Actias luna male, with cocoonase drop visible, courtesy of Greg Bingaman.
Hi All,
Half of all new WLSS membership registration fees received from November 20, 2012, to March 20, 2013, will go out as a donation to Humanitarian Aid to assist the Hurricane Sandy recovery in New Jersey and New York.
If you know of someone who would like a gift membership, the WLSS gift membership, from you to the person of your choice, is $25.00. Christmas is coming. Half of all gift memberships will also be donated to Humanitarian Aid.
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I have received many beautiful Saturniidae and Sphingidae images and hope to have time to work on them over the next several weeks, and then will also work on the extensive photos that Leroy Simon sent me on his new DVDs. They are available from Leroy at $12.00 each, I believe. Contact Leroy Simon directly for ordering information.
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Fantastic Foto!
Actias luna male, with cocoonase drop visible, courtesy of Greg Bingaman.
In this image, it appears the moth is already outdside the cocoon, probably based upon the anterior end of the cocoon being cut away prior to eclosion.
Greg writes, "Every year, I stop and watch these emerge. It never seems to get old. I think the biggest and simplest reason for this is the fact [eclosions signal] that spring is definently upon us. Trees bud, and flowers bloom, but too me spring isn't here until the lunas are. I managed to catch this male on his way out and set up the camera. You can see with incredible detail the result of metamorphis. I must admit to me, a man of science, the process is still a "miracle" of nature. You can easily see the first drop of cocoonase (lower right) developing from the galea on his face. In further photos, the drops collect on the ground.
If you choose to post this photo to WLSS, I hope other members enjoy it as much as I am.
I (Bill Oehlke) would love to see and post similar photos (cocoonase visible) of Antheraea polyphemus or other Saturniidae. So that the cocoonase is visible and not absorbed by the silk, you will probably have to cut away the head end of the cocoon and catch the moth just as it is bursting forth from the pupal shell. Good luck!
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Many thanks to Bob Vuattoux who provides the following image of a mature Archaeoattacus edwardsi larva on evergreen privet.
Archaeoattacus edwardsii fifth instar on evergreen privet,
courtesy of Robert Vuattoux.
Syssphinx molina molpiurica male, Motupe, Lambayeque, Peru,
courtesy of Eric LoPresti, id by Bill Oehlke
Syssphinx molina molpiurica male, Motupe, Lambayeque, Peru,
courtesy of Eric LoPresti, id by Bill Oehlke
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For the first time on WLSS a live female Antheraea cingalesa is displayed.
For the first time on WLSS Asthenidia geometraria and a Cercophana frauenfeldi female are displayed, courtesy of Ryan Saint Laurent.
Asthenidia geometraria, Guyana, June 27, 1927,
Cornell University Collection, courtesy of Ryan Saint Laurent.
Cercophana frauenfeldi female, Santiago Chile,
courtesy of Ryan Saint Laurent, Cornell University Collection.
For the first time on WLSS Oxytenis ferruginea and Asthenidia diffissa fortis are displayed, courtesy of Alex Cahurel.
Oxytenis ferruginea male, 73mm, Kaw, French Guiana,
January 30, 2004, courtesy of Alex Cahurel.
Asthenidia diffissa fortis, 83mm, Regina, French Guiana,
February-March 2006, courtesy of Alex Cahurel.
Robert Zaun has had great success on an unusual host plant, Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), for Actias maenas and Actias dubernardi.
Actias maenas fifth instars on Pseudotsuga menziesii, Douglas Fir, courtesy of Robert Zaun.
Actias dubernardi fifth instars on Pseudotsuga menziesii, Douglas Fir, courtesy of Robert Zaun.
For the first time on WLSS, a male Antheraea rubicunda, Chhukha, Bhutan, is displayed, courtesy of Sonam Dorji. Verso image is on rubicunda file.
Antheraea rubicunda male, Chhukha, southwestern Bhutan,
September 2012, 2000m, courtesy of Sonam Dorji.
Loepa diffundata male, Gedu, Chukha District, Bhutan,
September 2012, 1200m, courtesy of Sonam Dorji.
Actias parasinensis female, Pemagatshel, Bhutan,
700m, October 2012, courtesy of Sonam Dorji; also reported in Thimphu.
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Nudaurelia cytherea, Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa,
April 19, 2001, courtesy of Leoa, id by Bill Oehlke.
For the first time on WLSS a live female Pseudantheraea discrepans is depicted, from DRC.
Pseudantheraea discrepans female, Bomane, Lower Aruwimi, DRC,
May 20, 2010, courtesy of K D Dijkstra.
For the first time on WLSS a live female Imbrasia obscura is depicted, from Senegal.
Imbrasia obscura female, Basse Casamance, Ziguinchor, southwestern Senegal,
July 20, 2011, courtesy of Pieter van Pamel.
Imbrasia obscura fifth instars, on Maesopsis eminii ?? questionable id of plant,
Bas Congo, central western Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The beautiful images in Rudolph E. J. Lampe's book, Saturniidae of the World 2010, allowed me to identify the following:
Gonimbrasia hecate fifth instar, Kaolock, Saalum, Senegal,
October 7, 2004, courtesy of JH, tentative id by Bill Oehlke.
Gonimbrasia occidentalis male, Mar Lodj, Fatick Region, Senegal,
June 28, 2010, courtesy of E. Fenton, id by Bill Oehlke
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I recently posted images of larvae identified by photographer as Imbrasia petiveri. The larvae are very similar to the image of Gonimbrasia (Nudaurelia) dione sent to me by Kirby Wolfe, yet quite different from the image of dione larva sent to me by Robert Lemaitre.
I think there are probably two or three different species in the mix, but I am not sure which is which.
Imbrasia petiveri third instars, on Antidesma membranaceum,
Bas Congo, central western Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Imbrasia petiveri fifth instar, on Melicia excelsa,
Bas Congo, central western Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Imbrasia petiveri fifth instar, on Ricinodendron heudelotii,
Bas Congo, central western Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Nudaurelia dione fifth instar, Kaplimé (Togo), courtesy of Robert Lemaitre.
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I have received images of Cirina forda larvae from Magaliesberg, South Africa and from Bas Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The larva from South Africa has a blackish head, thoracic shield, anal plate and anal shield, and prominent white markings on its back, while the larva from Bas Congo has a reddish head, thoracic shield, anal plate and shield, and the "white" markings on its back are replaced by yellow. I wonder if this is simply individual variation or if there are different subspecies or even species involved:
Cirina forda fifth instar on Burkea africana, Magaliesberg, South Africa.
Cirina forda fifth instar, on Crossopteryx febrifuga,
Bas Congo, central western Democratic Republic of the Congo, April 3, 2012,
Cirina forda fifth instar, Zambia,
courtesy of Alan Marson.
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For the first time on WLSS, Imbrasia obscura larvae are depicted, and a new, local foodplant is listed.
Imbrasia obscura fourth instars, on Albizia ferruginea,
Bas Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Many thanks to Uwe Kauz who sends these beautiful images of Actias sinensis subaurea. It is also first time a foodplant for this species has been reported to me.
Actias sinensis subaurea fifth instar, reared on Liquidambar,
Wushe = Jenai, Nantou County, Taiwan, courtesy of Uwe Kauz.
Actias sinensis subaurea female, reared on Liquidambar,
Wushe = Jenai, Nantou County, Taiwan, courtesy of Uwe Kauz.
Hyperchiria nausioccidentalis male, Ecuador, courtesy of Uwe Kauz,
id and digital repair by Bill Oehlke
Hyperchiria nausioccidentalis fifth instars, Ecuador, courtesy of Uwe Kauz,
id by Bill Oehlke
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Alan Marson has sent images of eggs and most instars of Lobobunaea chrystyi molleti from Ethiopa. This marks the first time Lobobunaea chrystyi molleti larvae have been depicted on WLSS. Alan reared the larvae on Liquidambar, a new foodplant for this species. I hope Alan has success in getting the adults to emerge.
Below is one of the stunning images; see the molleti file for additional pictures.
Lobobunaea christyi molleti fifth instar on Liquidambar, Ethiopia, courtesy of Alan Marson.
Scott Sikes sends this beautiful image of a male Antherina suraka.
Antherina suraka male, courtesy of Scott Sikes.
The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men ....
I have just got around to posting in the hybrid section the many images of hybrid male, larvae, cocoons and pupae of Graellsia isabellae male x Actias sjoeqvisti female, forwarded to me by Robert Lemaitre in September.
Today Robert sent me this beutiful image of the female hybrid, with commentary below.
Female hybrid from Graellsia isabellae male x Actias sjoeqvisti female, photo of Steve Kohll, via Robert Lemaitre.
Now please, can you add image and a brief comment already sent text style:
PS: unexpected natural emergence of a female hybrid without a winter diapause and without hormone injection, two months after the first emergencies of
males (picture by Steve Kohll)!
Robert and the team of hybrid specialists sell livestock. Contact Robert via this email link, Robert Lemaitre, and from his credits page.
Eric, Patrick, Pierre (Belgium friend), Robert Lemaitre, Jean-Pierre, Jean-Claude,
Juvisy, September 2012.
Juvisy Insect Fair
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For the first time on WLSS a live male Schausiella arpi is depicted from Itanhandu, Minas Gerais, Brazil, courtesy of Larry Valentine.
Schausiella arpi male, Itanhandu, Minas Gerais, Brazil,
October 24, 2012, courtesy of Larry Valentine, id by Bill Oehlke.
Schausiella arpi male, Itanhandu, Minas Gerais, Brazil,
October 24, 2012, courtesy of Larry Valentine, id by Bill Oehlke.
Larry also sends this image which I believe is most likely Leucanella memusae gardineri but it could also be Leucanella viridescens ssp. Opinions of otherws would be appreciated.
Leucanella memusae gardineri male (possibly viridescens), Itanhandu, Minas Gerais, Brazil,
August 19, 2012, 925m, courtesy of Larry Valentine.
Pseudautomeris brasiliensis, male, Itanhandu, Minas Gerais, Brazil,
August 20, 2012, courtesy of Larry Valentine.
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Johan van't Bosch confirms Arsenura batesii arcaei, Copiopteryx jehovah, Periphoba augur, Grammopelta lineata, Dirphia docquinae, Paradaemonia terrena in Suriname: Brokopondo District: Brownsberg National Park.
Grammopelta lineata male, Brownsberg National Park, Brokopondo, Suriname,
July 8, 2011, courtesy of Johan van't Bosch, digital repair by Bill Oehlke.
Paradaemonia terrena male, Brownsberg National Park, Brokopondo District, Suriname,
July 8, 2011, courtesy of Johan van't Bosch.
For the first time on WLSS Adelonievaia kawiana is depicted.
Adeloneivaia kawiana male, Brownsberg National Park, Brokopondo, Suriname,
July 8, 2011, courtesy of Johan van't Bosch, id by Frederic Beneluz.
Kirby Wolfe writes, "Our Giant Silkmoths book is finally being delivered from Amazon.com in the U.S. In Europe it has been selling very well and is being translated into German. It is now no.2 of Insect & Spider books for Amazon Canada, and it hasn't even been released there yet. Here's the URL for the U.S.: http://www.amazon.com/The-Giant-Silkmoths-Mimicry-Camouflage/dp/1906506256/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332781819&sr=1-1
"I imagine many of your members would be interested in this book, which is large coffee table format with over 100 color photos of live saturniids, and is very reasonably priced. The reviews in Great Britain, where it has been available since early November, have been filled with superlatives."
I (Bill Oehlke) have read some commentary on the new book, and it has all been very good. Check it out!.
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Sphingidae Express
Ole Breum of Denmark was very kind to send the following images taken by his daughter Agnete:
Proserpinus vega fifth instar, Fort Davis, Jeff Davis County, Texas,
October 16, 2012, courtesy of Agnete and Ole Breum.
Proserpinus vega fifth instar, Fort Davis, Jeff Davis County, Texas,
October 16, 2012, courtesy of Agnete and Ole Breum.
Eric LoPresti sends these beautiful images of what are either a variation of Hyles lineata that I have not seen before, or more likely Hyles annei. Adults of both species were taken in the same area. I will be posting them to the annei file, for a first time appearance!
Hyles annei??, Bosque de Pomac, Lambayeque, Peru,
courtesy of Eric LoPresti.
Hyles annei??, Bosque de Pomac, Lambayeque, Peru,
courtesy of Eric LoPresti.
Catocala Capers
Many Catocala images have been arriving, and I am incorporating them into respective files.
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Please note: I reside in Canada at the following address and payment for Saturniidae livestock (eggs, cocoons, pupae) and/or sleeves must be sent to me only at this address:
Bill Oehlke
Box 476
155 Peardon Road
Montague, Prince Edward Island, C0A 1R0
Canada
Postage from USA to Canada is $0.85 so please use that amount on your envelope with your payment.
If you are in US and order cocoons or pupae from me this fall or winter, you will probably see a New Jersey return address on the shipping box. Do not send payment to the New Jersey address; send it to name and address above please.
This website has been created and is maintained by Bill Oehlke without government or institutional financial assistance. All expenses, ie., text reference support material, webspace rental from Bizland, computer repairs/replacements, backups systems, software for image adjustments (Adobe Photoshop; L-View), ftp software, anti-virus protection, scanner, etc. are my own. The one-time-life-time membership fee that is charged at the time of the registration covers most of those expenses.
I very much appreciate all the many images that have been sent to me, or of which I have been granted permission to copy and post from other websites. All images on this site remain the property of respective photographers.
If you would like to contribute to the maintenace of this website by sending a contribution to
Bill Oehlke
Box 476
155 Peardon Road
Montague, Prince Edward Island, C0A1R0
Canada
your donation would be much appreciated and would be used for
1) paying for webspace rental;
2) paying for computer maintenance and software upgrades;
3) purchases of additional text reference material (journals and books) in an effort to stay current with new species;
4) helping to pay my daughter's tuition.
I also hope to expand the North American Catocala site as well as the Sphingidae of the Americas site, to worldwide sites, and that will require additional funds for reference materials, etc. Both of those site are linked from your WLSS homepage.
If you are mailing a check from USA, please use $0.85 postage. Donations can also be made through Paypal via the button below.
Donations are not required to maintain your standing as a WLSS member, nor do they gain you any preferencial treatment with regard to livestock and/or supplies (sleeves), compared to othe rWLSS members. All WLSS members get first crack at my annual offerings and get an approximate discount of 10% as compared to non-members.
I do usually ask donors if they have any special requests for material on WLSS, and I try to accomodate when appropriate or within my ability to do so.