportunities.  I wasn’t expecting to see any butterflies but just below the summit ridge walkway that leads to the Cosmic Ray Station, I was surprised to find a Milbert's Tortoiseshell flying around the rocks.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have a macro lens with me so had to take the attached with my 400mm lens. 

It’s always nice to get a few October records and the new moth perhaps justifies keeping the light trap out for a little longer...

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IMG_4642 ]]> [email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/10/a-late-moth-and-butterfly-record Tue, 22 Oct 2013 16:33:00 GMT End of the mothing year? https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/9/end-of-mothing-year I haven’t blogged for a few weeks but the moth numbers have been dropping steadily until 2 days ago when I had my first empty light trap since the start of summer.  I do have some unidentified species and will continue to put up an occasional post as I identify them.

One new species for me, recorded on the 14th Sept, was an Ashen Brindle moth (Lithomoia germana).  This is one of the moths that raises its abdomen at rest.  It’s one of the Cuculliinae  moths which typically turn up at this time of year.  I’ve have also had several of what I believe to be Pallid Rustics (Hydraecia pallescens) and a few Subflava Sedge Borer Moths (Capsula subflava).  The latter Borer moth uses bulrushes, cattails, grasses and rushes as host plants.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/9/end-of-mothing-year Wed, 25 Sep 2013 18:21:00 GMT
No light trap but a bait trap surprise https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/9/no-light-trap-but-bait-trap-surprise This is my first blog for a week and I have been getting in the range of 11 to 19 species each night but until last night only one new macro moth for the year (actually, I do have a couple of moths to identify so that statement may not be entirely accurate). Because the weather forecast for Thursday night looked a little grim I didn’t put the light trap out but decided to leave the bait trap out as it is afforded some rain protection by the tree that it hangs under.  The bait trap and the moths were a little damp in the morning but there were 4 new macro moth species for the year and no less than 6 Underwing moths of 3 species.  If I lived in a rural area (or had a very large bait trap?) this might seem like a small number of Underwings but this is definitely the largest number I have had in my trap at any one time.  It almost seemed that the rain and cooler temperatures had brought them out... 

Unfortunately, it looks wet again tonight so I will have to rely on the bait trap again.  The 4 new bait trap species for the year were:

White Underwing (Catocala relicta)
Kidney-spotted Rustic (Helotropha reniformis)
Garden Cutworm Moth (Fishia discors)
Olive Green Cutworm (Dargida procincta)

Pale Enargia (Enargia decolor) – In the light trap over several nights. The Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica) was in the light trap a few nights ago. This image was created using 5 photographs with different focus points.  In general the Loopers (Plusiinae) lend themselves quite well to focus stacking.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/9/no-light-trap-but-bait-trap-surprise Fri, 06 Sep 2013 18:57:00 GMT
Still getting some good moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/still-getting-some-good-moths I’ve had 4 new species for the year over the last 2 nights.  2 new species each night.  last night there was 62 moths of 22 species in my backyard light trap.  The four new species for the year were:

Chevron Moth (Eulithis testata)
Celery Looper (Anagrapha falcifera)
Subflava Sedge Borer Moth (Capsula subflava)
Cow Parsnip Borer Moth (Papaipema harrisi)

I tend not to photograph too many micro moths but I did photograph one this morning, a Sod Webworm Moth (Pediasia trisecta).  This image was created using focus stacking and is the result of 7 combined images.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/still-getting-some-good-moths Thu, 29 Aug 2013 17:22:00 GMT
Backyard mothing again https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/backyard-mothing-again I did photograph some interesting moths just north of the Waterton Lakes National Park over the weekend which I will be posting later in the week.  I also photographed a Glover’s Silkmoth caterpillar (probably a late or final instar) that was discovered at the excellent “Waterton River Suites B&B” where we were staying.  It’s surprising what gets noticed when people find out that you are interested in moths!

Anyway, more on that later.  Last night there were 40 macro moths of 15 species in the light trap which included 2 new species for the year, a Maple Spanworm (Ennomos magnaria) and a Cloaked Peasant (Brachylomia populi).

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/backyard-mothing-again Tue, 27 Aug 2013 18:52:00 GMT
A fairly slow August https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/a-fairly-slow-august Not that much to report.  Thankfully, my light trap has been behaving since I was forced to re-splice some frayed wires.  There have only been 2 new moths for year since my last blog entry, an Obelisk Dart (Euxoa obeliscoides) and a Collard Dart (Agnorisma bugrai).  Unfortunately, no photograph on the Obelisk Dart.  I’m including yet another image of a Semirelict Underwing Moth (Catocala semirelicta), which was in the trap yesterday, as this one shows very pronounced black bars on the forewings.  I also had another Briseis Underwing (Catocala briseis) in the trap yesterday but the bait trap was completely empty this morning.  Perhaps time I replaced the bait?

I’m staying just outside the Waterton Lakes National Park area for the next few days so hopefully I will have some interesting moths to report on when I get back.  The Vivid Dancer (Argia vivida) Damselfly photograph was taken in Banff National Park.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/a-fairly-slow-august Thu, 22 Aug 2013 18:59:00 GMT
A few more August moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/a-few-more-august-moths With the somewhat unpredictable overnight weather conditions it has been a little quieter with regards to moth numbers for August.  Having said that it has been picking up a bit over the last couple of days and I’m getting at least one or two Underwings in the bait trap each night now.  Last night there were 68 species of 22 macro moths in my backyard bait and light traps.  This number doesn’t include one or two Euxoa species which I haven’t (and may not be able to) identified.  The new species for the last few days are as follows:

Hydriomena Furcata (Hydriomena furcata)
American Ear Moth (Amphipoea americana)
Mouse Moth (Amphipyra tragopoginis)
Brown Arches Moth (Lacinipolia stricta)
Venerable Dart (Dusky Cutworm) (Agrotis venerabilis)
Large Yellow Underwing (Noctua pronuba)

I’ve included another Semirelict Underwing Moth (Catocala semirelicta) photograph as this has some slightly different markings.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/a-few-more-august-moths Mon, 19 Aug 2013 18:51:00 GMT
More moths at last! Blog entry for the 14th August. https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/more-moths-at-last-blog-entry-for-14th The unpredictable weather has meant that I haven’t been having a lot of success with the light trap over the last week.  Having said that, I was discouraged by fairly dire overnight weather predictions, that did not materialize, on at least one occasion.  However, Tuesday was a good moth night with 46 moths of 18 species.  5 were new for the year and 1 of the 5 was a new species. The new species is, I believe, a Once-married Underwing Moth (Catocala unijuga).  While it is hard to be 100% certain, the wide black bands on the hindwing which touch the inner margin of the wing and the dark hairs in the basal area of the hindwings point towards unijuga rather than meskei or semirelicta.  The forewings are lighter than briseus and lack the characteristic patch of brown scales.  The other new species were:

Pink-bordered Yellow (Sicya macularia)
Even-lined Sallow (Ipimorpha pleonectusa)
Divergent Dart (Euxoa divergens)
Western brown dart (Euxoa basalis)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/more-moths-at-last-blog-entry-for-14th Thu, 15 Aug 2013 17:17:00 GMT
Not a great start to August… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/not-great-start-to-august Mainly due to the wet weather there hasn’t been a great deal for me to post since last Friday.  In addition to fairly low numbers, for the time of year, a high percentage of moths in the trap are quite worn so not great subjects for photography.  Oligia rampartensis is probably one of the most colourful Noctuid moths in Alberta but sadly this specimen did have some damage.  The weather for tonight looks decidedly wet again Sad smile . What happened to the summer?Storm cloud

The approximate numbers of macro moths over the last few days are as follows.  I didn’t put the trap out last night or on the 5th August.

Sat 3rd August – 59 moths of 16 species.  No new species for the year.
Sunday 4th August – 83 moths of 18 species.  1 new moth for the year, Oligia rampartensis.
Tuesday 6th August – 72 moths of 13 species.  1 new moth for the year, Two-spot Dart (Protolampra rufipectus).

I’ve included a Dragonfly and Damselfly photograph.  The Dragonfly was taken last Friday in the Banff, Cave and Basin area.  The Damselfly was taken yesterday in my backyard during a short period of sunshine.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/not-great-start-to-august Thu, 08 Aug 2013 18:58:00 GMT
A good moth night https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/a-good-moth-night In spite of some rain during the night and early morning it was a good night for backyard moths.  I counted 103 macro moths of 30 species in the light trap.  6 of them were new for the year and included a White-streaked Looper (Plusia venusta) which I have only recorded once before in August 2010.  A very nice looking Plusiinae.  The 6 also included my second Underwing of the year, a Semirelict Underwing Moth (Catocala semirelicta), which found it’s way into my bait trap.  I never get great numbers of Underwings, probably a consequence of the area I live in, so I’m always pleased to see them.  The new species for the year were as follows:

Dark-spotted Looper (Diachrysia aereoides)
Tufted Thyatirid (Pseudothyatira cymatophoroides)
Semirelict Underwing Moth (Catocala semirelicta)
White-streaked Looper (Plusia venusta)
Great Gray Dart (Great Brochade) (Eurois occulta)
Ruby Dart (Xestia oblata)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/a-good-moth-night Fri, 02 Aug 2013 18:22:00 GMT
Blog entries for the 27th July to 1st August https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/blog-entries-for-27th-july-to-1st-august Well, cooler overnight temperatures and wetter conditions have reduced the moth numbers for a few nights but here’s a summary of the numbers and species in the light and bait traps.  I didn’t put the light trap out on the 28th and only the bait trap was out on the 30th.  Also, these numbers do not include a few unidentified moths or micro moths.

27th July – 24 moths of 13 species.  3 were new for for the year :
Large Looper Moth (Broken-banded Y) (Autographa ampla)
Bertha Armyworm (Mamestra configurata)
Black Army Cutworm (Actebia fennica) – male

29th July – 45 moths 11 species.

30th July – 9 moths of 3 species.

31st July – 60 moths 18 species.

1st August - 96 moths of 24 species.  2 new species for the year:
Zenophleps alpinata
Euxoa Comosa

As can be seen the moth numbers are picking up again.  However, I’m getting quite a number of worn moths so they are not always good photographic subjects. It’s also the time of the year when I get those tricky Euxoa species of moth.  Often with these the only way to be certain of an identification is by dissection so some will remain unidentified.

Here are some of the new species and what I believe is a Red-spot Polia (Lacinipolia davena).  Certainly, a nice looking moth.  The Black Army Cutworm (Actebia fennica) can be identified as a male because of the broad pale border along the posterior edge of the forewing.  This is lacking in the female Actebia fennica.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/8/blog-entries-for-27th-july-to-1st-august Thu, 01 Aug 2013 18:58:00 GMT
A slower moth night https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/a-slower-moth-night I retrieved the light trap at 10pm for an hour while an impressive storm moved around the area.  The rain appeared to reduce the moth numbers, as compared to the previous night, although, there were still 92 moths of 21 species.  There was 1 new Noctuid but I haven’t identified it yet.  I did manage to photograph a  Northwestern Phoenix Moth (Eulithis xylina).  This is a moth that never seems to settle for more than a few seconds but for once it stayed long enough for me to try some some focus stacking with 3 images.  I think the result is ok?  As it is a slow photograph day I though I would add a recent River Otter picture taken in Vancouver while I was on vacation.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/a-slower-moth-night Fri, 26 Jul 2013 19:03:00 GMT
A bumper moth night! https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/a-bumper-moth-night Last night the storms avoided us and I was able to leave the light trap out all night.  I was rewarded with at least 149 moths of 34 species.  14 of these were new moths for the year and 1 of the 14 was a first for the backyard.  The new record was an impressive looking moth called a Green-patched Looper Moth (Diachrysia balluca).  This is also called a Hologram moth which is understandable when you see the light reflecting off of the forewing. I feel that my photographs do not really do it justice but I did take one photograph with a flashlight pointing at it.  As you can see the colour changed from green to bronze when the light was directed at the moth.  In addition to this I found my first Underwing moth of the year in the bait trap.  So all in all it was a very good moth night!  The new species for the year were:

**Green-patched Looper Moth (Diachrysia balluca)**
Orange-barred Carpet Moth (Dysstroma hersiliata)
Northwestern Phoenix Moth (Eulithis xylina)
Scallop Shell (Rheumaptera undulata)
Briseis Underwing (Catocala briseis)
Double Lobed (Apamea ophiogramma)
Brown-streaked Rustic (Hypocoena rufostrigata)
Civil Rustic Moth (Platyperigea montana)
Bronzed Cutworm Moth (Nephelodes minians)
Euxoa tristicula (Euxoa tristicula)
Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)
Smith's Dart (Xestia smithii)
Green Arches (Anaplectoides prasina)
Catocaline Dart (Cryptocala acadiensis)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/a-bumper-moth-night Thu, 25 Jul 2013 19:28:00 GMT
Three moths, a dragonfly and a butterfly of the Okanagan https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/three-moths-dragonfly-and-butterfly-of I didn’t put the light trap out last night so there is not much to report on today.  There were 2 moths in the bait trap but nothing new for the year.  As it turned out the storms did not materialize but putting the light trap out seems to be a bit of lottery at the moment.  However, I am planning to put the light trap out tonight.  As I have no local moths to report on I thought I would show a few photographs that were taken in the Southern Okanagan a couple of weeks ago.  With regards to the moth that I have identified as Digrammia subminiata it could be a Decorated Granite Moth (Digrammia decorata) but I am leaning towards subminiata because of the overall ground colour and the slight orange tinges on the forewing.  That’s just a best guess though.  There were several Monarch butterflies hanging around and apparently, fighting over the Buddleia in the backyard of the B&B that we stayed in. The Eight-spotted Skimmer (Libellula forensis) was photographed along the Vaseux lake boardwalk.  Petrophila kearfottalis is quite an attractive looking Crambid moth with a wingspan of approximately  21mm.  The Isabella Tiger Moth was another new species for me.

Eight-spotted Skimmer (Libellula forensis) Petrophila kearfottalis Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia isabella)  (2) Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia isabella)  (1)

Monarch butterfly

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/three-moths-dragonfly-and-butterfly-of Wed, 24 Jul 2013 18:18:00 GMT
Blog entry for the 22nd July – Stormy Weather! https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/blog-entry-for-22nd-july-stormy-weather It hasn’t been a great start to the National Moth Week in SW Calgary.  Thunderstorms prevented me from putting the light trap out last night and even caused me to retrieve my bait trap!  The weather prospects for tonight do not look great either, although, I do plan to put the bait trap out.  There were 35 macro moths of 20 species in the light and bait traps on the 22nd July. 6 where new for the year and included 1 new backyard species, a Sordid Wainscot (Hypocoena inquinata).  This is a small moth with stubby wings.  Due to the lack of photographs I’ve included 3 pictures of moths that I took on my recent vacation to British Columbia.  Two of these illustrate different forms of  the Brother Moth (Raphia frater).  I think these were, until fairly recently, treated as separate species but DNA analysis supports the view that they are, in fact, a single species.  The other Okanagan Noctuid is the Zebra Caterpillar Moth (Melanchra picta).  I like the markings on this moth which to me looks quite exotic.  It is certainly a new species for me.  The following were the new backyard species for the 22nd.

Horisme incana (Horisme incana)
Satin Moth (Leucoma salicis)
Tufted Snout Moth (Phalaenostola metonalis)
Apamea alia (Apamea alia)
Sordid Wainscot (Hypocoena inquinata)
Broad-lined Sallow (Sympistis dinalda)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/blog-entry-for-22nd-july-stormy-weather Tue, 23 Jul 2013 18:26:00 GMT
Blog entries for the 18th and 19th of July https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/blog-entries-for-18th-and-19th-of-july The 18th of July saw 37 moths of 15 species in the light and bait traps.  There were 2 new species for the year, a Purple Arches (Polia purpurissata) and the return of the Glassy Cutworms.  Glassy Cutworm moths are normally one of my most common backyard moths.

The 19th of July was another good moth night with 54 moths of 22 species, including a couple of macro moths that I haven’t identified yet. There were 5 new species for the year:

Hooked Silver Y (Syngrapha alias)
Apamea scoparia (Apamea scoparia)
Aster Cutworm Moth (Trichordestra lilacina)
Red-spot Polia (Lacinipolia davena)
Master's Dart (Feltia herilis)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/blog-entries-for-18th-and-19th-of-july Mon, 22 Jul 2013 11:40:00 GMT
A bumper moth day! (blog entry for the 17th July) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/a-bumper-moth-day-blog-entry-for-17th There were at least 85 macro moths of 27 species in the light trap on the 17th.  37 of these were “Thoughtful Apamea” moths (Apamea cogitata) which are, by far, my most common backyard moth at this time of the year.  There was one new backyard species, a Rannoch Looper (Speranza brunneata).  Unfortunately, I only managed a single photograph of this moth before it flew off. 

The new species for the year were:

Idia concisa near aemula - Currently an undescribed species
The Scribe (Lettered Habrosyne) (Habrosyne scripta)
Rannoch Looper (Speranza brunneata)
Single-lined Emerald (Nemoria unitaria)
Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma disstria)
Virgin Tiger (Grammia virgo)
Dark-spotted Palthis (Palthis angulalis)
Abstrusa Looper (Syngrapha abstrusa)
Lined Quaker (Apamea inficita)
Neoligia subjuncta (Neoligia subjuncta)
Polia Moth (Polia piniae)
Hitched Arches (Melanchra adjuncta)
Leucania commoides (Leucania commoides)
Anhimella contrahens (Anhimella contrahens)
Morrison's Sooty Dart (Pseudohermonassa tenuicula)
Dingy Cutworm (Feltia jaculifera)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/a-bumper-moth-day-blog-entry-for-17th Fri, 19 Jul 2013 16:19:00 GMT
The July rush (blog entry for the 16th July) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/the-july-rush-blog-entry-for-16th-july Well, I’m home again after a nice (excluding the mosquitoes.  What do they feed on when there isn't a backyard mother around!) 9 day vacation in the Okanagan and Vancouver.  I did photograph a few BC moths but have returned to a peak mothing time of the year.  It’s a difficult period to keep up with the moths at the best of times but I normally get eased into itConfused smile .  I will be doing a separate blog entry for the BC moths after I get up to date with the backyard moths.

I have had the trap out for a few days and I am now playing catch up with all of the new species for the year.  On the 16th there were 32 macro moths of 13 species with 9 new species for the year.  I understand that the only way to confidently tell a Crocus Geometer from a False Crocus Geometer Moth (Xanthotype urticaria) is by dissection so my Crocus Geometer ID is just a guess. It’s always nice to get a Tiger moth. The new species were:

Crocus Geometer (Xanthotype sospeta)
Delphinium Leaftier (Polychrysia esmeralda)
White-lined Quaker (Apamea niveivenosa)
Smoked Sallow (Enargia infumata)
Garden Cutworm Moth (Fishia discors)
Mountain Hooded Owlet Moth (Cucullia montanae)
Olive Arches (Lacinipolia olivacea)
Many-lined Wainscot (Leucania multilinea)
Virgin Tiger (Grammia virgo)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/the-july-rush-blog-entry-for-16th-july Fri, 19 Jul 2013 10:15:00 GMT
On Vacation https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/on-vacation Just a quick note to say that I will be away in British Columbia for 10 days so there probably won’t be any blog updates for a couple of weeks .  It’s primarily a birding vacation but hopefully I will have one or two BC moths to report on when I get back.

Incidentally, with the overnight storms etc., the last few days have been a little quiet, although, I did get one new backyard moth species.  More on this later.

All the best and good mothing,

Ian

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/on-vacation Fri, 05 Jul 2013 20:26:00 GMT
Two of my favourite moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/two-of-my-favourite-moths The moth numbers continue to increase with 31 macro moths of 20 species last night.  There were 7 new backyard moths for the year as follows:

Clandestine Dart (Spaelotis clandestina)
Split-lined Angle Moth (Speranza bitactata
Thoughtful Apamea (Apamea cogitata)
Anarta farnhami
Lesser Wainscot (Mythimna oxygala)
American Idia (Idia americalis)
Putnam's Looper Moth (Plusia putnami)

I have to say that Anarta farnhami and Putnam's Looper Moth (Plusia putnami) are two of my favourite noctuids.  I find the intricate patterns and subtle colours of Anarta farnhami quite amazing.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/two-of-my-favourite-moths Tue, 02 Jul 2013 18:41:00 GMT
The highest moth numbers so far… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/the-highest-moth-numbers-so-far I managed to pick 19 macro moths of 16 species out of the light trap this morning.  Mainly because of the high early morning temperatures a few moths flew out as soon as I lifted the lid and some others escaped from my egg boxes as I examined them.  Still, I did identify 5 new species for the year which included 2 new species for the backyard, a “Variable Tussock Moth” (Dasychira vagans) which, unfortunately, was a little worn and “The Vestal” (Cabera variolaria). The other new species for the year were:

The Canary Thorn (Neoterpes trianguliferata)
Neighbourly Arches (Lacinipolia vicina)
Trichordestra dodii

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/7/the-highest-moth-numbers-so-far Mon, 01 Jul 2013 19:28:00 GMT
A few good moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/a-few-good-moths Yesterday, there were 9 macro moths of 7 species in the light and bait traps with 2 new moths for the year, Mottled Rustic (Caradrina morpheus) and Pale beauty (Campaea perlata).  Today there were 10 macro moths of 8 species.  One I haven’t identified but 5 were new species for the year and 1 of the 5 was a completely new species for me.  The new species was a Rubida Looper Moth (Autographa rubidus).  Thanks to Gary Anweiler for confirming the ID.  The other 4 new species for the year were:

Barred Yellow (Eulithis propulsata)
Yellow-Headed Cutworm (Apamea amputatrix)
Yellow-dusted-Cream (Cabera erythemaria)
Unicorn Caterpillar Moth (Schizura unicornis)

The Unicorn caterpillar moth is one of my favourites and the image is the result of “focus stacking” 5 photographs.  I didn’t manage photographs of all of the new species but will hopefully add some of them to a future blog.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/a-few-good-moths Sun, 30 Jun 2013 13:58:00 GMT
A funny day for moths and Weaselhead area recovery? https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/a-funny-day-for-moths-and-weaselhead I say funny because it started off quite poorly and ended up with a moth that I’ve only seen once before in 2009 and another new species for the year that, although, strictly speaking is not a backyard moth, was picked up not far from where I live. 

They day started with 5 moths of 2 species in the light trap.  4 of them being Vancouver Darts (Agrotis vancouverensis) and the other a Ruddy Quaker (Protorthodes oviduca).  Nothing new there.  The bait trap appeared to be empty.  I then decide to risk a trip to the Weaselhead area of Glenmore reservoir to see what state it was in after the floods.  It wasn’t too bad but still very muddy and not unsurprisingly, there were clouds of mosquitoes that you could cut with a knife.  Ok, that’s a slight exaggeration but they were out in numbers in certain areas.  It was reassuring to know that at least one Calliope Hummingbird was still around and that the Cliff Swallows were re-building their nests under the main bridge to the southern part of the Weaselhead area.  However, there was no sigh of the Eastern Phoebe’s that had been nesting under the smaller wooden bridge.  Sadly, I’m certain that these are not the only nesting casualties.  I did manage a few quick shots of a White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis) and a Common Alpine (Erebia epipsodea) before I gave in to the mud and mosquitoes and beat a hasty retreat.

After getting home and washing off many layers of mosquito repellent, I checked the bait trap and was pleased find a Nevada Arches (Lacanobia nevadae).  This was the moth that I’ve recorded only once before on May 31st 2009.  I thought that was pretty much it for day and had just put my camera equipment away when my wife returned with a Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) in a soap box.  I consider myself very lucky to have a wife that would not only spot a moth while walking to the local shops but would actually buy a container to capture it in and the bring it back!!  It turned out to be a very good and unexpected photographic opportunity.  So many thanks to Jenny Smile !

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/a-funny-day-for-moths-and-weaselhead Fri, 28 Jun 2013 19:51:00 GMT
Moth numbers drop again https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/moths-numbers-drop-again Well, after the small moth bonanza on Tuesday I’ve only had 5 moths of 3 species yesterday and 5 moths of 3 species today.  I think the wind may have contributed to the low moth numbers.  However, there was one new backyard species for the year on each day.  Yesterday, it was a Stormy Arches (Polia nimbosa) and today it was a rather beaten up Apamea commoda.  The Apamea commoda was in the bait trap so perhaps I will start to see a few species from that source now.  I haven’t included a photograph of the A. commoda as I am sure I will get this moth again and hopefully in a better condition. 

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/moths-numbers-drop-again Thu, 27 Jun 2013 18:16:00 GMT
The moths return! https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/the-moths-return Today there was certainly a dramatic increase in moth numbers as compared to any previous day this year.  There were 19 moths of 16 species in the light trap this morning.  This included 9 new species for the year and 2 possibly 3 backyard species that I haven’t seen before.  The new species for the year were:

Pepper & Salt Geometer (Biston betularia cognataria)
Dark Metanema (Metanema determinata)
Sphinx vashti (Vashti sphinx)
Common Gluphisia (Gluphisia septentrionis)
Poplar Kitten (Furcula scolopendrina)
Impressed Dagger Moth (Acronicta impressa)
Trichordestra liquida (Trichordestra liquida)
Bristly Cutworm Moth (Lacinipolia renigera)
Bridled Arches (Lacinipolia lorea)

Impressed Dagger Moth (Acronicta impressa), Sphinx vashti (Vashti sphinx) and Poplar Kitten (Furcula scolopendrina) were the yard species that I haven’t recorded before.  Actually, from what I understand Furcula scolopendrina and f. occidentalis cannot be separated with 100% confidence without dissection and both species occur in my area.  However, after studying photographs etc. I’m  tentatively calling this one Furcula scolopendrina.  Thanks again to Gary Anweiler for confirming my Impressed Dagger Moth ID.  With regards to the Sphinx vashti (Vashti sphinx), I’ve seen this Sphinx moth many times in the Twin Butte area of southern Alberta, in fact this was my first Sphinx moth but it is the first time I have had one in my yard since I started backyard moth trapping in 2007.  One other note, I always struggle with the Trichordestra species but think this is Trichordestra liquida.  I’ve included 2 micro moth photographs but they cannot be identified to the species level without dissection. Thanks to Greg Pohl for the micro information and for placing one in the Alucita genus.

Acronicta impressa Dark Metanema (Metanema determinata) Trichordestra liquida Untitled_PanoramaSVLarge IMG_3643 Untitled_PanoramaStraw1000 Untitled_Panorama1K Untitled_Panorama1 Untitled_Panorama1KAngle IMG_3579AAS800 Untitled_PanoramaBS800 Untitled_Panorama1KSP

Alucita sp Eupithecia sp ]]>
[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/the-moths-return Tue, 25 Jun 2013 18:28:00 GMT
A few moths as the weather settles down https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/a-few-moths-as-weather-settles-down Not too much yesterday but there was one noctuid in the light trap that was a new backyard species,  Melanchra pulverulenta.  Thanks to Gary Anweiler for confirming the ID.

This morning there were 8 moths of 3 species in the light trap which included one new moth for the year,  Papestra cristifera.  There was also another Morrison's Pero.  The rest were Vancouver darts (Agrotis vancouverensis) which are currently my most common backyard moth.  Excluding flies and mosquitos, the bait trap continues to be empty…

10294 Melanchra pulverulenta IMG_3554

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/a-few-moths-as-weather-settles-down Mon, 24 Jun 2013 18:56:00 GMT
Weather seems to be improving? https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/weather-seems-to-be-improving Well, I guess that anyone who has been watching the news, as it relates to Alberta and the current flooding, will not be surprised that I haven’t had a light trap out for several days.  We have been lucky and are not directly affected by the devastating Calgary floods.  Our thoughts are with those who have been forced to evacuate their homes and here’s hoping they are all able to return soon.

I am planning to put the moth trap out tonight, although, in light of the recent weather, I am not sure what to expect…

Ian

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/weather-seems-to-be-improving Sat, 22 Jun 2013 19:54:00 GMT
Weather stops play again… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/weather-stops-play-again Well, it stopped me from putting out a light trap last night anyway.  Yesterday, there were 11 moths of 5 species in the trap so the numbers were on the increase.  However, there were no new species for the year.  The list was as follows:

Garden Arches Lacanobia radix    x2
Papestra Quadrata Papestra quadrata x1
Ruddy Quaker Moth Protorthodes oviduca x2
Vancouver Dart Agrotis vancouverensis x5
Purple-Lined Sallow Pyrrhia exprimens x1

One thing that I’ve only just realised is that Papestra quadrata appears to be a new backyard moth. I saw at least one last year in the Waterton area but I do appear to have any records of this species for my backyard.   That takes my backyard macro moth list to 260.

No photographs so I’ve included a couple of non moth photographs taken during the last month or so.

Calliope Hummingbird Cinnamon Black Bear

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/weather-stops-play-again Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:39:00 GMT
Moth numbers improving? https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/moth-numbers-improving Slightly better last night with 8 moths of 5 species.  There were 2 new backyard moths for the year, what I believe is a rather worn Brown Bark Carpet Moth (Horisme intestinata) and only my third record of a Wheat Head Armyworm Moth (Dargida diffusa).

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/moth-numbers-improving Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:58:00 GMT
3 moths of 3 species and an aquatic insect https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/3-moths-of-3-species-and-aquatic-insect The number of moths remains low with just 3 moths 3 species last night and no new species for the year.  However, it did include another Gallium Sphinx Moth (Hyles gallii).  I started backyard mothing towards the end of 2007 and after looking through my database I find it interesting that I hadn’t seen a Gallium Sphinx until the 11th June 2012.  Since the initial sighting I’ve recorded Gallium Sphinx on another 5 occasions.  I’m wondering if they are becoming more common as the trees and plants of the area I live in mature.  I guess this is just one of many possible explanations.  Either way they are a welcome addition to my backyard.  Not much else to report, although I did photograph an interesting aquatic insect today which I believe is a Kayak pond skater (Limnoporus dissortis).  The water has enough surface tension to support them (their legs also repel water) so they skate around on it looking for other bugs to feed on.  Quite a bizarre sight…  The shadows they were casting on the stream bottom made for a curious image.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/3-moths-of-3-species-and-aquatic-insect Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:23:00 GMT
No Moths but a few Damselflies and Butterflies https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/no-moths-but-few-damselflies-and It was too wet for a light trap last night but I did spend some time in the Weaselhead area of Glenmore reservoir this morning.  It’s tricky separating Northern and Boreal Bluets but after close inspection of the cerci on the male I believe it is a Northern Bluet - Enallagma annexum.  As I understand it, it’s impossible to tell the females of these two species apart without in inspection of the mesostigmal plates so while I suspect the other damselfly is a female Northern Bluet, I’m just calling it a nobo Bluet.  With regards to the Artic butterfly I’m calling it Macoun's Arctic - Oeneis macounii.  However, Chryxus Arctic - Oeneis chryxus is quite similar and while I’m leaning towards Macoun's I will seek confirmation.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/no-moths-but-few-damselflies-and Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:46:00 GMT
The moths continue to trickle in… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/the-moths-continue-to-trickle-in Just 3 moths of 3 species last night which included a new backyard moth for the year, a  Purple-lined Sallow (pyrrhia exprimens).  I guess the numbers will continue to be low until the weather settles down.  I did find a day flying moth at Glenmore reservoir, a Black-banded Orange Moth (Epelis truncataria).  The moth was slightly damaged and the rain had just started again but the photograph is good enough for an ID and a new moth for me.  I’d like to have another chance to photograph this one.

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6321  Black-banded Orange (Epelis truncataria)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/the-moths-continue-to-trickle-in Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:48:00 GMT
Focus Stacking and a few moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/focus-stacking-and-few-moths There were 5 moths of 5 species in the light trap this morning.  The 2 new moths for the year were, Rosy Dart (Diarsia rosaria) and Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica).  I’ve been playing around with focus stacking for sometime now.  This is the process of combining multiple images with different focus points.  It’s not always easy as any movement of the moth between shots can effect the results and I’ve only ever attempted it on macro moths using a tripod and camera release.  I normally combine just 2 photographs.  One focused on the head and one on the legs.  It seems to work fairly well and give a depth of field that would otherwise be unobtainable (certainly with my macro lens).  There can be some softness on the background around the edges of the moth but the moth itself generally looks ok.  Anyway, I went a little further today and the side shot of the Alfalfa Looper below is actually the result of 5 photographs each focused on slightly different parts of the moth.  I think it looks ok, although, there was a fair bit of leaf softness around the edges of the moth, some of which I have corrected.  It’s unlikely that I’ll use this many images very often but I thought it was an interesting experiment.  Incidentally, I use Photoshop CS5 to combine the images.  The other photographs are also the result of focus stacking but with just 2 shots each this time.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/focus-stacking-and-few-moths Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:20:00 GMT
Some moths at last… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/some-moths-at-last Given the recent low moth numbers, I wasn’t very optimistic when I looked in the light trap this morning but was pleasantly surprised when I found 5 macro moths of 5 species and 2 micro moths of 2 species.  I haven’t identified the micros yet but there was a nice geometrid that I haven’t seen before, an American Barred Umber Moth (Plagodis pulveraria).  There was also a White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata) but I haven’t included a photograph as it was a little damaged.  Still, it is good to know that some Sphinx moths are in the neighbourhood…  With the new moth my backyard macro moth list is now 259 species. However, to date, the 2013 backyard species list is just 32.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/some-moths-at-last Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:36:00 GMT
Backyard mothing still very poor https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/backyard-mothing-still-very-poor I spent the weekend in Lethbridge but due to storm warnings on Friday night I didn’t put the light trap out.  Of course, as it turned out, the weather was fine Confused smile .  I did put the trap out on Saturday night but there were just 3 moths of 1 species.  Namely, they were all Rustic Shoulder-knots (Apamea sordens).  Back in Calgary, the light trap was completely empty last night!  The weather doesn’t look that great tonight but I should have a trap out. Here’s hoping…

As there are so few moths about I’ve added a photograph of a Black-crowned Night-Heron from the weekend.  It was taken at Pakowki Lake in southern Alberta.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/backyard-mothing-still-very-poor Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:26:00 GMT
Five macro moths of five species https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/five-macro-moths-of-five-species It’s still slow for June but there were five species of macro moths in the light trap last night.  The new species were American Angle Shades (Euplexia benesimilis) and a species that I haven’t seen before, a Straight-lined Plagodis Moth (Plagodis phlogosaria).  There was some wear on the right forewing of the Plagodis moth but it is a very colourful species.  Would like to get another one of these.

I’m in Lethbridge this weekend and there is a storm watch in effect until after midnight so it’s doubtful that I will have a light trap out tonight.  Hoping for better weather tomorrow.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/five-macro-moths-of-five-species Fri, 07 Jun 2013 17:44:00 GMT
Just two moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/just-two-moths Just two moths in the light trap last night.  A Garden Arches (Lacanobia radix) and a Ruddy Quaker (Protorthodes oviduca).  The latter being a new backyard moth for the year.  After another warm day I’d expect more moths in the trap tomorrow but who can tell…  I photographed the Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus) while birding the Brown-Lowery Provincial Park which is a little west of Calgary.

Ruddy Quaker (Protorthodes oviduca)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/just-two-moths Thu, 06 Jun 2013 18:51:00 GMT
The Herald https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/the-herald There were only 3 moths in the trap last night.  There was a new backyard moth, a new species for the year and a worn Noctuid that I haven’t identified yet.  The new backyard moth was a Herald (Scoliopteryx libatrix).  I’ve been hoping add this moth to my backyard list since I saw one in the Okanagan a number of years ago.  The new species for the year was a Morrison's Pero (Pero morrisonaria).  Unfortunately, the Herald moth was a little damaged.

8555 Herald Moth (Scoliopteryx libatrix) Morrison

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/the-herald Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:19:00 GMT
A few more Waterton moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/a-few-more-waterton-moths I spent last weekend about 30 minutes drive north of Waterton National Park.  After a week of heavy rain I wasn’t surprised when there were only 3 or 4 moths in the light trap on Saturday morning.  However, to use a cliché, what a difference a day makes!  After a dry and mostly sunny day on Saturday, Sunday morning revealed a very nice selection of moths, including 3 species of Sphinx moth (4 species over the 2 days) and a Glover's Silkmoth (Hyalophora gloveri).  So it seems that the moths are out there just waiting for some dry weather.  Aren’t we all…  Anyway, here are some photographs.  I’ve included 2 One-eyed Sphinx Moth (Smerinthus cerisyi) individuals as they show some colour variation.  I struggled to get a decent opened winged shot of the silkmoth so this is the best I could do.  The closed wing photograph is an improvement over last years attempt.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/6/a-few-more-waterton-moths Tue, 04 Jun 2013 16:04:00 GMT
No light trap but one macro moth https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/no-light-trap-but-one-macro-moth Persistent rain and a storm stopped me from putting the light trap out last night.  However, I was surprised to find a moth in the bait trap.  Just a single macro moth but another first for the year, a Garden Arches (Lacanobia radix).  It has been a slow start to the year but until it stops raining it’s hard to say what the moth situation is really like.  I’ll be in Waterton again for the weekend so hopefully will pick up a few moths there.  Of course, once again, that will be dependant on the weather…Storm cloud

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/no-light-trap-but-one-macro-moth Thu, 30 May 2013 19:01:00 GMT
Still very few moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/still-very-few-moths I had just one moth in the light trap on the 28th.  However, it was a new species for the year.  This is a very difficult group of moths to identify from photographs but I’m guessing at Agrotis vancouverensis.  I didn’t put the light trap out last night because of the threat of rain.  This, of course, meant that it was dry overnight...!  Oh well. The weather for tonight looks a little iffy as well.  Because of the lack of photographs I’ve added a Calliope Hummingbird photograph that I took during the week.  This one put on quite an aerobatic display while defending it’s territory against another male hummingbird.

Agrotis vancouverensis

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/still-very-few-moths Wed, 29 May 2013 15:28:00 GMT
2 new backyard moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/2-new-backyard-moths Just 3 moths of 3 species in the light trap last night but this included 2 new backyard moths!  One was only my second Heliothinae (flower moth), Darker Spotted Straw Moth (Heliothis phloxiphaga).  The other new species was a dagger moth, Fragile Dagger Moth (Acronicta fragilis).  That is, I’m reasonably confident it is Acronicta fragilis.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/2-new-backyard-moths Mon, 27 May 2013 18:40:00 GMT
The rain stopped… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/the-rain-stopped Unfortunately, no moths to report on but I did get my first Canadian Tiger Swallowtail of the year and the Gray Catbirds are singing again. My bait trap is out and tonight should be drier so hopefully there will be some moths to report on tomorrow.

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/the-rain-stopped Sun, 26 May 2013 17:25:00 GMT
Rain and more rain https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/rain-and-more-rain For the last few days rain has completely curtailed any moth trapping.  So for something completely different, here is a Black bear who was taking it easy during my stay in Waterton.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/rain-and-more-rain Fri, 24 May 2013 19:25:00 GMT
4 moths of 3 species https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/4-moths-of-3-species The moth count continues to be low with just 4 moths of 3 species in the light trap last night.  There was one, as yet, unidentified micro moth and one new macro species for the year, a Sutrina Moth (hada sutrina).

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/4-moths-of-3-species Wed, 22 May 2013 17:49:00 GMT
A quiet moth night https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/a-quiet-moth-night Just 6 moths of 6 species last night.  The one new species for the year was a Tawny Eupithecia (Eupithecia ravocostaliata).

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/a-quiet-moth-night Tue, 21 May 2013 18:04:00 GMT
A few Waterton area moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/a-few-waterton-area-moths Sorry for the lack of blog entries but I’ve been away for 6 days chasing bears in the Waterton Lakes National Park…  Due to the somewhat unpredictable weather and time constraints, the light trap was only out a couple of times but I did get at least 3 species that I have never seen before.  I was particularly pleased to get the Dogwood Thyatirid Moth (Euthyatira pudens) as I have seen the similar Peach Blossom Moth (Thyatira batis) in the UK.  The other new species were a Four-spotted Gluphisia Moth (Gluphisia avimacula) and  a Pleromelloida conserta.  I believe that the butterfly is a Western Pine Elfin (Callophrys eryphon).  Incidentally, in case anyone is interested, I will be adding some bear photographs to my flickr photostream and nature photography website.

Dogwood Thyatirid Moth (Euthyatira pudens) (1) Dogwood Thyatirid Moth (Euthyatira pudens) (2) Four-spotted Gluphisia Moth (Gluphisia avimacula) (2) Four-spotted Gluphisia Moth (Gluphisia avimacula) Gray Ethmia Moth (Euthyatira pudens) Pleromelloida conserta

Black-rimmed Prominent (Pheosia rimosa)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/a-few-waterton-area-moths Mon, 20 May 2013 18:12:00 GMT
11 moths of 5 species https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/11-moths-of-5-species Last night was the best night for moth numbers so far with 11 macro moths of 5 species in the light trap.  Just one new species for the year though, which was a rather beaten up Small Engrailed Moth (Ectropis crepuscularia).  I’ve included a photograph of this moth from last year.  Other moths recorded were:

Small Engrailed Moth (Ectropis crepuscularia)    x1
Lappet Moth (Phyllodesma americana)              x2
False Pinion Moth (Litholomia napaea)              x1
Orthosia segregata (Orthosia segregata)            x3
Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci)      x4


Off to Waterton now.  I think it may be too windy for a light trap tonight.

6597 Small Engrailed Moth (Ectropis crepuscularia) (3) Untitled_Panorama1

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/11-moths-of-5-species Mon, 13 May 2013 07:08:00 GMT
8 moths of 4 species https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/8-moths-of-4-species There were 8 moths of 4 species in the light trap last night.  The one new species for the year was a Lappet Moth (Phyllodesma americana).  Other species seen are as follows:

Lappet Moth (Phyllodesma americana) x1
False Pinion Moth (Litholomia napaea) x1
Subdued Quaker (Orthosia revicta) x2
Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci) x4

I’m off to Waterton area for a few days so my blog entries may become a little intermittent until next weekend.  I will be taking my light trap with me so hopefully I will get some interesting moths.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/8-moths-of-4-species Sun, 12 May 2013 20:44:00 GMT
5 moths of 4 species https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/5-moths-of-4-species There were 5 moths of 4 species in the traps last night.  A slightly damaged Large Grey Pinion (Lithophane georgii) was the only new backyard moth for the year.  The latter was also the only moth in my bait trap.  Other moths were as follows:

False Pinion Moth (Litholomia napaea)
Gooseberry Stretchia (Stretchia muricina) x2
Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci)

I’ve included a photograph of a Purple Sandpiper that was taken at the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary in Calgary.  It was discovered by a birder, photographer, Eddy Matuod on Thursday.  I’m not sure if this is the first documented sighting of a Purple Sandpiper in Alberta but it is certainly an extreme rarity for our area.  I spent an hour photographing this very cooperative Sandpiper on Friday.

Large Grey Pinion (Lithophane georgii) (1) Large Grey Pinion (Lithophane georgii) (2) IMG_5262sig

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/5-moths-of-4-species Sat, 11 May 2013 16:55:00 GMT
6 moths of 6 species https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/6-moths-of-6-species There were 6 moths of 6 species in the traps last night.  5 macro moths in the light trap and one micro which was only 4mm in length!  I’ve asked for help with the micro ID.  The two new macro species for the year were American Swordgrass Moth (Xylena nupera) and Orthosia segregata (Orthosia segregata).  The Swordgrass was in the bait trap.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/6-moths-of-6-species Fri, 10 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT
3 macro moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/3-macro-moths_9 Just 3 moths of 2 species in the light trap last night.  2x Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci) and 1 new backyard species for the year, a Willow Dart Moth (Cerastis salicarum). 

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/3-macro-moths_9 Thu, 09 May 2013 18:38:00 GMT
3 macro moths https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/3-macro-moths Just one each of 3 macro moth species in the light trap last night:

Nameless Pinion (Lithophane fagina)
Gooseberry Stretchia (Stretchia muricina)
Hoary Pinion (Lithophane fagina)

No new moth species for the year but I’m adding another photograph of the Hoary Pinion as it shows the white stripe along the costa more clearly.  I photographed two butterfly species at a local wood.  I haven’t identified many butterflies but I’m fairly confident that they are Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus) and Moss's Elfin (Callophrys mossii).

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Moss Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/3-macro-moths Wed, 08 May 2013 16:49:00 GMT
A windy night https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/a-windy-night At 3am I heard some very gusty winds outside so I decided to empty the light trap and put it away.  Although I was half asleep, I managed to find 4 macro moths 2 of which where new backyard species for the year. The new species were a somewhat worn, Hoary Pinion (Lithophane fagina) and a Western Swordgrass Moth (Xylena thoracica).  The other species were:

Plush-naped Pinion (Lithophane pexata)
Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci)

While at Glenmore today I think I managed a better photograph of the Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon).

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/a-windy-night Tue, 07 May 2013 19:05:00 GMT
A second new backyard moth species for the year https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/a-second-new-backyard-moth-species-for 7329 Variable Carpet Moth (Anticlea vasiliata) Untitled_Panorama1sig IMG_8735flickrsig
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/a-second-new-backyard-moth-species-for Mon, 06 May 2013 18:49:00 GMT
First new macro moth species of the year https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/first-new-macro-moth-species-of-year As I had hoped it was a better night with 6 species in the light trap.  1 micro and 5 macro moths.  The new backyard species was Plush-naped Pinion (Lithophane pexata).  I will ask for help with regards to the micro moth ID.  Here’s the macro list and photographs.  The Subdued Quaker was quite a nice specimen.

Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass Moth - Xylena curvimacula
False Pinion Moth - Litholomia napaea
Nameless Pinion Moth - Lithophane innominata
Plush-naped Pinion - Lithophane pexata
Subdued Quaker - Orthosia revicta

10490 Subdued Quaker (Orthosia revicta) 10490 Subdued Quaker (Orthosia revicta) (2)

9922 Plush-naped Pinion (Lithophane pexata)

9874 Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass (Xylena curvimacula) (3)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/first-new-macro-moth-species-of-year Sun, 05 May 2013 15:24:00 GMT
Just two moths… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/just-two-moths Last night there was one Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci) in the light trap and one Nameless Pinion Moth (Lithophane innominata) in the bait trap.  The latter is a new backyard moth for the year.  Still very slow but after another warm day perhaps there will be more tomorrow?

Nameless Pinion Moth (Lithophane innominata)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/just-two-moths Sat, 04 May 2013 18:04:00 GMT
A rainy night https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/a-rainy-night
Three-Spotted Sallow (Eupsilia tristigmata)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/a-rainy-night Fri, 03 May 2013 16:09:00 GMT
At last some more moths… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/at-last-some-more-moths Two species in the light trap last night, Gooseberry Stretchia (Stretchia muricina) and False Pinion (Litholomia napaea).  Nothing in the bait trap yet.

False Pinion (Litholomia napaea) (2) Gooseberry Stretchia (Stretchia muricina) (2)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/5/at-last-some-more-moths Thu, 02 May 2013 17:06:00 GMT
Still very little to report… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/4/still-very-little-to-report I was in Lethbridge over the weekend and due winds which gusted to more than 100km I was only able to put the moth trap out on Friday night.  I did get 11 Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci) moths but nothing else.  Back in Calgary there was also 1 Orthosia hibisci in the trap last night.
 
Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci)
 
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/4/still-very-little-to-report Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:53:00 GMT
Finally, a new moth… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/4/finally-new-moth I had my second backyard moth of the year yesterday.  It was another (or perhaps the same) Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass (Xylena curvimacula).  However, while searching for wildlife to photograph at Glenmore reservoir I found a moth that I have not seen before.  It was “The Infant” Archiearis infans.  Apparently, this is a non-hibernating day flying moth that is often seen before the snow has completely melted.  Unfortunately, the image quality is not great as I did not have a macro lens with me (should have known better) so I had to take the photographs with my 100-400 telephoto zoom…  Either way, great to finally get a second moth species for the year!

While at Glenmore I also had some very close views of a Red-breasted Merganser.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/4/finally-new-moth Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:12:00 GMT
Some other wildlife… https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/4/some-other-wildlife The weather remains poor with freezing drizzle this morning so I’ve been reduced to going through some of last years non moth photographs.  Perhaps not a bad thing as I found these previously overlooked images…

Spruce Grouse - female

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/4/some-other-wildlife Sun, 07 Apr 2013 15:49:00 GMT
Moth Photographs https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/4/moth-photographs_6 Unfortunately, poor weather has stopped me from putting the moth trap out since my first macro moth of the year on the 1st of April.

I have just completed updating the moth photographs on my flickr website which is located at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ipmcanada/sets/72157625839443694/

This set consists of 550 photographs covering approximately 303 species of Alberta moths.  With regards to the image quality, I learn a little each year and I am hoping to produce some improved photographs in 2013.  Weather permitting of course Smile

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/4/moth-photographs_6 Sat, 06 Apr 2013 19:49:00 GMT
First backyard Macro Moth of 2013 https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/4/first-backyard-macro-moth-of-2013 Finally, we’ve had a few evenings where the temperature has remained above freezing.  It’s still dipping below freezing after a few hours but it was warm enough for a single macro moth to find its way into my light trap.  This is the same species reported as an early moth by several others in Alberta.

Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass (Xylena curvimacula)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/4/first-backyard-macro-moth-of-2013 Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:29:00 GMT
2012 Summary https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/2/2012-summary The following is a summary of what were, for me, some of the highlights of 2012. In total I recorded 201 macro moth species in my backyard not including a few moths that I still need to look at. In 2011 I only recorded 149 macro moths. This increase may,  in part, be due to the fact that I am identifying more moths but that certainly does not account for all of the increase. Not only were the numbers of recorded species high but they included a 1st and 3rd moth record for Alberta. They also included what may, at the time, have been a 2nd confirmed Alberta butterfly sighting. I’m not suggesting that these records are scientifically significant and the Douglas Fir Tussock Moth may well have been a traveller but they are, at least, interesting records and certainly exciting urban backyard records for me. Beyond the rarities and good moth numbers, 2012 was the first year that I have seen Silk Moths in Alberta.
Before getting into the summary I would like to thank everyone who has helped me identify some of the moths, macros or micros, with special thanks to Gary Anweiler without whom I’d still have very little confidence with most of my identification attempts…

Ok, here are a few highlights and photographs in chronological order.

26 April.  There was an interesting moth in the trap this morning! After some unsuccessful searching I asked Gary Anweiler for help. Gary identified it as a Twilight Moth (Lycia rachelae). I hadn't considered Geometridae at all! Live and learn :). Apparently this moth would normally finish its flight before full darkness. I had put the light trap out well before sunset so perhaps that is the trick. Either way this is definitely a new backyard moth for me and is my second new moth of the year bringing my backyard macro total to 197. At this rate 200 will be a breeze. Thanks again to Gary for the info'.

Twilight Moth (Lycia rachelae)
Twilight Moth (Lycia rachelae)
18th May.  While in the Twin Butte area in Southern Alberta. I picked up three new moth species when we arrived at our cabin before it was dark! This included two Glover's Silkmoths (Hyalophora gloveri), a species that I've been waiting to see for a number of years!
Glover's-Silkmoth-(Hyalophora gloveri)
Glover's-Silkmoth-(Hyalophora gloveri)














26th June.  Just 6 moths of 6 species in the traps last night. However, one of these moths was a Bilobed Looper (Megalographa biloba). This appears to be a very early sighting as the previous early record for this moth is August! The last time I recorded this species, which was only the 3rd record for Alberta, was in October 2010.

 Bilobed Looper (Megalographa biloba)
 Bilobed Looper (Megalographa biloba)














29th June.  There was a Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis) butterfly in my bait trap which, apparently, was only the second confirmed sighting for Alberta.  Surprisingly, this was also the first butterfly I had found in my recently acquired bait trap!  Hopefully this augurs well for the future…
Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis)
5th July.  This is my first Hooktip moth and a nice fresh looking specimen!
Arched Hooktip Moth (Drepana arcuata)
Arched Hooktip Moth (Drepana arcuata)














14th July.   We are staying in a cabin not far Waterton Provincial Park in Southern Alberta. Last night there was very loud and spectacular storm so I was not expecting much in or around the moth trap. At 11:50pm my wife went to the window to check that the car was locked. I then heard her saying "There's a big moth on the side of the trap". I have to say that I replied rather incredulously, "How big is big?" Anyway, I got up to have a look and much to my amazement there was a Polyphemus Moth on the side of the trap! I hadn't seen any Silk moths until this year and this was my second, having seen a Glover's Silk moth earlier in the year at the same location. Well, as you can imagine, I've been eating humble pie all day and will have to believe my wife next time she says "there's a large moth on the side of the trap"!

Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)








Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)












19th Sept. This appears to be a very early sighting for Bilobed Looper (Megalographa biloba) in Alberta as the previous early record for this moth is August! The last time I recorded this species, which was only the 3rd record for Alberta, was in October 2010.

Bilobed Looper (Megalographa biloba)
Bilobed Looper (Megalographa biloba)













                                                                                            
20th September.  There was a new Lymantriidae, Douglas Fir Tussock Moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata) on the wall behind the light trap. This appears to be the first record of a Douglas Fir Tussock Moth for Alberta.  Apparently, this is not an entirely unexpected record as it was thought that it might occur in the western mountain region of Alberta in association with its host, Douglas-fir, especially during outbreak years.



Douglas Fir Tussock Moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata)








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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2013/2/2012-summary Tue, 19 Feb 2013 10:55:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/11/i-will-be-working-through-some-more
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/11/i-will-be-working-through-some-more Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:00:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/well-sadly-it-looks-like-winter-has [email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/well-sadly-it-looks-like-winter-has Wed, 24 Oct 2012 10:09:00 GMT <no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/there-were-no-moths-last-night-but-i
Great Grey Owl

Ipsilon Dart (Agrotis ipsilon)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/there-were-no-moths-last-night-but-i Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:11:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/well-moths-are-not-quite-done-and-if
Fall Cankerworm (Alsophila pometaria)
 
Juniper Carpet (Thera juniperata)

Acleris nr/= bowmanana

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/well-moths-are-not-quite-done-and-if Sat, 13 Oct 2012 11:52:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/there-was-just-1-micro-moth-in-trap
Twin-spotted Sphinx (Smerinthus jamaicensis)


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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/there-was-just-1-micro-moth-in-trap Wed, 10 Oct 2012 18:27:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/after-several-days-of-traps-was

Ipsilon Dart (Agrotis ipsilon)


Lucerne Moth (Nomophila nearctica)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/after-several-days-of-traps-was Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:07:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/not-unsurprisingly-with-overnight
Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/not-unsurprisingly-with-overnight Thu, 04 Oct 2012 17:19:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/due-to-my-weekend-away-in-waterton-im
American Swordgrass Moth (Xylena nupera)

Grote's Satyr Moth (Ufeus satyricus)

Juniper Carpet (Thera juniperata)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/10/due-to-my-weekend-away-in-waterton-im Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:27:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/the-numbers-remain-low-with-moths-of-4

Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass (Xylena curvimacula)

Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass (Xylena curvimacula)

Pearly Underwing (Peridroma saucia)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/the-numbers-remain-low-with-moths-of-4 Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:32:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/there-were-just-7-moths-of-5-species
4x White Specs (Mythimna unipuncta)
1x Garden Cutworm (Fishia discors)
2x Bicolored Sallows (Sunira bicolorago)
1x Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass (Xylena curvimacula)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/there-were-just-7-moths-of-5-species Wed, 26 Sep 2012 18:11:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/there-were-no-new-species-for-last-2
Automeris zugana (Saturniidae) - Taken in Ecuador 2011
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/there-were-no-new-species-for-last-2 Mon, 24 Sep 2012 18:19:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/there-were-just-7-moths-of-6-species-in
This brings my 2012 total for backyard macro moths to 197 and my all time total to 250.  I've already seen or identified 54 more species than in 2011...  Perhaps 200 macro moths for this year is now looking like a possibility?  Certainly this has been an excellent year for a backyard moth'er...

Pallid Rustic (Hydraecia pallescens)

Battered Sallow Moth (Sunira verberata)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/there-were-just-7-moths-of-6-species-in Sat, 22 Sep 2012 17:50:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/the-moth-numbers-have-continued-to-be
Douglas Fir Tussock Moth (Orgyia pseudotsugata)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/the-moth-numbers-have-continued-to-be Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:19:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/there-were-12-moths-of-8-species-last
Pearly Underwing (Peridroma saucia)

Geranium Plume Moth (Amblyptilia pica)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/there-were-12-moths-of-8-species-last Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:17:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/the-moth-numbers-remain-low-although
Olive Green Cutworm (Dargida procincta)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/the-moth-numbers-remain-low-although Sun, 16 Sep 2012 14:48:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/a-slightly-better-night-with-10-moths
Black Meadowhawk (Sympetrum danae)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/a-slightly-better-night-with-10-moths Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:08:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/it-was-little-warmer-last-night-but

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/it-was-little-warmer-last-night-but Thu, 13 Sep 2012 18:42:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/due-to-very-cool-overnight-temperatures
Large Grey Pinion (Lithophane georgii)



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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/due-to-very-cool-overnight-temperatures Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:05:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/the-number-of-moths-for-last-two-nights
Rugged Rover (Platypolia anceps)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/the-number-of-moths-for-last-two-nights Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:05:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/a-warmer-night-produced-23-moths-16

False Pinion (Litholomia napaea)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/a-warmer-night-produced-23-moths-16 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 14:01:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/the-trend-of-cool-overnight
Semirelict Underwing Moth (Catocala semirelicta)

Semirelict Underwing Moth (Catocala semirelicta)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/the-trend-of-cool-overnight Fri, 07 Sep 2012 15:39:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/the-moths-numbers-have-been-very-low
Dark-winged Quaker Moth (Eremobina claudens) ??
Large Yellow UnderWing (Noctua pronuba)
Large Yellow UnderWing (Noctua pronuba)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/the-moths-numbers-have-been-very-low Thu, 06 Sep 2012 19:17:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/this-post-is-for-last-two-nights
Maple Spanworm (Ennomos magnaria)

Bicolored Sallow Moth (Sunira bicolorago)

Pink-barred Sallow (Xanthia tatago)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/this-post-is-for-last-two-nights Tue, 04 Sep 2012 18:43:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/strong-winds-and-cool-temperatures
Satyr Comma
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/strong-winds-and-cool-temperatures Sun, 02 Sep 2012 16:17:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/another-cool-night-produced-only-12

]]>
[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/9/another-cool-night-produced-only-12 Sat, 01 Sep 2012 16:08:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/with-cool-temperatures-overnight-moth
Celery Looper (Anagrapha falcifera)

Celery Looper (Anagrapha falcifera)

Even-lined Sallow (Ipimorpha pleonectusa)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/with-cool-temperatures-overnight-moth Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:50:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/there-were-35-moths-of-18-species-in
Olive Green Cutworm (Dargida procincta)

Forage Looper (Caenurgina erechtea)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/there-were-35-moths-of-18-species-in Wed, 29 Aug 2012 19:49:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/there-were-28-macro-moths-of-12-species
Garden Cutworm Moth (Fishia discors)

Even-lined Sallow (Ipimorpha pleonectusa)

White Underwing (Catocala relicta)


White Underwing (Catocala relicta)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/there-were-28-macro-moths-of-12-species Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:02:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/although-total-number-of-moths-was-low
White Underwing (Catocala relicta)

White Underwing (Catocala relicta)

White-lined Sphinx (Hyles lineata)

 Semirelict Underwing (Catocala semirelicta) - eastern form
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/although-total-number-of-moths-was-low Mon, 27 Aug 2012 20:07:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/it-was-another-cool-night-with-low-of
Brachylomia populi
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/it-was-another-cool-night-with-low-of Sun, 26 Aug 2012 16:46:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/it-was-very-cool-night-which-resulted
Nameless Pinion Moth (Lithophane innominata)

Venerable Dart (Agrotis venerabilis)


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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/it-was-very-cool-night-which-resulted Sat, 25 Aug 2012 16:42:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/heavy-rain-last-night-prevented-me-from
Mountain Beauty (Syngrapha ignea)

Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/heavy-rain-last-night-prevented-me-from Fri, 24 Aug 2012 20:29:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/back-in-calgary-it-was-fairly-quite
Subflava Sedge Borer Moth (Capsula subflava)

Brown Sallow (Sympistis stabilis)

Black-disc Sallow (Brachylomia discinigra)

Puta Sallow Moth (Anathix puta)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/back-in-calgary-it-was-fairly-quite Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:47:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/this-is-combined-post-for-last-two
Scalloped Sallow Moth (Eucirroedia pampina)
Scalloped Sallow Moth (Eucirroedia pampina)

Scalloped Sallow Moth (Eucirroedia pampina)

Old Man Dart Moth (Agrotis vetusta)

Fringe-Tree Sallow (Sympistis chionanthi)
Dichagyris variabilis
Cow Parsnip Borer Moth (Papaipema harrisii)


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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/this-is-combined-post-for-last-two Tue, 21 Aug 2012 21:37:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/still-in-twin-butte-waterton-area-and
White-Striped Dart (Euxoa albipennis)

Venerable Dart (Agrotis venerabilis)

Western brown dart (Euxoa basalis)
 Euxoa ochrogaster
 Euxoa ochrogaster (red form)





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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/still-in-twin-butte-waterton-area-and Sun, 19 Aug 2012 21:45:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/another-fairly-quiet-night-with-only
Pale Enargia (Enargia decolor)

Dusky Silver Y (Syngrapha octoscripta)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/another-fairly-quiet-night-with-only Sat, 18 Aug 2012 18:10:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/another-cool-night-produced-only-22
Briseis Underwing (Catocala briseis)

Male Wood duck in eclipse plumage


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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/another-cool-night-produced-only-22 Fri, 17 Aug 2012 20:49:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/it-was-dry-but-very-night
Collard Dart (Agnorisma bugrai)

Finland Dart (Actebia fennica)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/it-was-dry-but-very-night Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:46:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/it-was-surprisingly-quiet-last-night
Pearly-winged Lichen Moth (Crambidia casta)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/it-was-surprisingly-quiet-last-night Tue, 14 Aug 2012 18:52:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/this-is-late-posting-for-sunday
Narrow-winged Borer (Photedes defecta)

Brown Arches Moth (Lacinipolia stricta)

 Puta Sallow Moth (Anathix puta)

 Euxoa comosa

Lucerne Moth (Nomophila nearctica)

Beet Webworm Moth (Loxostege sticticalis)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/this-is-late-posting-for-sunday Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:47:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/a-cooler-night-revealed-only-44-moths
Semirelict Underwing Moth (Catocala semirelicta)

Mouse Moth (Amphipyra tragopoginis)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/a-cooler-night-revealed-only-44-moths Sat, 11 Aug 2012 15:33:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/there-were-127-macro-moths-of-34
Forage Looper (Caenurgina erechtea)
Charming Underwing Moth (Catocala blandula)
Mouse Moth (Amphipyra tragopoginis)
Euxoa comosa

Charming Underwing Moth (Catocala blandula)

Charming Underwing Moth (Catocala blandula)

Forage Looper (Caenurgina erechtea)

Euxoa comosa (Euxoa comosa).

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/there-were-127-macro-moths-of-34 Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:02:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/there-were-133-macro-moths-of-23
Obelisk Dart (Euxoa obeliscoides)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/there-were-133-macro-moths-of-23 Thu, 09 Aug 2012 18:37:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/it-was-another-good-night-with-88-macro
Neumogen's Quaker (Oligia egens)

Finland Dart Moth (Actebia fennica)

Obelisk Dart (Euxoa obeliscoides)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/it-was-another-good-night-with-88-macro Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:56:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/in-spite-of-some-rain-it-was-good-night
 Bronzed Cutworm (Nephelodes minians)

euxoa auripennis
Subflava Sedge Borer Moth (Capsula subflava)
Broad-lined Sallow (Sympistis dinalda)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/in-spite-of-some-rain-it-was-good-night Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:43:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/there-were-94-moths-of-28-species-in
Euxoa campestris

Slave Dart (Euxoa servitus)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/there-were-94-moths-of-28-species-in Mon, 06 Aug 2012 16:46:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/a-slightly-better-night-lethbridge-in
Smooth Amphipyra Moth (Amphipyra glabella)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/a-slightly-better-night-lethbridge-in Sun, 05 Aug 2012 18:50:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/once-again-heavy-rain-and-cool
 Rusty Tussock Moth (Orgyia antiqua)

 Rusty Tussock Moth (Orgyia antiqua)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/once-again-heavy-rain-and-cool Sat, 04 Aug 2012 10:44:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/due-to-wet-and-stormy-weather-i-didnt
Bronzed Cutworm (Nephelodes minians)

White-banded Carpet (Spargania luctuata)

Catocaline Dart (Cryptocala acadiensis)

Straight-lined Looper (Pseudeva purpurigera)

Hooked Silver Y (Syngrapha alias)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/8/due-to-wet-and-stormy-weather-i-didnt Thu, 02 Aug 2012 18:21:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/there-were-61-macro-moths-of-23-species
Scallop Shell (Rheumaptera undulata)

Two-spot Dart (Protolampra rufipectus)

Sharp-lined Yellow (Sicya macularia)

Sharp-lined Yellow (Sicya macularia)

Large Tabby Moth (Aglossa pinguinalis)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/there-were-61-macro-moths-of-23-species Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:48:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/it-was-another-good-night-and-i-have
Semirelict Underwing Moth (Catocala semirelicta)

Semirelict Underwing Moth (Catocala semirelicta)

Zenophleps alpinata

  Great Gray Dart (Eurois occulta)

Euxoa ochrogaster
Olive Arches (Lacinipolia olivacea)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/it-was-another-good-night-and-i-have Mon, 30 Jul 2012 16:35:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/i-staged-very-small-backyard-moth
American Ear Moth (Amphipoea americana)

Police Car Moth (Gnophaela vermiculata)


Pointed-winged Wave (Scopula ancellata)

 Satyr Comma (Polygonia satyrus)

 Satyr Comma (Polygonia satyrus)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/i-staged-very-small-backyard-moth Sun, 29 Jul 2012 19:34:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/96-macros-moths-of-32-species-in-and
Briseis Underwing (Catocala briseis)

Briseis Underwing (Catocala briseis)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/96-macros-moths-of-32-species-in-and Sat, 28 Jul 2012 15:55:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/a-drier-night-revealed-macros-of-23
Choristostigma plumbosignalis

Included Cordgrass Borer Moth (Photedes includens)

Included Cordgrass Borer Moth (Photedes includens)

Red-spot Polia (Lacinipolia davena)

Smoked Sallow (Enargia infumata)

Neoligia subjuncta

Double Lobed (Apamea ophiogramma)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/a-drier-night-revealed-macros-of-23 Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:54:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/just-40-macro-moths-of-21-species
Orange-barred Carpet Moth (Dysstroma hersiliata)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/just-40-macro-moths-of-21-species Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:46:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/just-34-moths-of-16-species-in-trap
Ypsolopha senex

Red-edged Acleris Moth (Acleris albicomana)

Comma Wainscot (Leucania commoides)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/just-34-moths-of-16-species-in-trap Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:49:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/this-is-late-posting-for-24th
Smith's Dart (Xestia smithii)

Apamea sordens
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/this-is-late-posting-for-24th Wed, 25 Jul 2012 16:57:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/we-had-some-rain-last-night-but-there
Northwestern Phoenix Moth (Eulithis xylina)
July Highflyer Moth (Hydriomena furcata)
Common Idia (Idia aemula)
Dark-spotted Looper (Diachrysia aereoides)
Smoked Sallow (Enargia infumata)
Dingy Cutworm (Feltia jaculifera)
Great Gray Dart (Great Brochade) (Eurois occulta)

I also had another Thinker Moth (Lacinipolia meditata) which was in a better condition than the last one so I've included a photograph of this species as well.

Northwestern Phoenix Moth (Eulithis xylina)

July Highflyer Moth (Hydriomena furcata)

Common Idia (Idia aemula)

Dingy Cutworm (Feltia jaculifera)

Dark-spotted Looper (Diachrysia aereoides)

Smoked Sallow (Enargia infumata)

Thinker Moth (Lacinipolia meditata)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/we-had-some-rain-last-night-but-there Mon, 23 Jul 2012 17:51:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/i-was-forced-to-retrieve-my-bait-and
Green Arches (Anaplectoides prasina)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/i-was-forced-to-retrieve-my-bait-and Sun, 22 Jul 2012 14:38:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/there-were-at-least-177-moths-of-40
Split-lined Angle Moth (Speranza bitactata)
Pale beauty (Campaea perlata)
Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata)
Delphinium Leaftier (Polychrysia esmeralda)
Two-spotted Looper (Autographa bimaculata)
Apamea scoparia
Lined Quaker (Apamea inficita)
Double Lobed Moth (Apamea ophiogramma)
Eurois astricta
Two-spotted Looper (Autographa bimaculata)

Double Lobed Moth (Apamea ophiogramma)
 
Split-lined Angle Moth (Speranza bitactata)

Delphinium Leaftier (Polychrysia esmeralda)

Catocaline Dart (Cryptocala acadiensis)

Wavy-lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata)

Pale beauty (Campaea perlata)

Apamea scoparia

Eurois astricta
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/there-were-at-least-177-moths-of-40 Fri, 20 Jul 2012 18:11:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/another-very-warm-night-revealed-117
Tufted Thyatirid (Pseudothyatira cymatophoroides)
Dark Marbled Carpet (Dysstroma citrata)
Purple Arches (Polia purpurissata)
Anicla tepperi (Anicla tepperi)
Green Arches (Anaplectoides prasina)

There were also several interesting micro moth species, of which, one I have identified as Crowned Phlyctaenia Moth (Anania coronata).

Brown Pine Looper Moth (Caripeta angustiorata)

Dark Marbled Carpet (Dysstroma citrata)

Purple Arches (Polia purpurissata)

Anicla tepperi (Anicla tepperi)

Crowned Phlyctaenia Moth (Anania coronata)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/another-very-warm-night-revealed-117 Thu, 19 Jul 2012 18:41:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/it-was-warm-dry-night-and-recorded-56 Orange-barred Carpet Moth (Dysstroma hersiliata)
Barred Yellow (Eulithis propulsata)
Master's Dart (Feltia herilis)
Divergent Dart (Euxoa divergens)
Western brown Dart (Euxoa basalis)
Ruby Dart (Xestia oblata)
Large Yellow UnderWing (Noctua pronuba)

Ruby Dart (Xestia oblata)

Master's Dart (Feltia herilis)

Orange-barred Carpet Moth (Dysstroma hersiliata)

Barred Yellow (Eulithis propulsata)

Large Yellow UnderWing (Noctua pronuba)

Western brown Dart (Euxoa basalis)

Eupithecia cretaceata

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/it-was-warm-dry-night-and-recorded-56 Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:08:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/im-in-for-couple-of-nights
Bordered Thorn (Nematocampa resistaria)

Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth (Malacosoma disstria)

Oblique-banded Leafroller Moth (Choristoneura rosaceana)
Variable Darner (Aeshna interrupta)

 Boreal Bluet (Enallagma boreale)


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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/im-in-for-couple-of-nights Mon, 16 Jul 2012 21:43:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/heres-short-mothing-story-from-last
Here are a few pictures of the Poluphemus moth and a couple of others that I have not seen before.

Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)

Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)

Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)

Scarlet-winged Lichen Moth (Hypoprepia miniata)

Yellow-collared Scape Moth (Cisseps fulvicollis)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/heres-short-mothing-story-from-last Sat, 14 Jul 2012 19:39:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/no-moth-count-today-but-here-are
Parthenice Tiger Moth (Grammia parthenice)

Spotted Tussock Moth (Lophocampa maculata)

Dark-spotted Looper (Diachrysia aereoides)

Lined Quaker (Apamea inficita)

White Admiral (Limenitis arthemis)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/no-moth-count-today-but-here-are Fri, 13 Jul 2012 21:57:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/im-currently-in-log-cabin-not-far-from Satin Moth (Leucoma salicis)
Hooked Silver Y (Syngrapha alias)
Anhimella contrahens (Anhimella contrahens)

I'm hoping to see some moths where I'm staying so will endeavour to create a few postings for any new or interesting species that I find in the area.
Anhimella contrahens (Anhimella contrahens)

Hooked Silver Y (Syngrapha alias)

The young Black bear that ran past our cabin.  I was too slow or the bear was too fast!
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/im-currently-in-log-cabin-not-far-from Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:39:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/another-good-night-resulted-in-50-moths Single-lined Emerald (Nemoria unitaria)
Neoligia subjuncta (Neoligia subjuncta)
Leucania commoides
Flame-shouldered Dart (Ochropleura implecta)
Paradiarsia littoralis (Paradiarsia littoralis)

Paradiarsia littoralis (Paradiarsia littoralis)

Single-lined Emerald (Nemoria unitaria)

Barberry Geometer Moth (Coryphista meadii)


 Canadian Fan-Foot (Zanclognatha lutalba)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/another-good-night-resulted-in-50-moths Wed, 11 Jul 2012 18:56:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/there-were-65-macro-of-30-species-in Johnson's Euchlaena (Euchlaena johnsonaria)
Large Looper Moth (Autographa ampla)
Brown-streaked Rustic (Hypocoena rufostrigata)
Trichordestra liquida (Trichordestra liquida)
Dappled Dart (Aplectoides condita)
Catocaline Dart (Cryptocala acadiensis)
Large Looper Moth (Autographa ampla)

Large Looper Moth (Autographa ampla)

Johnson's Euchlaena (Euchlaena johnsonaria)

Brown-streaked Rustic (Hypocoena rufostrigata)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/there-were-65-macro-of-30-species-in Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:24:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/there-were-31-moths-of-19-species-in Apamea alia and Purple-Lined Sallow (Pyrrhia exprimens) are new species for the year while White-dotted Prominent Moth (Nadata gibbosa) is a new species for the backyard and definitely the center of attention today.  I've also included a better photograph of Delicate Silver Y (Autographa pseudogamma).
White-dotted Prominent Moth (Nadata gibbosa)

White-dotted Prominent Moth (Nadata gibbosa)

Apamea alia

Delicate Silver Y (Autographa pseudogamma)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/there-were-31-moths-of-19-species-in Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:04:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/another-very-warm-night-revealed-38 Idia concisa near aemula - Currently an undescribed species.
Wood-colored Apamea (Apamea lignicolora)
Civil Rustic Moth (Platyperigea montana)
Wood-colored Apamea (Apamea lignicolora)

Idia concisa near aemula - Currently an undescribed species.
Civil Rustic Moth (Platyperigea montana)

Cattail Borer Moth (Bellura obliqua)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/another-very-warm-night-revealed-38 Sun, 08 Jul 2012 19:11:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/another-warm-night-resulted-in-23-moths Goodell's Arches Moth (Orthodes goodelli), Subdued Arches (Lacanobia subjuncta) and Snaky Arches Moth (Lacinipolia anguina).  The Subdued Arches was quite a worn specimen so I've added an image that was taken in the Twin Butte area earlier in the year.  In fact, it's interesting that I saw all three of these species in the Twin Butte area earlier in the year.  It often seems to be the case that I get the species I see in the Waterton area a month or so later in Calgary.
Subdued Arches (Lacanobia subjuncta)

Snaky Arches Moth (Lacinipolia anguina)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/another-warm-night-resulted-in-23-moths Sat, 07 Jul 2012 16:00:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/luckily-we-missed-worst-of-weather-last
Garden Arches (Lacanobia radix)

Morrison's Sooty Dart (Pseudohermonassa tenuicula)

Olive Arches (Lacinipolia Olivacea)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/luckily-we-missed-worst-of-weather-last Fri, 06 Jul 2012 19:30:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/there-were-9-macro-moths-of-9-species
Arched Hooktip Moth (Drepana arcuata)

Arched Hooktip Moth (Drepana arcuata)

Virgin Tiger (Grammia Virgo)

Mountain Hooded Owlet Moth (Cucullia montanae)

Stormy Arches (Polia nimbosa)
Birch Angle Moth (Macaria notata)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/there-were-9-macro-moths-of-9-species Thu, 05 Jul 2012 19:40:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/probably-due-to-very-strong-winds-there
Delicate Silver Y (Autographa pseudogamma)

Delicate Silver Y (Autographa pseudogamma)

10446 Many-lined Wainscot (Leucania multilinea)

9348 Yellow-Headed Cutworm (Apamea amputatrix)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/probably-due-to-very-strong-winds-there Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:00:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/this-is-late-post-for-tuesday-night
Cloudy Arches Moth (Polia imbrifera) - New backyard species
Trichordestra dodii - New backyard species
Aster Cutworm Moth (Trichordestra lilacina) - New backyard species
Mottled Euchlaena (Euchlaena tigrinaria)
Leucania dia (Leucania dia)

Cloudy Arches Moth (Polia imbrifera)

Aster Cutworm Moth (Trichordestra lilacina)

Apamea Commoda
Trichordestra dodii
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/this-is-late-post-for-tuesday-night Wed, 04 Jul 2012 15:13:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/there-were-16-moths-of-14-species-last
Brown Bark Carpet Moth (Horisme intestinata)
Thoughtful Apamea (Apamea cogitata)
Lesser Wainscot (Mythimna oxygala)
Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)

Thoughtful Apamea (Apamea cogitata)

Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum)

Lesser Wainscot (Mythimna oxygala)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/there-were-16-moths-of-14-species-last Mon, 02 Jul 2012 19:54:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/warm-night-resulted-in-22-macros-of-15
Unicorn Caterpillar Moth (Schizura unicornis) - New backyard species.
Abstrusa Looper (Syngrapha abstrusa)
Polia Moth (Polia piniae)
Neighbourly Arches (Lacinipolia vicina)
Bristly Cutworm Moth (Lacinipolia renigera)
Clandestine Dart (Spaelotis clandestina)

Unicorn Caterpillar Moth (Schizura unicornis)

Neighbourly Arches (Lacinipolia vicina)

Polia Moth (Polia piniae)

Clandestine Dart (Spaelotis clandestina)

Bristly Cutworm Moth (Lacinipolia renigera)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/7/warm-night-resulted-in-22-macros-of-15 Sun, 01 Jul 2012 19:02:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/i-missed-putnams-looper-plusia-putnami White-lined Quaker (Apamea niveivenosa)
Olive Arches (Lacinipolia olivacea)
Red-spot Polia (Lacinipolia davena)
Yellow-dusted-Cream (Cabera erythemaria)
Putnam's Looper (Plusia putnami)

Red-spot Polia (Lacinipolia davena)

White-lined Quaker (Apamea niveivenosa)

Yellow-dusted-Cream (Cabera erythemaria)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/i-missed-putnams-looper-plusia-putnami Sat, 30 Jun 2012 15:11:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/last-night-was-best-night-so-far-with Last night was the best night so far with 15 moths of 11 species. 7 of them new for the year.  Also, after 4 years of trying I finally manged to get a photograph of  a Common Gluphisia (Gluphisia septentrionis) that wasn't moving its wings!  The new backyard species were:
American Idia (Idia americalis)
Wavy Chestnut Y (Autographa mappa)
Gray dagger (Acronicta grisea)
The Mottled Rustic (Caradrina morpheus)
Disparaged Arches (Orthodes detracta)
Euxoa tristicula (Euxoa tristicula)
Dark Metanema (Metanema determinata)
Wavy Chestnut Y (Autographa mappa)
 Wavy Chestnut Y (Autographa mappa)
Dark Metanema (Metanema determinata)
Common Gluphisia (Gluphisia septentrionis)

Euxoa tristicula (Euxoa tristicula)

 American Idia (Idia americalis)

Gray dagger (Acronicta grisea)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/last-night-was-best-night-so-far-with Fri, 29 Jun 2012 19:24:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/gven-very-heavy-rain-didnt-put-light
9348 Yellow-Headed Cutworm (Apamea amputatrix)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/gven-very-heavy-rain-didnt-put-light Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:33:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/just-6-moths-of-6-species-in-traps-last
8607 Bilobed Looper (Megalographa biloba)

8607 Bilobed Looper (Megalographa biloba)

6235 The Scribe, Lettered Habrosyne (Habrosyne scripta)
10405 Bridled Arches (Lacinipolia lorea)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/just-6-moths-of-6-species-in-traps-last Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:05:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/there-has-been-heavy-rain-for-last-two Lobophora magnoliatoidata but nivigerata cannot be entirely ruled out.  Either way it's a new backyard species.  The light trap has not been out for the last two nights due to heavy rain.

Pale Metanema Moth (Metanema inatomaria)

Trichordestra tacoma
Apamea commoda

Lobophora magnoliatoidata

Ruddy Quaker (Protorthodes oviduca)

Rustic Shoulder-knot (Apamea sordens)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/there-has-been-heavy-rain-for-last-two Sun, 24 Jun 2012 19:59:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/it-was-better-night-for-moths-in
9053 Pink-barred Lithacodia (Pseudeustrotia carneola)
8939 Hooked Silver Y (Syngrapha alias)
8912 Wavy Chestnut Y (Autographa mappa)
9660 Civil Rustic (Platyperigea montana)
8322 American Idia (Idia americalis)

The others were Abstrusa Looper (Syngrapha abstrusa), Mottled Rustic (Caradrina morpheus), Rustic Shoulder-knot (Apamea sordens) and a dart that I haven't identified yet.  I've called the moths below Syngrapha alias and Syngrapha abstrusa based largely on whether the stigma and satellite spots are joined or separated. I understand that the genitalia must be examined to positively separate these species.
Abstrusa Looper (Syngrapha abstrusa)
Hooked Silver Y (Syngrapha alias)
Wavy Chestnut Y (Autographa mappa)
9053 Pink-barred Lithacodia (Pseudeustrotia carneola)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/it-was-better-night-for-moths-in Thu, 21 Jun 2012 20:14:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/im-in-lethbridge-for-days

7941 Modest Furcula Moth (Furcula modesta)
10372 Snaky Arches Moth (Lacinipolia anguina)
7803 Snowberry Sphinx (Sphinx Vashti)
10289 Goodell's Arches Moth (Orthodes goodelli)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/im-in-lethbridge-for-days Wed, 20 Jun 2012 21:05:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/just-3-species-in-trap-last-night
The Subdued Arches (Lacanobia subjuncta)
Brother Moth (Raphia frater)
Disparaged Arches  (Orthodes detracta)


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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/just-3-species-in-trap-last-night Mon, 18 Jun 2012 21:11:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/last-night-was-best-night-so-far-number
Canary Thorn (Neoterpes trianguliferata)
Common Hyppa (Hyppa contrasta)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/last-night-was-best-night-so-far-number Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:18:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/in-spite-of-some-good-weather-last [email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/in-spite-of-some-good-weather-last Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:44:00 GMT <no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/3-macros-in-trap-last
Gallium Sphinx Moth (Hyles gallii)
Gallium Sphinx Moth (Hyles gallii)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/3-macros-in-trap-last Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:10:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/not-too-much-in-trap-last-night
 Intermediate Falconer (Cucullia intermedia)
7487 Grey Pug Moth (Eupithecia subfuscata)
Miranda moth (Proxenus miranda)


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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/not-too-much-in-trap-last-night Fri, 08 Jun 2012 17:02:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/2-moths-in-trap-last-night-both-new-for 
Lappet Moth (Phyllodesma Americana)
Rosy Dart (Diarsia rosaria)



Artic Skipper (Carterocephalus palaemon)


Canadian Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio canadensis)




Western Tailed-Blue (Everes amyntula)
Western Tailed-Blue (Everes amyntula) female
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/2-moths-in-trap-last-night-both-new-for Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:37:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/so-far-this-year-i-have-record-26 
Brown-streaked Rustic (Hypocoena rufostrigata)
Morrison's Pero (Pero morrisonaria)






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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/so-far-this-year-i-have-record-26 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:12:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/nothing-new-to-report-for-last-two-days [email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/nothing-new-to-report-for-last-two-days Mon, 04 Jun 2012 09:25:00 GMT <no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/just-quick-about-yesterdays-post
Last night was fairly good with 6 species, 1 of them a new backyard moth.  They included 2 Common Gluphisia (Gluphisia septentrionis), 1 Willow Kitten (Furcula occidentalis) which could be Poplar Kitten (furcula scolopendrina) but I'm tentativley saying Willow kitten because of  the seasonal distribution of the two, 1 Common Gluphisia (Gluphisia septentrionis), 1 American Angle Shades (Euplexia benesimilis) and 2 Apical Prominent (Clostera apicalis).  The new one is Large Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia assimilans).  There was 1 Hydriomena sp that looks like the macdunnoughi image on CBIF so I'm very tentatively calling it macdunnoughi .

Large Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia assimilans)
Large Ruby Tiger Moth (Phragmatobia assimilans)
Hydriomena macdunnoughi?
Common Gluphisia (Gluphisia septentrionis)

American Angle Shades (Euplexia benesimilis)
American Angle Shades (Euplexia benesimilis)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/just-quick-about-yesterdays-post Sat, 02 Jun 2012 16:34:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/still-very-slow Still very slow.  3 moths of 3 species in the the trap last night. 2 of them new for the year and one species that is new for my backyard.  The new species is Papestra cristifera (thanks again to Gary Anweiler for the ID).  The others are a Vancouver dart (Agrotis vancouverensis), a and a tricky euxoa sp, which may be another auxiliaris.
Papestra cristifera
Vancouver dart (Agrotis vancouverensis)

euxoa auxiliaris?
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/6/still-very-slow Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:02:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/just-2-moths-in-trap-last-night [email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/just-2-moths-in-trap-last-night Thu, 31 May 2012 19:10:00 GMT <no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/4-macros-in-trap-last-night-first-since

Army Cutworm moth (Euxoa auxiliaris)
Ignorant Apamea (Apamea indocilis)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/4-macros-in-trap-last-night-first-since Tue, 29 May 2012 20:34:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/no-moths-for-last-few-nights-due-to .

Papestra quadrata
Papestra quadrata

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/no-moths-for-last-few-nights-due-to Thu, 24 May 2012 18:04:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/here-are-few-more-moths-from-my-weekend 
Morrison's Pero (Pero morrisonaria)
Gray Ethmia Moth (Ethmia monticola)





Alien Probole (Probole alienaria)
Small Argent & Sable (Epirrhoe sperryi)



Anarta farnhami


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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/here-are-few-more-moths-from-my-weekend Tue, 22 May 2012 20:42:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/2-macros-in-trap-last-night-apical (Syndemis afflictana).  Hopefully I will be able to confirm this after I've photographed it.

Red-banded Leafroller Moth (Argyrotaenia velutinana). 
Apical Prominent (Clostera apicalis)


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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/2-macros-in-trap-last-night-apical Tue, 22 May 2012 19:44:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/i-put-2-light-traps-out-last-night Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis) which I photographed while in Waterton PP.  I'll add some additional information re: the Twin Butte moths as get to them.

Snowberry Clearwing Moth (Hemaris diffinis)
6822 Ruddy Metarranthis Moth (Metarranthis duaria)




7822  One-eyed Sphinx Moth (Smerinthus cerisyi)
6964 White Slant-Line Moth (Tetracis cachexiata)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/i-put-2-light-traps-out-last-night Mon, 21 May 2012 20:22:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/im-spending-few-days-in-twin-butte-area
Glover's Silkmoth (Hyalophora gloveri)
Glover's Silkmoth (Hyalophora gloveri)
Sigmoid Prominent Moth (Clostera albosigma)
One-eyed Sphinx Moth (Smerinthus cerisyi)


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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/im-spending-few-days-in-twin-butte-area Fri, 18 May 2012 21:27:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/i-didnt-put-trap-out-last-night-due-to I didn't put the trap out lastnight due to bad weather and tonight doesn't look any better. Just to add to my posting of the 15th May, it seems that the micro, Blastodacna sp. may, in fact, be a new specieswaiting for a name and description.  Thanks to Grep Pohl for all the information.

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/i-didnt-put-trap-out-last-night-due-to Thu, 17 May 2012 18:49:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/2-macros-in-trap-this-morning

Western Swordgrass (Xylena thoracica).
Sutrina Moth (hada Sutrina)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/2-macros-in-trap-this-morning Wed, 16 May 2012 08:05:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/twomacros-in-trap-this-morning
Two macros in the trap this morning. One was pretty worn and I haven't managed to ID it yet. The other is either Poplar Kitten (furcula scolopendrina) or Willow Kitten (furcula occidentalis). While I can't be certain, the seasonal distribution of this species would point more towards Willow Kitten (furcula occidentalis). Either way a nice moth. There was also a micro in trap which Greg Pohl identified as a Blastodacna sp. Greg said there are 2 species in Alberta, bicristatella and curvilineella, both rarely collected.
Willow Kitten (furcula occidentalis)
Willow Kitten (furcula occidentalis)


 Blastodacna sp.
 Blastodacna sp.





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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/twomacros-in-trap-this-morning Tue, 15 May 2012 18:51:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/in-spite-of-another-very-warm-day-and
Orthosia segregata
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/in-spite-of-another-very-warm-day-and Mon, 14 May 2012 10:53:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/i-was-in-lethbridge-for-weekend
Norman's Quaker Moth (Crocigrapha normani)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/i-was-in-lethbridge-for-weekend Sun, 13 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/it-was-good-night-last-night-which Geometrid of the year.

Willow Dart Moth (Cerastis salicarum)
Willow Dart Moth (Cerastis salicarum)






Orthosia segregata
Tawny Eupithecia (Eupithecia ravocostaliata)


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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/it-was-good-night-last-night-which Wed, 09 May 2012 17:16:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/two-speckled-green-fruitworm-orthosia [email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/two-speckled-green-fruitworm-orthosia Tue, 08 May 2012 17:30:00 GMT <no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/cool-wet-weather-of-last-few-days-has [email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/5/cool-wet-weather-of-last-few-days-has Sun, 06 May 2012 15:21:00 GMT <no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/after-dry-cool-night-there-was-only-one
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/after-dry-cool-night-there-was-only-one Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:30:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/last-few-days-have-been-quite-wet http://mothsofboughton-under-blean.blogspot.ca/.]]> [email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/last-few-days-have-been-quite-wet Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:22:00 GMT <no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/i-had-interesting-moth-in-trap-this There was an interesting moth in the trap this morning! I had thought it was a Lasiocampidae or Lymantriidae but after some failed searching I asked Gary Anweiler for help. Gary ID'd it as Twilight Moth (Lycia rachelae). I hadn't considered Geometridae at all. Live and learn..:). Apparently this moth would normally finish it's flight before full darkness. I did put the light trap out well before sunset so perhaps that is the trick. Either way this is definitely a new backyard moth for me and is my second new moth of the year bringing my backyard macro total to 197. At this rate 200 will be a breeze. Thanks again to Gary for the info'.

Twilight Moth (Lycia rachelae)
Twilight Moth (Lycia rachelae)
Twilight Moth (Lycia rachelae)
Twilight Moth (Lycia rachelae)

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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/i-had-interesting-moth-in-trap-this Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:37:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/i-missed-my-entry-on-24th-but-had-1 I missed my entry on the 24th but had 1 False Pinion (Litholomia napaea), 1 Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica), 3 Speckled Green Fruitworms (Orthosia hibisci) and what I think is a Small Engrailed Moth (Ectropis crepuscularia).  If it is this will be a new Geometrid for me.  Last night there was 1 False Pinion (Litholomia napaea) and 3 Speckled Green Fruitworms (Orthosia hibisci).

Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci)
Speckled Green Fruitworm (Orthosia hibisci)

6597 Small Engrailed Moth (Ectropis crepuscularia)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/i-missed-my-entry-on-24th-but-had-1 Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:34:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/it-was-warm-night-with-not-falling [email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/it-was-warm-night-with-not-falling Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:51:00 GMT <no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/another-fairly-mild-night-produced-two
Hoary Pinion (Lithophane fagina)
Speckled Green Fruitworm moth (Orthosia hibisci)




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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/another-fairly-mild-night-produced-two Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:55:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/just-false-pinion-litholomia-napaea-in
Diamondback Moth (Plutella xylostella)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/just-false-pinion-litholomia-napaea-in Sat, 21 Apr 2012 13:08:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/it-stayed-above-freezing-last-night-and It stayed above freezing last night and the trap tuned up two False Pinions (Litholomia napaea), one Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass (Xylena curvimacula) and a micro that I haven't identified yet.  While walking to our local shops I found a dead Hoary Pinion (Lithophane fagina) on the sidewalk.

False Pinion (Litholomia napaea)
Dot-and-Dash Swordgrass (Xylena curvimacula)



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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/it-stayed-above-freezing-last-night-and Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:55:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/after-some-wintry-nights-earlier-part 
Large Grey Pinion (Lithophane georgii)
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/after-some-wintry-nights-earlier-part Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:26:00 GMT
<no title> https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/as-temperature-for-early-part-of-last

9875 Western Swordgrass (Xylena thoracica). Taken in Sept 2011.
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[email protected] (Ian Maton Nature Photography) https://www.albertanaturephotography.com/blog/2012/4/as-temperature-for-early-part-of-last Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:13:00 GMT