The Sinister Scribe

It seems our fuzzy bunny moth is actually a Black-waved [Crinkled] Flannel Moth — Lagoa crispata. Click here to see the caterpillar form.

While the moth is cute the caterpillar is definitely Mr Hyde! If you go here at BugGuide.net, scroll down and read about one woman’s ride to the ER after accidentally brushing against one. A bit unnerving, no?

This is yet another reason why I want to identify the flora and fauna of our backyard! I don’t want to put all critters on the “hands off” list… just those that should be there. But man do I wanna add “fuzzy/spiny” caterpillars to that list! The one exception I know of right now is the caterpillar of the Giant Leopard Moth seen here.

I haven’t been able to figure out what type of moth this is, but doesn’t he look kinda like a fuzzy bunny? LOL! That is Jessie’s finger he is on. He is quite small.

Here is a side view. He looks EVEN more like a bunny with moth wings… ok and a few extra legs.

Jessie’s other moth finds today included what I think are a Beautiful Wood Nymph and a Maple Zale. We have some amazing little critters around here!

… checking the back of the garage for beauties like this Great Leopard Moth (Hypercompe scribonia). Err… at least that is what I think it is. Click on the link to see it bigger and go to the album where you can see more of the beauties we found this morning.

Here is a picture of Jessie’s latest bug find. I believe they are American Lady caterpillars (Vanessa virginiensis) and are feeding on what looks to me like Atennaria plantaginifolia. We’re going to try to keep them until they ecclose. I have no idea what instar they are in. Here are some more pictures of the larva and adult form. They are related to the Painted Lady butterflies, which are the most common butterflies from what I just read.

Isn’t he gorgous! It is definitely a he. I love all the different colors. This website has more information on them. They don’t however have any records on file for Boone County. I think I will try to send them a copy of this picture.

Jessie is the one who found him on the back side of the garage, clinging to the siding. She was (and still is) very proud of her find.