Species: Scoparia biplagialis

Species: Scopula inductata

Species: Scopula limboundata

Hodges: 7159

Flight Period: June - Early September

Wing Span: 20-31mm

Peterson: 201

Hosts: Apple, bedstraw, blueberry, meadow beauty, dandelion

Field Notes: A species with a wide range of forms (dimorphism). We suggest you look at many images from within the group before logging this one into your database. The last week in June and the first few weeks in July can be an explosive time for the large lace-borer moths. On July 10th we tallied 23 individuals scattered around our survey lamp by 10:30 pm. This moth can stick around right through into September. Always be aware of it, as one of its many iterations can pop-up late in the season to throw you a curve ball. The genus Scopula worldwide is huge - the latest count is 800 species. Here's a little nature tidbit from the Moth's and Caterpillars of the North Woods, 2009, Sogaard, "Asian Scopula species visit vertebrate eyes, feeding on tears and mucous, perhaps for sodium or protein. At least 30 species of eye-frequenting moths are suspects in transmission of diseases that affect humans and others that affect livestock.". Remind me to wear safety glasses the next time fire-up the survey lamp!

Species: Simyra insularis

Hodges: 9280

Flight Period: April - Mid September

Length: 20-22mm

Peterson: 405

Hosts: Cattail, grasses, sedges, smartweed, popular, willow

Field Notes: This species is also known as the "Marsh Dagger". Noting the larval host plants above its no wonder why this moth is found in Troy Meadows. Look for it anywhere the habitat exhibits an interface between marsh and field. These ecotones are abundant at Troy Meadows so it is likely that this Marsh Dagger is as well. The wood grain appearance of this species is diagnostic. This species caterpillar are often parasitized by braconid wasps

Species: Sitochroa palealis

Species: Smerinthus jamaicensis

Species: Spargaloma sexpunctata

Species: Sparganothis distincta

Species: Sparganothis sulfureana

Hodges: 3695

Flight Period: June - Octobe

Length: 10mm

Peterson: 103

Hosts: Generalist of Trees and Plants - Pine, cranberry, corn, willow, clover, apple

Field Notes: X Marks the spot with this 10mm micro moth. The larvae will typically roll the leaf on to itself for protection. These moths can at times cause problems for the agricultural industry - just one more insect used as an excuse to douse our fruits and vegetables with pesticides. This moth can be abundant during its peak emergence period - Late July in Troy Meadows.