Tim Dyson: Night Vision Photography

The Noctuidae or owlet moths have eyes that "glow" or reflect light in the dark.

Often with striking colour patterns and wing shapes, these moths make one wonder what they see and why they are patterned so exquisitely.

Certainly they have a keen sense of smell and can detect the sweet smell of fermenting tree sap or ripe fruit. A home-made mix of brown sugar, fruit and maple syrup will lure a great throng of thirsty visitors on a warm summer/fall evening. They imbibe the sweet moisture through a thin red brown proboscis or feeding tube, usually coiled beneath the head.

Getting a great photo is often a lesson in patience as these beauties also have an acute sense of hearing and are quick to flit away at the snap of a dry twig.

Take some quiet trips with Tim along a "sugared trail" in the Peterborough woods. We're looking for Noctuidae and any of their "other fans" along the way.

Enjoy some of nature's wonderments, giant silk moth cocoons. These cocoons are for sale winter and fall. Beautiful Saturniidae moths will emerge the following spring and summer. Read Actias luna rearing article. Additional online help available.

Eggs of many North American species are offered during the spring and summer. Occasionally summer Actias luna and summer Antheraea polyphemus cocoons are available. Shipping to US destinations is done from with in the US.

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This page is brought to you by Bill Oehlke and the WLSS. Pages are on space rented from Bizland. If you would like to become a "Patron of the Sphingidae Site", contact Bill.

Please send sightings/images to Bill. I will do my best to respond to requests for identification help.

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