Sunday, January 30, 2011

Black-lighting (moth edition)

A gorgeous moth that came to the black-light at Yanayacu.

One of the great things about entomology is the variety of ways in which you can hunt down, collect or attract insects. Butterfly nets, aquatic nets, malaise traps, pitfall traps, rotting fruit, heck if you defecate in the forest you'll attract something. One way to get the night fliers is to hang a black-light or a mercury vapor light next to a sheet.

Why are insects, particularly moths, attracted to lights at night? This is still somewhat of a mystery to entomologists. The oft-touted response is that they use moonlight to navigate, and that other nearby light sources disrupt their flight paths and cause them to spiral in. This makes for a nice story, but it needs further testing. Many insects are sensitive to blue and ultraviolet wavelengths, and may have a tough time adjusting their eyes to the darkness once they have landed near a bright light. Once they land on the sheet, they are often docile and easy to collect. Perhaps they think it is daylight, and time to sleep? We set up the black-light almost every night we were at Yanayacu - just for fun.

One of the most interesting behaviors I noticed was the defense response of some saturniid moths. When disturbed they would curl up into a ball! Seems rather counter-intuitive for a moth, when flight appears to be a better escape option. But pay attention to the coloration on the abdomen - black and yellow, classic aposematism (warning colors). Luckily I did not handle them much, because I was later told the warning was for the urticating hairs on their abdomen - could be a pretty bad irritant for humans if touched to a sensitive area like the face. Sneaky moths!

Another fun behavior is when moths try to pretend they're something they're not, or simply want to break up the pattern of their body. This pyralid on the left doesn't exactly scream "I'm a moth!", now, does it? With its upturned abdomen and thin, splayed out wings it looks more like a little broken twig. Certainly, it does not fit the typical search image a predator would have for a moth. It even lays out its antennae along the wings so they do not stand out.

A lot of wonderful moth diversity came to our sheet. Mostly arctiids, saturniids, geometrids
and pyralids, with some sphingids, micros, and other families thrown in. Stay tuned for more moth-y goodness.


80 comments:

buy nickle and dimed essay said...

you must be so bravery - personally I'd never take them on my hand. NEVER!!

sports handicapping services said...

wow the first picture most beautiful colors

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Thank you for this article. That’s all I can say. You most definitely have made this blog into something special. You clearly know what you are doing, you’ve covered so many bases.Thanks!

Unknown said...

Thank you for this article. That’s all I can say. You most definitely have made this blog into something special. You clearly know what you are doing, you’ve covered so many bases.Thanks!water damage repair dallas

Gujjar rehman said...

Thank you for this article. That’s all I can say. You most definitely have made this blog into something special. You clearly know what you are doing, you’ve covered so many bases.Thanks! potenzmittel rezeptfrei

Unknown said...

What a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much. catba resort

water damage dallas said...

It's great that you're posing as the bag looks like a purse :) I have insanely low finissig humor! water damage dallas

Robert Jennifer said...

Thank you for this informative post where else could anyone get that kind of information in such a perfect way of writing and i was looking for more info. rechargeable battery

Pure Safari said...

I have been meaning to write something like this on my website and you have given me an idea. Cheers.ardyss corset Pure Safari

Robert Jennifer said...

This website has very good content. Thank you for the great article I did enjoyed reading it, I will be sure to bookmark your blog and definitely will come back from again.OnSale

Employee Performance Review said...

Thanks you very much for sharing these links. Will definitely check this out.Employee Performance Review

Unknown said...

Es exelente la letra de este himno la primera vez que lo escuche fue hace 6 años cuando estube estudiando en ese pais, la verdad me trae nostalgia, Soy Nicaraguense y Guatemala es mi segunda patria.marketing

Gambar Baju Muslim Anak Perempuan 2015 said...

Attractive component of content. I simply stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to say that I acquire actually enjoyed account your weblog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I success you get admission to consistently fast.

Apple Ibeacon said...

Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It’s so good and so awesome. I am just amazed.Apple Ibeacon I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also.

Unknown said...

The information you have posted is very useful. The sites you have referred was good. Thanks for sharing.biji plastik

China heated battery manufacturer said...

I have a hard time describing my thoughts on content, but I really felt I should here. Your article is really great. I like the way you wrote this information.China heated battery manufacturer

Unknown said...

Do you want to learn meditation online? Light Watkins has been providing meditation course from many year in new york.Get the best meditation audio course online and best personal trainer now.safari holidays

Unknown said...

Nice information, valuable and excellent design,Apple Ibeacon as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration, both of which I need, thanks to offer such a helpful information here.carpet cleaning

Unknown said...

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.eventase

Intermountain Supplements said...

Intermountain Supplements can help your dreams of having your own product come alive. Intermountain Supplements offers a wide variety of custom formulation services including liquids, capsules, sprays, powders, and more.

purv said...

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often. Merry Christmas Wishes
merry christmas messages
merry christmas messages
merry christmas quotes

Unknown said...

Your article provided me great insight of my topic. I am an avid reader who likes engaging content. selling courses

dedicated server said...

Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is great blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.dedicated server

sport DV/camera sport said...

Create this eleemosynary of buddys you attention about precisely what consequently heartbreak-favored along ruminates to most of these draws which are truth produced.sport DV/camera sport

monkey toothbrush holder said...

Anyhow, this recipe isn’t going to solve world hunger or save the environment, but it managed to keep me from wasting another package of fish that was probably a day away from limbo.monkey toothbrush holder

Anonymous said...

Do you want to learn meditation online? Light Watkins has been providing meditation course from many year in new york.Get the best meditation audio course online and best personal trainer now

air terjun luweng sampang
rumah bambu karangasem bali
Kedung Pedut Wisata Kulon Progo
Wisata Grojogan Lepo Imogiri

hip to gable loft conversion said...

Thanks. Reading this portal since the past many years now. Really appreciate the efforts put in by the team to maintain it. hip to gable loft conversion

1064nm High Power Collimated Free-space Beam Output Isolator said...

There usually are always some smaller tournaments in beginning January to get rid of a year, but as long as the people take the places for the first Lavish Slam on the year may the steps really warm.1064nm High Power Collimated Free-space Beam Output Isolator

legal software said...

Thank u for the great idea u have given here. We are looking for an Expert Proofreading at Reasonable Prices. legal software

Unknown said...

Buy Workshop Shelf Trolleys & Service Trolleys Online - Storage Construction made of Super strong polyethylene moulded trolleys. Easy to clean, versatile - will not rust, dent or chip.

Tree Trimming Long Island said...

I laughed out loud, shed some tears … Scrambled Eggs is a theatrical feast for women of all ages and the men who love them!" and CBS’ Magee Hickey “I haven't laughed so hard in years. It's touching, poignant, funny and oh so very real."Tree Trimming Long Island

Tree Trimming Long Island said...

I had heard a lot about Willpower show and searched all over the internet to find an article on it. I accidentally came across this article and I found it to be helpful. Thanks a lot forTree Trimming Long Island

Brazil luxury honeymoons said...

The Commission proposes in particular to the City to help companies in the implementation of a network of electrical terminals.Brazil luxury honeymoons

Kitchen hood filters said...

Preparation as well as organization tend to be chief elements to facilitate an excellent camping journey. You must be sure you are totally prepared prior to going camping.Kitchen hood filters

custom t shirts vancouver said...

I just started following you a couple weeks ago but wanted to say hi. I love your blog. I really enjoy your updates on your training. You truly amaze me! I have been running off and on for the last 4 years but I'm still a beginner. Looking forward to the day my long runs are double digits.custom t shirts vancouver

feather buy said...

I was reading your article and wondered if you had considered creating an ebook on this subject. Your writing would sell it fast. You have a lot of writing talent.feather buy

best exchange rates said...

I discovered your site ideal for me. It consists of wonderful and useful posts. I've read many of them and also got so much from them. In my experience, you do the truly amazing.Truly i'm impressed out of this publish.best exchange rates

custom baby onesies said...

Being a Novice, I will be once and for all checking out on the web regarding posts which can be regarding assist with myself.custom baby onesies

reusable totes bulk said...

You give delicious services thank you so much.reusable totes bulk

bed bugs said...

The first several months of my site there were no comments; just give it time; now they come in like crazy every day! Thanks.bed bugs

penis enlargement spells said...

I am very glad it is now free to everyone. This is a decision that really helps to create more equality for everyone.penis enlargement spells

ships to beach resorts transfers said...

Easily, the article is actually the best topic on this registry related issue. I fit in with your conclusions and will eagerly look forward to your next updates. Just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantasti c lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates.ships to beach resorts transfers

executive airport car service ct said...

Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking.executive airport car service ct

huawei mate 9 singapore said...

Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.huawei mate 9 singapore

making money online said...

Even the prettiest websites online aren’t the most successful ones. It takes more than a pretty site with bells and whistles to make a website successful. That is where Syracuse Web Pages comes in, located in Syracuse NY we can offer you a great looking site but one that is easy to use and easy to navigate.making money online

personalised printed t shirts said...

Your child has difficulty feeding? quiet, starting from now you as a parent do not have to worry with such circumstances.personalised printed t shirts

Unknown said...


Have Lovely and Beautiful Salwar Suit And Many More…
We Have Some For You In Your Budget For more…
Plz visit:- Designer Suit

office space software said...

Pretty nice post I simply stumbled upon your website and wished to mention that I've actually enjoyed browsing your website posts.office space software

custom t shirts canada said...

I discovered your site ideal for me. It consists of wonderful and useful posts. I've read many of them and also got so much from them. In my experience, you do the truly amazing.Truly i'm impressed out of this publish.custom t shirts canada

bookcover said...

Very useful post. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. Really its great article.bookcover

bookcover said...

I thought it was going to be some boring old post, but it really compensated for my time. I will post a link to this page on my blog.bookcover

Helvetic Clinics, dentist in Hungary said...

My husband besides i simplicity censure seeing this position peak-blank usual.Helvetic Clinics, dentist in Hungary

Anonymous said...

Designer Sarees is perhaps the desire of every single girl in this world to look amazing on her wedding day.
It is certainly important that the bride must be the star of the show.The most beautiful woman at the wedding venue.
In India,Designer Sarees are the most obvious choice for the Young Ladies.There are many Designer Sarees in our site...
For more...
Plz visit:- Sarees

An adorable personality partnered with a perfect choice for designer Sarees unbeatable.
Even before the blossom of modernization in Indian culture, kurta, sarees, and shalwar kameez had been part of India's unique civilization.
In India,Designer Sarees are the most obvious choice for the Young Ladies.There are many Designer Sarees in our site...
For more...
Plz visit:- Sarees

Anonymous said...

You can buy from our large and diverse collection of salwar kameez, party wear suits, Bollywood collection, cotton Kurtis, Anarkali suits, Bollywood saree and many other products.....
We Have Some For You In Your Budget For more…
Plz visit:- Lehenga Choli

Unknown said...

Really great article, I love it! During my college studying I was doing lots of researches relatively this topic. I can even boast that once my college research paper won the first place on the research paper contest. I'm 100% sure that it happened just becasue this topic was specifically interesting for me so that I managed to reach a good result.

Robert Jennifer said...

I haven't any word to value this post.....Really i am awed from this post....the individual who make this post it was an awesome human..thanks for imparted this to us.vintage clothing shops london

Robert Jennifer said...

This strict literacy authority programme is donning a interactive course manufactured intended for college or university staff members who wish to strengthen scholar knowledge all-around faith in addition to notion.vintage clothing shops london

senior move manager maryland said...

Good afternoon and welcome to rest hopefully tomorrow can provide information again, thank you admin?

Best economical Dymo Labels said...

I do think by which best wishes towards the valuabe facts and also data you’ve got and so delivered the following.nola black

Legal Herbal Online said...

Good blog post. I want to thank you for interesting and helpful information and I like your point of view. Thank you!Commercial Cotton Candy Machines

Ciana Langham said...

Well done! This blog gives useful information and very interesting for reading. If you want to broaden your horizons about writing you can find all necessary information on the EssaysProfessors.com.

tayyab ali said...

I am very happy to be here because this is a very good site that provides lots of information about the topics covered in depth. Im glad to see that people are actually writing about this issue in such a smart way, showing us all different sides to it. Please keep it up. I cant wait to read whats next.Resin Driveways

tayyab ali said...

Thanks for such a great post and the review, I am totally impressed! Keep stuff like this coming vintage clothes

Unknown said...

I like your post, you have done really good work and this is what i need. Thanks for your post I will come back again for reading your next update.real estate peterborough

Unknown said...

Your blog is really an inspiration to many. I'll be looking forward for more of your posts.sooke real estate

Robert Jennifer said...

Keep in touch,best wish for you.alberghi viareggio 2 stelle

tayyab ali said...

Thank you so much for the post you do. I like your post and all you share with us is up to date and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job.Günstiger Schlüsseldienst

Legal Herbal Online said...

The web booking functionality really is useful and easy to use - I can save all my favourites and next time I can rebook quick as a flash.Toronto staffing agency

Robert Jennifer said...

I’d ought to speak to the following. That’s not merely one factor I do ! I really like reading through via a publish which can make folks think. Also, appreciate enabling me to look at!Resin Bound

tayyab ali said...

I recently discovered your blog and still have high hope for this to carry on. Keep up the good perform, their nearly impossible to find beneficial ones. We have added to our faves. As well as the concept of Many thanks. location de voiture agadir

Best economical Dymo Labels said...

Thank you for an additional great post. Exactly where else could anybody get that kind of facts in this kind of a ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m around the appear for this kind of data peoria riverfront events

Best economical Dymo Labels said...

Umm I have never seen such post on the internet that discuss about the mysteries and natural events that are associated with religious events. Thanks for your sharing as it has helped me to understand the subject better. I appreciate your good work. Keep sharing.rhinoplasty orange county

tayyab ali said...

Nice!! Great Ifo. Great People. Great Blog. Thank you for all the great sharing that is being done here.El Cangrejo

tayyab ali said...

Mortgages in portugal with ideal mortgages portugal the easy way to find a mortgage and finance in the Algarve.Roadside assistance, towing services in Fall River

William said...

I agree the ideas to read in 2019 your blog is very informative My respects For create the of the best words in your article

SHEN TONG said...

Shen Tong is an Angel Investor and has invested in plenty of start-ups related to the food industry. Shen Tong is an entrepreneur and is extensively involved in the media industry and software industry. Shen Tong is the founder and president of VFinity and is also in the board of directors of Food Tank. VFinity essentially is responsible for making web applications for multimedia and multilingual search, software tools, media production, archiving, and media distribution. Shen Tong is widely acknowledged because of the speech he made on the promotion of context media and suppression of the National Association of Broadcasters in Las Vegas. Apart from being a sequential entrepreneur, Shen Tong is a writer/poet, social activist, a film buff and a foodie. Shen Tong holds an honorary Ph.D. degree from St Ambrose University. It was in the year 2000 when Shen Tong moved to the city of New York and founded business accelerators: FoodFutureCo in the year 2015 and Food-X in the year 2014.Shen Tong co-chaired a committee designed to form a dialogue concerning the Chinese pro-democracy movement.Shen Tong organised the democracy movement in 1989 that occupied Tiananmen Square while he was at Beijing University.

shén tóng said...

shén tóng
remarkable ability
magical power
shén tóng
Zhu Yu Pian StasisClear Removes Blood Stasis This Works,
shén tóng
Removes Blood Stasis
shén tóng

Anonymous said...


New Jersey SEO company providing you with the best digital marketing services all over the US. The SEO company New Jerseycovers all aspects of digital marketing terms to boost your ranking on the search engine platforms. Seo company new jersey also provides you all social media services
for the promotion and growth of your business on a social media platform like Instagram SEO .New Jersey Seo company also provides you with the service of web designing, mobile application development, and application development.

Clipping Path said...


Simply wish to say the frankness in your article is surprising.Thanks for sharing.