Why is this
nature blog different from all other nature blogs?
The wise reader will
understand that it imparts my own ideas, opinions and observations and
therefore makes it just unique enough to perhaps be compelling. The wicked
reader will ask, “Why would I waste my time with this crud?” to which I would
reply, “If you think it’s crud you shouldn’t!” The confused reader will ask “What
is it all about?” And to them I explain it’s just a random collection of
pictures and reports about whatever critters (or other natural things) I
encounter in my meanderings around the wilds of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and
wherever else I happen to find myself! And to the reader who is too young to
ask? Well, that’s not my problem! What
the heck would they be doing on the Internet anyway!?
What a great way to start
a blog that so many people will pass over.
And with
that I’m going to ask how many of you have ever heard of Apatelodes torrefacta?
Well I sure hadn’t until today! I was
just coming back from my favorite hot dog stand when I saw what almost looked
like a teeny tiny bat poised on our garage door! On closer inspection though it
became clear it was a very important looking moth! You have any idea how
challenging it is for a moth to look important? Well, this one managed it with
style!
I was surprised
how little information there seemed to be about this gentleman on-line. I was
looking for some interesting tidbits about his life history beyond just a
straight forward description but I couldn’t find much. The following comprises
the bulk of useful A. torrefacta facts!
“This moth,
also called The Spotted Apatelodes is found from Maine and southern Ontario to
Florida, west to Texas, and north to Wisconsin.
The wingspan is 32–42 mm. Adults are on wing from May to August. There
are two generations per year in the south and one in the north. The caterpillar
host plants are ash, maple, oak, and fruit trees.”
And that’s
about all I was able to track down! And did you catch that, “Adults are on
wing.” I’m not entirely sure what that
means but I like the way it sounds.
That’s some real entomologist talk. And if you think that’s getting
technical check out this paragraph! This is a description of the Spotted
Apatelode caterpillar! I mean, if you were to ask me I’d just say it’s white
and fuzzy but how’s this for a mouthful;
“ Body
clothed with long yellow or white or gray setae; long black, or orange and
black, medial lashes on dorsum of second and third thoracic and eighth
abdominal segments. Black chevrons above spiracles. Ends of prolegs red.”
That chunk
of fascinating bewilderment came to you compliments of U.S. Geological Survey’s
web site. What did you expect from a government publication, clarity?
I’m not huge
into bugs and insects but I do occasionally come across one that captures my interest
and admiration so I’m glad I had a chance to share this one with you. I also
found it curious that most of the photos I found of this moth were against
white backgrounds. I don’t know if these little creepies have a preference for
white surfaces or if their photographers do. Mine was perched on a white door
so there may be something to it!
So that’s
just about it! This is basically what this feature will be like from now until
whenever! If this was a good read for
you than my continuing parade of essays will be a real treat! If this was more
of a BLAH to you than a BLOG than you’ll want to stop right here and never read
another! Trust me, there IS still time
to save yourself!
I hope
though that you like my snap shot and my style and that you’ll check back often
for future additions of Kieran’s Critters! Thanks for reading!
Any
comments, questions, suggestions or complaints are welcome and should be posted
here or mailed to Mr. A. Torrefacta, Lower Garage Door, Stroudsburg PA.
