Last night a Luna Moth was flying, the first I've seen in two years. To quote my field guide "One of the most spectacular moths … common throughout our area." Lunas are still spectacular, but no longer common. I was glad to see one.
Today, Wild Radishes brown veined, pale yellow flowers dotted disturbed areas.
The tips of Sweet Fern branches were covered with burr-like fruit. Each burr contains one small shiny nutlet.
And a Fritillary posed nicely for the camera. Unfortunately the best identifying marks for these big showy butterflies are on the underside of their wings. If forced to guess, I would say that this was the one quite charmingly named Aphrodite … but … there are several other equally strong contenders.
And finally, a few close ups of the Luna Moth's wing spots - two of which aren't visible when the moth is at rest.
John
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| Luna Moth |
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| Wild Radish |
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| Sweet Fern tips |
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| Fritillary butterfly |
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| Luna Moth eyespot close up (underwing) |
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| Luna moth eyespot close up (upper wing) |
Going by the little dot at the top of the forewing cell nearest the body, I would agree that the fritillary is an Aphrodite. Love all the Dummerston sightings posts. Thanks!!
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