BLOG 1: Cool Moth!

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.