Sightings – Insects and Spiders
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/5/11
Observation Time: 7:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Common Spring Moth
Scientific Name: Heliomata cycladata
Comments: There are over 10,000 species of moths in North America. Identifying them can be a challenge, but there are some good online resources such as the BugGuide where you can get expert assistance for free.
More Information: BugGuide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/26/10
Observation Time: 5:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Crane Fly
Scientific Name: various
Comments: These insects look scary but they don’t bite.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 10/1/13
Observation Time: 3:40 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Cross Orbweaver spider
Scientific Name: Araneus diadematus
Comments: Native to Europe, but common in North America. Its name comes from the sign of the cross on its abdomen.
More Information: GeoChemBio
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 10/5/12
Observation Time: 3:45 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Cross Orbweaver spider
Scientific Name: Araneus diadematus
Comments: This common spider made a web right outside our garage door.
More Information: Focusing on Wildlife
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 5/21/23
Observation Time: 3:05 p.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Cuckoo Bee
Scientific Name: Nomada maculata
Comments: Cuckoo bees lay their eggs in the colonies of other species of bees so they do not have to raise their own young, much as cuckoo birds lay their eggs in the nests of other birds.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/2/14
Observation Time: 7:45 a.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Rd.
Common Name: Curve-toothed geometer moth
Scientific Name: Eutrapela clemataria
Comments: This big moth was perched on my windowsill.
More Information: NatureSearch
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/23/10
Observation Time: 6:53 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Definite Tussock Moth
Scientific Name: Orgyia definita
Comments: This big moth got into the house.
More Information: Bug Guide
Observer: Vin Zollo
Observation Date: 6/15/13
Observation Time: 4:13 p.m.
Observation Location: Power line cut along Moose Hill St.
Common Name: Delta-spotted Spiketail dragonfly
Scientific Name: Cordulegaster diastatops
Comments: This one is teneral (wings are shiny), meaning that it recently emerged into adult form. This dragonfly gets its name from the delta-shaped (i.e.triangular) marks along its abdomen.
More Information: iNaturalist.org
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 6/12/22
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Dimorphic Jumping Spider
Scientific Name: Maevia inclemens
Comments: Identified by Seek iOS app.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/12/10
Observation Time: 8:25 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Dogbane Leaf beetle
Scientific Name: Chrysochus auratus
Comments: The dogbane leaf beetle has a special type of color that shines and changes as the insect changes position or we change position looking at it. This changing color is called iridescence. The beetles’ iridescence is produced by special body structures and light. The surfaces of the body parts of this beetle are made up of stacks of tiny, slanting plates, under which is a pigment (substance that produces color). Some light rays reflect from the surface of the plates, and other light rays reflect from the pigment underneath. At different angles, the light reflects at different speeds, causing interference and resulting in our seeing different colors.
More Information: insectidentification.org
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 5/31/20
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Dot-tailed Whiteface dragonfly (female)
Scientific Name: Leucorrhinia intacta
Comments: The Dot-tailed Whiteface dragonfly (Leucorrhina intacta) is a member of the Skimmer family, Libellulidae. There are over a thousand species in this brightly-colored family gracing the skies worldwide. A tenth of those are native to North America, making Skimmers the largest American dragonfly family.
More Information: Greg Lasley Nature Photography and U. of Milwaukee
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/7/10
Observation Time: 9:05 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Dot-tailed Whiteface dragonfly (male)
Scientific Name: Leucorrhinia intacta
Comments: This dragonfly is also among the dragonfly species commonly seen at Leach Pond in Borderland State Park.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/13/13
Observation Time: 12:05 p.m.
Observation Location: Soccer parking area by Gavins Pond
Common Name: Dronefly
Scientific Name: Eristalis tenax
Comments: This fly looks like a drone honeybee—hence the name.
More Information: TrekNature
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 7/16/11
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Dun Skipper
Scientific Name: Euphyes vestris
More Information: Wisconsin Butterflies
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/9/11
Observation Time: 3:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Dusted Skipper Butterfly
Scientific Name: Atrytonopsis hianna
More Information: BugGuide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/9/20
Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.
Observation Location: meadow near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Dusted Skipper Butterfly
Scientific Name: Atrytonopsis hianna
Comments: Note the proboscis extended to gather nectar. Also note the finely banded antennae.
More Information: Wisconsin Butterflies
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 6/2/22
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Early Tachinid Fly
Scientific Name: Epalpus signifer
Comments: This specimen was identified with the Seek iOS app.
More Information: Wikipedia and Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/17/11
Observation Time: 12:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Eastern Amberwing dragonfly (female)
Scientific Name: Perithemis tenera
Comments: The wings of the male are entirely amber, whereas the wings of the female are clear with amber blotches.
More Information: Project Noah
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/15/13
Observation Time: 3:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area
Common Name: Eastern Amberwing dragonfly (male)
Scientific Name: Perithemis tenera
Comments: This red-winged dragonfly is smaller than most other dragonflies.
More Information: Odonata Central
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/17/10
Observation Time: 9:40 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Eastern Amberwing dragonfly (male)
Scientific Name: Perithemis tenera
Comments: The wings of the male are entirely amber, whereas the wings of the female are clear with amber blotches.
More Information: Odonata Central
Observer: Faith Berkland
Observation Date: 10/8/17
Observation Time: 5:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Transmission line path between Bird Road, Mansfield Street and Willow Street in Foxboro
Common Name: Eastern Buck Moth
Scientific Name: Hemileuca maia
Comments: This large moth (about 1 inch long by 1 1/2 inches wide) was flying toward me. Wide head, white & fuzzy. Above low-lying shrubbery, it quickly disappeared when it saw me. I didn’t see any orange or red markings, just black & white. The photo at this link shows what a buck moth looks like:
https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/sites/default/files/bamona_images/img_1703_3.jpg
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/6/11
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Eastern Forktail Damselfly
Scientific Name: Ischnura verticalis
More Information: Nature Inquiries
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/20/20
Observation Time: 5:10 p.m.
Observation Location: under high tension wires across the street from Ward’s Berry Farm
Common Name: Eastern Pine Elfin
Scientific Name: Callophrys niphon
Comments: Males perch on tops of pine trees in the sun to find receptive females. Eggs are laid singly on new needles of young trees; caterpillars feed on the needles. Chrysalids hibernate and adults emerge in the spring.
More Information: Butterflies of Massachusetts
Observer: Vin Zollo
Observation Date: 5/4/13
Observation Time: 3:35 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (Trustees of Reservations)
Common Name: Eastern Pine Elfin
Scientific Name: Callophrys niphon
More Information: Butterflies of Massachusetts
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/7/14
Observation Time: 4:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area (along the dirt road from the soccer fields to the dam)
Common Name: Eastern Pine Elfin
Scientific Name: Callophrys niphon
Comments: Males perch on tops of pine trees in the sun to find receptive females. Eggs are laid singly on new needles of young trees; caterpillars feed on the needles. Chrysalids hibernate and adults emerge in the spring.
More Information: Butterflies of Massachusetts
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/19/20
Observation Time: 11:10 a.m.
Observation Location: field near Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Eastern Tailed Blue butterfly
Scientific Name: Cupido comyntas
Comments: Like many small butterflies, the Eastern tailed blue is a stunning sight when viewed up close. The upper sides of the wings are blue. They appear in spring. The orange spots and “tails” on the trailing edge of their lower wings differentiate them from spring azures.
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 5/21/23
Observation Time: 2:30 p.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Eastern Tailed Blue butterfly
Scientific Name: Cupido comyntas
Comments: Like many small butterflies, the Eastern tailed blue is a stunning sight when viewed up close. The upper sides of the wings are blue. They appear in spring. The orange spots and “tails” on the trailing edge of their lower wings differentiate them from spring azures.
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/27/11
Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.
Observation Location: field near Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Eastern Tailed Blue butterfly
Scientific Name: Everes comyntas
Comments: Eastern tailed blues are very small butterflies. They have tails and an eye spot on each wing that vaguely resemble antennae and eyes to fool predators.
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/11/14
Observation Time: 6:15 p.m.
Observation Location: field near Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly
Scientific Name: Cupido comyntas
Comments: Like many small butterflies, the Eastern tailed blue is a stunning sight when viewed up close. The upper sides of the wings are blue. They appear in spring.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/19/12
Observation Time: 5:30 p.m.
Observation Location: Field near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly
Scientific Name: Cupido comyntas
Comments: This individual lacks the orange spots usually seen at the base of the “tails” extending rearward from the hind wings.
More Information: Butterflies and Moths
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/13/12
Observation Time: 10:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Soccer parking area by Gavins Pond
Common Name: Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly
Scientific Name: Everes comyntas
More Information: Northwest Ohio Nature
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/9/12
Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Sandy Ridge Circle
Common Name: Eastern Tailed-Blue butterfly
Scientific Name: Everes comyntas
Comments: This beautiful little butterfly can be found in open fields from May to October. When it spreads its wings, the blue upper sides show how this butterfly gets its name.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/31/14
Observation Time: 3:44 p.m.
Observation Location: Field near Gavins Pond dam
Common Name: Eastern tent caterpillar
Scientific Name: Malacosoma americanum
Comments: This pest has spectacular coloration.
More Information: A Prairie Haven
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/14/09
Observation Time: 11:20 a.m.
Observation Location: Beaver Brook near tennis courts
Common Name: Ebony Jewelwing Damselfly
Scientific Name: Calopteryx maculata
Comments: Common along shallow forested streams. Adults perch on vegetation within a few feet of the water. Males are territorial and perform fluttering courtship displays. Females, which are bronze-colored with a distinctive white dot at the tops of their wings, oviposit in floating vegetation, often with the male guarding nearby.
More Information: Iowa State University BugGuide
Here’s a shot of a pair of ebony jewelwing damselflies at Beaver Brook, taken on 8/14/09. This photo shows an irridescent male guarding a bronze-colored female with the characteristic white dot at the top edge of her wings.
Male perched on vegetation in Beaver Brook.
Clear water flowing in Beaver Brook following unusually wet summer weather, 8/14/09.
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/2/11
Observation Time: 4:50 p.m.
Observation Location: Borderland State Park
Common Name: Elegant Spreadwing damselfly
Scientific Name: Lestes inaequalis
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Vin Zollo
Observation Date: 6/19/13
Observation Time: 12:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: European Skipper butterfly
Scientific Name: Thymelicus lineola
Comments: There are hundreds of these non-native butterflies in the Hayfield at this time of year.
More Information: Massachusetts Butterfly Club
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/26/19
Observation Time: 1:30 p.m.
Observation Location: my back yard (Gavins Pond Road)
Common Name: Fall Field Cricket
Scientific Name: Gryllus pennsylvanicus
Comments: All field crickets are able to make the universally recognizable cricket, “chirping” sounds. Males, though, are able to make the loudest and most noticeable sounds. The chirping is generated by the movement of “scrapers” found on the edge of the left forewing across a row of teeth-like structures located on the underside of the right forewing. The male field cricket generates a three note, highly trilled song which is answered by a more simplified, two note female song. The rate of chirping is directly influenced by temperature. Counting the number of chirps a male field cricket makes in 13 seconds, and then adding 40 to that number generates an approximate index of the environmental temperature (in degrees Fahrenheit).
I spotted this common insect while mowing the lawn.
More Information: The Virtual Nature Trail at Penn State New Kensington
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/16/13
Observation Time: 1:30 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: False Crocus Geometer Moth
Scientific Name: Xanthotype urticaria
Comments: I was surprised to see this striking yellow moth in my backyard during the day, as most moths are nocturnal. Typically moths have longer, larger and more elaborate antennae than butterflies.
More Information: NatureSearch
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/25/10
Observation Time: 10:45 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond outflow pool
Common Name: Familiar Bluet
Scientific Name: Enallagma civile
Comments: The familiar bluet is a damselfly. Damselflies are typically skinnier than dragonflies, and they fold their wings over their abdomen when at rest.
More Information: North American Insects and Spiders
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/27/14
Observation Time: 4:15 p.m.
Observation Place: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Fishing Spider
Scientific Name: Dolomedes tenebrosus
Comments: Fishing Spiders get their name from their hunting behavior and occasional food source. They are adept at ambushing insects and other food items on land, but they are also able to submerge their bodies just under the surface of calm water and hunt for small fish and tadpoles. The bristly hairs on their body trap air bubbles that they use to breathe while underwater and waiting for something to swim by. They have been known to stay submerged for more than 30 minutes at a time when hunting in water.
More Information: Insect Identification
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/3/12
Observation Time: 3:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Borderland State Park
Common Name: Fishing Spider
Scientific Name: Dolomedes vittatus
Comments: This huge spider (about 3″) was spotted in aquatic vegetation near the stone hut at the edge of Lower Leach Pond at Borderland State Park. A boy with a butterfly net scooped it up so I could get a photo of it. I got the identification from www.bugguide.net. The three pairs of yellow spots on the rear abdomen help identify this species.
More Information: BugGuide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/23/18
Observation Time: 8:50 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Flower Fly
Scientific Name: Helophilus fasciatus
Comments: Flower Flies (also known as “hover flies” because of their tendency to hover in mid-air for long periods), are especially interesting insects. They are overlooked by nearly everybody but farmers, who recognize them as one of the most important groups of insects beneficial to humans. They’re not only important pollinators, but they dispose of crop pests as carnivorous larvae. There are 15 genera in all, and hundreds of species.
More Information: NatureSearch
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/27/19
Observation Time: 3:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Conservation land near Morse & Lakeview Streets.
Common Name: Flower Fly
Scientific Name: Helophilus fasciatus (family: Syrphidae)
Comments: Flower Flies (also known as “hover flies” because of their tendency to hover in mid-air for long periods), are especially interesting insects. They are overlooked by nearly everybody but farmers, who recognize them as one of the most important groups of insects beneficial to humans. They’re not only important pollinators, but they dispose of crop pests as carnivorous larvae. There are 15 genera in all, and hundreds of species.
More Information: North American Insects & Spiders
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/13/13
Observation Time: 10:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Soccer parking area by Gavins Pond
Common Name: Fourteen-spotted leaf beetle
Scientific Name: Cryptocephalus guttulatus
Comments: Count the spots and you’ll know how this beetle got its name.
More Information: Insects of West Virginia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/19/13
Observation Time: 2:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Fragile Forktail Damselfly
Scientific Name: Ischnura posita
Comments: This is the male. The female is blue rather than green.
More Information: NatureSearch
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/7/11
Observation Time: 5:50 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Fragile Forktail Damselfly
Scientific Name: Ischnura posita
Comments: Fragile forktail damselflies are common in Massachusetts wetlands. This one is shown perched on a purple loosestrife leaf that had been chewed by Galerucella beetle larvae, which were introduced by the Neponset River Watershed Association to control invasive exotic purple loosestrife.
More Information: BugGuide
male:
female:
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/9/19
Observation Time: 4:55 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Fragile Forktail Damselfly
Scientific Name: Ischnura posita
Comments: This is the male. The female is blue rather than green.
More Information: Odonata Central
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/29/12
Observation Time: 1:30 p.m.
Observation Location: undisclosed location in Sharon
Common Name: Frosted Elfin Butterfly
Scientific Name: Callophrys irus
Comments: This small butterfly is a species of special concern.
More Information: See the Boston Globe article on this butterfly.
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/21/14
Observation Time: 2:25 p.m.
Observation Location: undisclosed location in Sharon
Common Name: Frosted Elfin Butterfly
Scientific Name: Callophrys irus
Comments: Frosted elfins are listed as rare by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP).
More Information: See the Boston Globe article on this butterfly.
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/9/20
Observation Time: 3:15 p.m.
Observation Location: undisclosed location in Sharon
Common Name: Frosted Elfin Butterfly
Scientific Name: Callophrys irus
Comments: Frosted elfins are listed as rare by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP).
More Information: Species Status Assessment Report
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 10/18/12
Observation Time: 10:00 a.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road (basement)
Common Name: Funnel Weaver Spider
Scientific Name: Agelenidae family, Coras genus
Comments: Spiders give me the creeps, especially big ones like this specimen, but I could not resist taking a photo and getting an identification from bugguide.net.
More Information: BugGuide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/17/13
Observation Time: 11:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Galerucella beetle
Scientific Name: Galerucella calmariensis
Comments: The Neponset River Watershed Association introduced these European beetles in Fowl Meadow in Canton and Norwood to control invasive purple loosestrife. They have spread to Sharon, where they are having the desired effect of keeping the invasive purlple loosestrife in check so native plants can thrive.
In upper left of the photo, you can see beetle eggs.
More Information: Neponset River Watershed Association
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/17/11
Observation Time: 5:05 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Galerucella beetle larvae
Scientific Name: Galerucella calmariensis (or G. pusilla)
Comments: Galerucella beetles eat only purple loosestrife, an invasive exotic weed that has been displacing native wetland plants and reducing biodiversity. The Neponset River Watershed Association has been “ranching” and releasing Galerucella beetles, and they are now showing up in Sharon.
More Information: Neponset River Watershed Association
Observer: John Baur
Observation Date: 6/24/11
Observation Time: 5:30 p.m.
Observation Location: Sharon Train Station
Common Name: Giant Leopard Moth
Scientific Name: Hypercompe scribonia
Comments: Also called Eyed Tiger Moth, this is a moth of the family Arctiidae. It is distributed throughout the Southern and Eastern United States from New England to Mexico. The obsolete name Ecpantheria scribonia is still occasionally encountered.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Gaurav Shah
Observation Date: 4/4/21
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Globular Springtail
Scientific Name: Sminthuridas malmgreni
Comments: This is the first report of a globular springtail on Bugguide.net or iNaturalist anywhere in the USA. However, globular springtails are not uncommon. Check out this fascinating Youtube, and find out why they are called “springtails”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu01EUeE5PM
More information: Bugguide.net
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/23/24
Observation Time: 1:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Borderland State Park
Common Name: Golden Jumping Spider
Scientific Name: Paraphidippus aurantius
Comments: This strikingly marked jumping spider joined us at a picnic table at Borderland State Park.
More Information: iNaturalist
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 9/9/20
Observation Time: 11:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Goldrenrod Bunch Gall Midge
Scientific Name: Rhopalomyia solidaginis
Comments: This peculiar insect makes a gall on goldenrod.
More Information: iNaturalist
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 6/14/20
Observation Time: 6:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Grape Leaffolder Moth
Scientific Name: Desmia funeralis
Comments: This moth is called a grape leaffolder because its larvae folds the leaves of muscadine grape vines and keeps them folded using bands of silk thread. This interferes with the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, and weakens it, resulting in a decreased grape harvest the following year.
More Information: Wikipedia and University of Florida
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/5/21
Observation Time: 2:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Maskwonicut St. bridge over Beaver Brook
Common Name: Grapeleaf skeletonizer moth
Scientific Name: Harrisina americana
Comments: Grapevine skeletonizer moth larvae feed on grape leaves (hence the name) and Virginia creeper leaves. Adults live only a few days. Note the feathery antennae, which are characteristic of moths.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 7/10/21
Observation Time: 12:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Grapevine Beetle (a.k.a Spotted June Beetle)
Scientific Name: Pelidnota punctata
Comments: This is a large and beautiful beetle in the Scarab family. Its dark legs indicate this is a northern variety of this beetle.
More Information: Wikipedia
12Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/4/20
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (under power lines)
Common Name: Gray Hairstreak butterfly
Scientific Name: Satyrium melinus
Comments: This Gray Hairstreak butterfly was feeding on Sweet Everlasting.
More Information: Raising Butterflies
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/18/15
Observation Time: 4:40 p.m.
Observation Location: soccer parking lot near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Great Black Wasp
Scientific Name: Sphex pensylvanicus
Comments: Sphex pensylvanicus is a species of digger wasp, commonly known as the great black wasp. It lives across most of North America and grows to a size of 20–35 mm (0.8–1.4 in). The larvae feed on living insects that the females paralyze and carry to the underground nest. Only the females can sting, but they are not aggressive, and only sting to defend themselves.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/17/11
Observation Time: 12:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Great Black Wasp
Scientific Name: Sphex pensylvanicus
Comments: Sphex pensylvanicus is a species of digger wasp, commonly known as the great black wasp. It lives across most of North America and grows to a size of 20–35 mm (0.8–1.4 in). The larvae feed on living insects that the females paralyze and carry to the underground nest. Only the females can sting, but they are not aggressive, and only sting to defend themselves.
This specimen was seen on a swamp milkweed blossom (Asclepias incarnata)
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/18/13
Observation Time: 3:15 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Great Black Wasp
Scientific Name: Sphex pensylvanicus
Comments: This photo shows a great black wasp carrying a paralyzed katydid to its burrow. Sphex pensylvanicus is a species of digger wasp. It lives across most of North America and grows to a size of 20–35 mm (0.8–1.4 in). The larvae feed on living insects that the females paralyze and carry to the underground nest. Only the females can sting, but they are not aggressive, and only sting to defend themselves.
More Information: Bug Eric
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/20/15
Observation Time: 5:10 p.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Great Golden Digger Wasp
Scientific Name: Sphex ichnumoneus
Comments: Sphex ichnumoneus is a species of solitary wasp, commonly known as the Great Golden Digger Wasp. This large and colorful wasp can frequently be found nectaring at flowers in late summer and fall. It makes burrows in bare ground or grassy places. As with most species of its genus, it specializes in hunting katydids and bush crickets.
More Information: Cape May Wildlife Guide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/27/11
Observation Time: 3:50 p.m.
Observation Location: soccer parking lot near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Great Golden Digger Wasp
Scientific Name: Sphex ichnumoneus
Comments: Sphex ichnumoneus is a species of solitary wasp, commonly known as the Great Golden Digger Wasp. This large and colorful wasp can frequently be found nectaring at flowers in late summer and fall. It makes burrows in bare ground or grassy places. As with most species of its genus, it specializes in hunting katydids and bush crickets.
More Information: Cape May Wildlife Guide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/5/21
Observation Time: 2:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Maskwonicut St. (on the bridge over Beaver Brook)
Common Name: Great Golden Digger Wasp
Scientific Name: Sphex ichnumoneus
Comments: Sphex ichnumoneus is a species of solitary wasp, commonly known as the Great Golden Digger Wasp. This large and colorful wasp can frequently be found nectaring at flowers in late summer and fall. It makes burrows in bare ground or grassy places. As with most species of its genus, it specializes in hunting katydids and bush crickets.
More Information: Cape May Wildlife Guide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/25/15
Observation Time: 1:55 p.m.
Observation Location: Town-owned conservation land at Morse and Lakeview Streets
Common Name: Great Spangled Fritillary
Scientific Name: Speyeria cybele
Comments: Easily confused with Aphrodite Fritillary – see: http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/frames-2species.asp?sp1=Speyeria-cybele&sp2=Speyeria-aphrodite
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America and USDA
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 7/16/11
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Great Spangled Fritillary
Scientific Name: Speyeria cybele
Comments: Easily confused with Aphrodite Fritillary – see: http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/frames-2species.asp?sp1=Speyeria-cybele&sp2=Speyeria-aphrodite
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/7/18
Observation Time: 2:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Great Spangled Fritillary
Scientific Name: Speyeria cybele
Comments: Easily confused with Aphrodite Fritillary – see: http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/frames-2species.asp?sp1=Speyeria-cybele&sp2=Speyeria-aphrodite
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America and USDA
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/16/11
Observation Time: 2:30 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond dam
Common Name: Green Stink Bug nymph
Scientific Name: Acrosternum hilare
Comments: This striking green stink bug nymph caught my eye as it sat on a rosa rugosa leaf by the pond. The adults are solid green.
I spotted the green stink bug nymph because of its bold, contrasty coloration. Perhaps the reason for the green stink bug nymph’s ostentatious display is to warn potential predators of its stink – the same reason skunks have such bold, visible markings.
More Information: BugGuide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/6/11
Observation Time: 4:30 p.m.
Observation Location: field near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Halloween Pennant dragonfly
Scientific Name: Celithemis eponina
Comments: This is one of my best wildlife photos. The late afternoon sunlight provided perfect illumination.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/26/11
Observation Time: 12:30 p.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond soccer field parking lot
Common Name: Halloween Pennant dragonfly
Scientific Name: Celithemis eponina
Comments: Tattered wings reflect the wear and tear of summer in this late August photo.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/19/19
Observation Time: 8:00 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Harlequin Darner dragonfly
Scientific Name: Gomphaeschna furcillata
Comments: The Harlequin Darner is a member of the Aeshnidae family of dragonflies. The species occurs across much of the eastern United States and parts of southeast Canada. Its range extends to eastern Texas.
I encountered this specimen by chance on the pavement in the Moose Hill Audubon parking lot after a morning spent bird watching.
More Information: Bugguide.net
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/2/20
Observation Time: 1:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Harlequin Darner dragonfly
Scientific Name: Gomphaeschna furcillata
Comments: The Harlequin Darner is a member of the Aeshnidae family of dragonflies. The species occurs across much of the eastern United States and parts of southeast Canada. Its range extends to eastern Texas.
Harlequin darners resemble taper-tailed dragonflies. The pale 7-shaped mark on the side of abdominal segment 2 is diagnostic of female Harlequin Darner. Female Taper-tailed has a dark inverted J-shaped mark instead.
I encountered this specimen by chance on a low bush as I was walking back to my car after a morning spent bird watching.
More Information: Walter Sanford’s photoblog
