August 16 to September 15

Hi All,

I hope to have cocoon price list posted in October newsletter some time in late September or early October. If you have good sized, healthy overwinter stock that you would like to sell in bulk at wholesale prices, please send an email to Bill Oehlke.

As of August 17 I have harvested about 200 luna cocoons with more luna still feeding. I also have polyphemus, cecropia and columbia still feeding. Most of the Rosy Maples (Dryocampa rubicunda) have pupated as have the Pachysphinx modesta.

Yesterday, August 17, I moved about 200 polyphemus larvae, and will be checking the cecropia and columbia today, August 18.

As of August 21 about fifty cecropia have spun cocoons.

I am slowly getting caught up with postings to WLSS and hope to get quite a bit more done today before heading to the woods.

I have very small numbers of larvae still feeding (August 31): some polyphemus and cecropia, and they will hopefully all be in cocoons by end of first week in September.

Unfortunately all the Antheraea polyphemus I had feeding on red maple and red oak succumbed to disease. I have used those two hosts with great success in the past. The polyphemus larvae I was rearing on white paper birch, in the same area, did not have any problems.

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Larry Valentine has sent the first report that I have seen of Automerella flexuosa from Itanhandu in southeastern Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. The underside (first time view on WLSS) is quite unusual.

Automeris flexuosa female, Itanhandu, Minas Gerais, Brazil,
September 4, 2012, courtesy of Larry Valentine.

Automeris flexuosa female (verso), Itanhandu, Minas Gerais, Brazil,
September 4, 2012, courtesy of Larry Valentine.

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Victor Sinyaev has just sent a series of beautiful images. Included among them are a male Antheraea rosieri from Sabah, Borneo; Molippa sinyaevorum HT male and AT female, Sierra Siberia, Cochabamba, Bolivia, 2850m, (first time depicted on WLSS); Pseudodirphia svetlanae HT male and AT female, La Paz, Bolivia, (first time depicted on WLSS); Rachesa sinjaevorum HT male and AT female, Bolivia: Cochabamba, (first time depicted on WLSS); Rachesa viksinjaevi HT male, Peru: Junin, (first time depicted on WLSS); Meroleuca viksinayevi (spelling in publication) male from Huanuco, Peru; Automeris viksinjaevi HT male, Ancash, Peru, (first time depicted on WLSS); Eubergia sinjaevorum HT male from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, (first time depicted on WLSS); Hirpida sinjaevorum HT male from Cochabamba, Bolivia, (first time depicted on WLSS); Lonomia sinjaevorum HT male and AT female, Bolivia: Nor Yungas, (first time depicted on WLSS); Lonomia viksinyaevi HT male, Bolivia: Cochabamba, (first time depicted on WLSS).

Victor also sends this beautiful image of a hybrid male of Graellsia isabellae x Actias uljanae

G. isabellae x A. uljanae, courtesy of Robert Lemaitre.

Alan Marson has just sent this beautiful image of what I believe is Pseudobunaea illustris from Ghana. I will ask Thierry Bouyer for assistance before posting all the images Alan has sent (eggs, all instars and adult moth).

Pseudobunaea illustris (group) fifth instar, Ghana,
courtesy of Alan Marson.

Alan had limited success using Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree). Alan has sent images of eggs, all instars and emergent male, all now posted to Pseudobunaea illustris file. Many thanks to Alan for the images, and to Thierry for identification.

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Victor Sinyaev has just sent this beautiful image of Cerodirphia wellingi roseissima.

Cerodirphia wellingi roseissima, Ecuador, courtesy of Victor Sinyaev.

Katelyn Mayo had pairings this spring summer of Citheronia regalis x Citheronia splendens splendens. There are additional photos of pairings, larvae, male in the Hybrid Index on th eopening page in Specialty Area.

Citheronia regalis x Citheronia splendens splendens fifth instar on sweetgum,
courtesy of Katelyn Mayo.

Hybrid Citheronia regalis x Citheronia splendens splendens female,
courtesy of Katelyn Mayo.

Have a close look at what is believe to be the gynandromorph hybrid larva. Note the differences in colouration in the left (brownish) and right sides (greenish), and also note the differences in the dorsal, abdominal scoli: left side: orange with black tips; right side: black with orange ring at base. Additional images of larva and pupa are in the hybrid section. Hopefully Katelyn will get images of the moth spring/summer of 2013.

Gynandromorph larva of Citheronia regalis x Citheronia s. splendens.

On August 22, 2012, Denise Switzer sent me the Eacles imperialis pini larval image to the right. The larva was spotted in Forestport, Oneida County, New York, August 19, 2012. This is a first report of pini so far south in New York. I suspect that previous reports of Eacles imperialis imperialis in nearby and slightly more northern and northwesterly counties of Lewis and Jefferson are actually of subspecies pini. Note lateral scoli, absent in nominate imperialis.

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Ian Mascall has forwarded beautiful images of a third instar Eacles imperialis imperialis larva, from a "didyma" form female. Images were taken by Ben Horton.

Eacles imperialis imperialis third instar, courtesy of non-member Ben Horton,
via Ian Mascall, from didyma form female.

Eacles imperialis imperialis third instar, courtesy of non-member Ben Horton,
via Ian Mascall, from didyma form female.

For the first time on WLSS live specimens of Cricula agria are depicted, courtesy of Mike Jordan.

Cricula agria male, India: Tamil Nadu, Eastern Ghats, Yercaud Hills,
1300m, courtesy of Mike Jordan.

Cricula agria female (brown form), India: Tamil Nadu, Eastern Ghats, Yercaud Hills,
1300m, courtesy of Mike Jordan.

Cricula agria female (pink form), India: Tamil Nadu, Eastern Ghats, Yercaud Hills,
1300m, courtesy of Mike Jordan.

Reinhard Foerster sends this image from his summer rearings in Misiones Argentina. I believe Reinhard will be sending some larval images shortly.

Dysdaemonia brasiliensis male, Misiones, Argentina,
courtesy of Reinhard Foerster.

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Alex Baranowski has had a busy summer and sends the following image of a fourth instar Samia cynthia:

Samia cynthia, fourth instar, courtesy of Alex Baranowski.

Larry Valentine continues to send great images and data from Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Hylesia scortina male, Itanhandu, Minas Gerais, Brazil,
August 17, 2012, courtesy of Larry Valentine.

Dave Rolfe has informed me that images he previously sent of an undetermined Attacus species now serve as paratypes of the recently described Attacus selayarensis Naumann & Peigler, 2012, from Selayar Island, South of Sulawesi. The images are on display in the recently created Attacus selayarensis files, linked on the Attacus page.

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Non-member Robert Biro sends the following image from Chatham County, Georgia. As far as I know this species had not been previously documented for Chatham County, although it certainly would have been expected there.

Citheronia sepulcralis fifth instar, Whitemarsh Island, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia,
feeding on southern pine, September 15, 2011, courtesy of non-member Robert Biro.

Jonathan Calabrese has reared promethea females that are pairing in upstate New York (August 17) with wild fly in males. The wild males (several) are a real surprise as Jonathan indicates there is not sufficient time for another brood. Eggs are available.

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Alex Baranowski writes, July 21, 2012, "I have some pretty exciting news for you. I went to Maine and on Tuesday. I was in Ogunquit and saw an adult male Actias luna. He was resting at a kayaking place and was a huge male. I don't know if they are double brooded in Maine or if he accidentally emerged early or something, but I thought I'd let you know."

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Hello,

It's time once again to plan the next Montreal Insect Show. The show will be held later this year on October 27th, because of the problems with the students. We wish that you promote this event on your web site, in your regular publications, and that you will advertise it directly to your clients or entomologist friends.

Please answer me before the 15th of July and tell me if you want to be an exhibitor at the show, and the number of tables that you will need. Due to the limited space of this room, prompt payment is strongly suggested.

Thanks for spreading the news throughout your contacts.

Yves-Pascal

Montreal Insect Show
October 27th 2012, from 9am to 5pm
Collège Maisonneuve, 3800 Sherbrooke E., Montreal

Exhibitors:
- The cost to rent an 6 foot table is 100$ CAN.
- Canadian exhibitors must add the correct taxes (Québec : $113,93, rest of Canada : 105$).
- Reservations will be taken only with full payment.
- Exhibitors must be arrived Saturday morning before 8:00.

General informations and conditions for the Montreal Insect Show
1) All exhibitors must use the access door on Nicolet street. Trolleys will be available at the P2 parking entrance.
2) All exhibitors are expected to prepare their stand on Saturday the 27th, starting from 7 am to 9 am. All booths will already be assigned, with all basic equipment (tables, chairs, wall). Please use your space responsibly, and respect your neighbours. All changes must go through Yves-Pascal Dion. No additional tables are permitted.
3) We suggest that you bring your own exhibition table cloth.
4) Reservation will be official only when full payment is received. Cost stands until August 15th 2012. After that, the cost will increase by 25$ for each table. Payment can be made by credit card, cheque money order or with PayPal to ypdion@entomopro.com
5) You are responsible for setting and packing your material. You are responsible for your space. Please never let your booth unattended. We will not be responsible for any damage or stolen material at your booth. Doors will be locked and the hall guarded while the show is closed. In order to respect visitors, please don't begin packing your stuff before the end of the show.

2012 MONTREAL INSECT SHOW
Person in charge of the exhibit:
Telephone (s):
E-mail:
Name of the exhibit:
Name of all the participants at the exhibit:
Number of tables required:
Total cost (please add the taxes):

Send your inscription by e-mail if you wish to pay with your credit card or use PayPal: payment to ypdion@entomopro.com
Payment by check or money order may be sent with the necessary informations to

Insectes Mondiaux
C.P. 1018
Lac-Beauport, QC
G3B 2J8 CANADA

E-mail: ypdion@entomopro.com
WEB: http://www.entomopro.com

Sincerely,
Yves-Pascal Dion

Salon des Insectes de Montréal
27 octobre 2012, de 9h à 17h
Collège Maisonneuve, 3800 rue Sherbrooke Est, Montréal

Exposants:
- Location au coût de $100 CAN, donc $113,93 avec les taxes, pour chaque table de 6 pieds.
- La réservation ne sera officielle que lorsque nous aurons reçu le paiement complet.
- Vous devez être arrivé au plus tard à 8h le samedi matin, et être prêt pour 9h, à l'ouverture des portes.

Informations générales et conditions d'admission pour le Salon des Insectes de Montréal
1) La porte d'accès des exposants se prend sur la rue Nicolet. Des chariots seront à votre disposition à l'entrée du stationnement P2.
2) Le montage des kiosques se fera le le samedi matin de 7h à 9h. Les organisateurs du Salon des Insectes sont les seuls à pouvoir vous assigner l'endroit de votre kiosque. Respectez l'endroit qui vous est assigné. Toute modification devra être approuvée par les organisateurs. AUCUNE TABLE PERSONNELLE NE DOIT ÊTRE AJOUTÉE. Tous les exposants doivent être présents et leur kiosque le samedi matin à 8h.
3) Nous vous suggérons d'apporter des nappes d'exposition pour recouvrir vos tables.
4) Votre réservation ne sera officielle que lorsque nous aurons reçu le paiement complet. Les coûts s'appliquent jusqu'au 15 août 2012. Après cette date, les coûts seront majorés d'un montant de 25$ par table. Vous pouvez payer par carte de crédit, par chèque ou par PayPal à ypdion@entomopro.com
5) Vous êtes responsable du montage et du démontage de votre kiosque. Les organisateurs ne pourront être tenus responsables des bris ou des vols à votre kiosque. La salle sera barrée et sous surveillance à la fermeture les vendredi et samedi soir. Par respect pour les visiteurs, veuillez ne pas débuter le démantèlement de votre kiosque avant la fermeture.

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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

I Have been receiving many images for id work and updates to the various checklists that I maintain. This year I am only rearing Pachysphinx modesta, and I now have about twenty pupae of that species.

Dolba hyloeus on Yaupon, Wake County, North Carolina,
August 17, 2012, courtesy of Annie Runyon.

Annie Runyon sends the image of a Dolba hyloeus caterpillar devouring the Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) foliage in her yard in Wake County, North Carolina, August 17, 2012.

Annie writes, "On August 17, 2012, I photographed (not very well, sorry) this caterpillar eating yaupon leaves in my yard in Wake County, NC. (Yaupon is plant from yard on Ocracoke Island, Hyde County, NC. I am growing it here for tea.)

"Ed Corey suggests it is a Dolba hyloeus and so I ended up reading about them on your fine website. I noticed no one has reported them eating yaupon, so I thought you might be interested. Unfortunately, all that remains of the cat today is black blood on leaves below where it rested overnight. But now that I have seen one, I’ll look for more ... and in my pawpaws as well."

I reply: "Hi Annie,

"Ilex vomitoria is a close relative to many of the other Ilex species known as hosts, so it is not such a big surprise. Yes, it is Dolba hyloeus, and I would like to post an image, credited to you, to a Wake County thumbnail checklist page I will create?"

Dolba hyloeus file has now been updated to reflect new host.

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For the first time a live Xylophanes marginalis is depicted on Sphingidae of the Americas website, courtesy of Larry Valentine.

Larry sends recto and verso images, posted to marginalis file.

Xylophanes marginalis, Itanhandu, Minas Gerais. Brazil,
September 9, 2012, courtesy of Larry Valentine.

Many thanks to Bradley Risk who sends this stunning image of a beautiful Eumorpha typhon larva.

Eumorpha typhon fifth instar, Canelo, Santa Cruz County, Arizona,
August 27, 2012, courtesy of Bradley Risk.

Manduca sexta has now been confirmed in Roseville, (central) Placer County, California, just slightly northeast of range indicated by James P. Tuttle.

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Catocala Capers

Many Catocala images have been arriving, and I am incorporating them into respective files.

Catocala habilis, Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue, Sarpy County, Nebraska,
August 10, 2012, courtesy of Loren J. Padelford.

Cindy Mead sends this especially beautiful image of Catocala antinympha.

Catocala antinympha, Ogemaw County, Michigan,
July 24, 2012, Cindy Mead.

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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.