A Fortnight of Night Moths

I have been amazed by the number and variety of moths that have visited our outdoor garage light over the last few weeks.  Here are a few of the ones I was able to "capture" -- numerous others got away before I could get a photograph.  What amazing colors and patterns...

Banded Tussock Moth (Halysidota tessellaris)

Green Leuconycta Moth (Leuconycta dipheroides)

Harnessed Tiger Moth (Apantesis phalerata)

Pearly Wood Nymph Moth (Eudryas unio)

Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda)

Three-spotted Fillip Moth (Heterophleps triguttaria)

Virginia Ctenuchid Moth (Ctenucha virginica)

Virginia Ctenuchid Moth

The Virginia Ctenuchid Moth (Ctenucha virginica) is actually a very common moth of the Northeastern United States and Canada.

It is known for their metallic blue-green bodies, bold orange-yellow heads and feathery attennae.

It is the largest and most broad-winged of the Wasp Moths.  The Wasp Moths, by either by appearance or behavior, mimic a dangerous wasp.  In some instances, Wasp Moths are capable of creating an ultrasonic sound that mimics the sound of the wasp.

Such mimicry allows the Wasp Moths to avoid attack by moth eating predators.