Sightings – Insects and Spiders
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
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/9/20
Observation Time: 1:30 p.m.
Observation Location: field near Gavins Pond dam
Common Name: Harlequin Darner dragonfly (male)
Scientific Name: Gomphaeschna furcillata
Comments: The Harlequin Darner is a member of the Aeshnidae family of dragonflies. This 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 darners. The pale 7-shaped mark on the side of abdominal segment 2 is diagnostic of female Harlequin Darner. Female Taper-tailed darners have a dark inverted J-shaped mark instead. See: https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/viewSpecies.php?species=680.
I got help identifying this specimen from Bugguide.net. If you register (it’s free), they will help you identify your photos of insects and spiders.
More Information: Walter Sanford’s photoblog
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 10/2/13
Observation Time: 12:15 p.m.
Observation Place: Woods near Beaver Brook (near Sharon train station)
Common Name: Harvestman (Daddy Longlegs)
Scientific Name: Opiliones family
Comments: Harvestmen are 8-legged arachnids, but they are not true spiders. Their bodies are oval-shaped and have no waist like a spider. They do not produce venom, and they are harmless to humans. Harvestmen are omnivores, eating a variety of organic material, or scavengers, feeding on feces or carrion, but some are predatory on aphids and other small insects.
More Information: Missouri Department of Conservation
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/31/12
Observation Time: 11:15 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Honeybee
Scientific Name: Apis mellifera
Comments: Honeybees perform the vital service of pollinating crops. Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon maintains honeybee colonies for pollinating strawberries and other crops. Honeybees may travel several miles to gather nectar for making honey.
Since 2007, abnormally high die-offs (30–70% of hives) of honeybee colonies have occurred in North America. This has been dubbed “colony collapse disorder” (CCD). It seems to be caused by a combination of factors, possibly including neonicotinoid pesticides.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/16/10
Observation Time: 11:05 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road soccer field parking lot
Common Name: Indian Skipper butterfly
Scientific Name: Hesperia sassacus
Comments: Typically found in open areas, often with some shrubby growth, such as old fields, abandoned pastures, forest clearings, and powerline cuts.
More Information: MassAudubon.org or Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 10/10/24
Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.
Observation Location: near Ward’s Berry Farm
Common Name: Isabella Tiger Moth caterpillar (a.k.a. banded wooly bear)
Scientific Name: Pyrrharctia isabella
Comments: Isabella tiger moths overwinter as caterpillars before pupating in spring and subsequently emerging as adult moths. The caterpillars are somewhat tolerant to short-term freezing periods in which the entire caterpillar is frozen and then thaws out. However, longer-term freezing periods can be harmful.
It is said that the amount of the brown on the band determines the length of the forthcoming winter. This however, is just folklore and not scientifically based.
When I lived in Colorado, I learned how to tie artificial flies that looked like wooly bear caterpillars to catch trout.
More Information: Project Noah and Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/11/13
Observation Time: 4:50 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Jagged Ambush Bug
Scientific Name: Phymata americana
Comments: This small insect (1/2″ in length) turns out to be predatory. It waits in flowers to ambush prey that are sometimes larger than itself. This one was found among goldenrod blossoms.
More Information: aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu or NatureSearch
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/4/11
Observation Time: 4:05 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Japanese Beetle
Scientific Name: Popillia japonica
Comments: Japanese beetles are not very destructive in their native Japan, where they are naturally controlled by indigenous predators, but in North America it is a noted pest of about 200 species of plants including rose bushes, grapes, hops, canna, crape myrtles, birch trees, linden trees, and others.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/23/10
Observation Time: 2:30 p.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond dam
Common Name: Juvenal’s Duskywing
Scientific Name: Erynnis juvenalis
Comments: This butterfly is found throughout Massachusetts. Its flight period extends from late April through early June. See the Massachusetts Butterfly Club for more photos.
More Information: Massachusetts Butterfly Atlas
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/24/13
Observation Time: 11:45 a.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area
Common Name: Juvenal’s Duskywing butterfly
Scientific Name: Erynnis juvenalis
Comments: Even relatively drab butterflies are beautiful.
More Information: Massachusetts Butterfly Species List
Observer: Richard Mandell
Observation Date: 8/15/16
Observation Time: N/A
Observation Location: Mountain Street
Common Name: Katydid
Scientific Name: Microcentrum rhombifolium
Comments: You might recognize the sounds in this recording of katydids chirping in late summer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob2rEjRz-RM
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/19/13
Observation Time: 2:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Lady Beetle
Scientific Name: Harmonia axyridis
Comments: Multicolored Asian lady beetles come in different color patterns. Some, like this one, don’t have black spots.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/4/11
Observation Time: 5:30 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Lady Beetle
Scientific Name: Harmonia axyridis
Comments: Lady beetles have variable coloration.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/5/13
Observation Time: 12:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Lady Beetle larva
Scientific Name: Harmonia axyridis
Comments: Lady beetle larvae don’t look much like the adults. Lady beetles eat aphids, so they can be beneficial for agriculture.
More Information: University of Minnesota
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/24/11
Observation Time: 4:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Lancet Clubtail dragonfly (male)
Scientific Name: Gomphus exilis
Comments: Male lancet clubtails have claspers at the end of the abdomen, which females lack. Lancet clubtails are common in Massachusetts near slow streams and ponds.
The name lancet comes from the dagger-shaped marking on the abdomen. The
clubtail moniker comes from the swelling of the posterior abdomen (males only).
More Information: Prince William Conservation Alliance
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/19/13
Observation Time: 2:05 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Lancet Clubtail dragonfly (male)
Scientific Name: Gomphus exilis
Comments: Once you’ve learned all the birds, you can take up the challenge of learning the dragonflies. Start by getting a book like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Dragonflies-Damselflies-Princeton-Field-Guides/dp/0691122830
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/11/20
Observation Time: 3:40 p.m.
Observation Location: along Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Large Lace-border Moth
Scientific Name: Scopula limboundata
Comments: Large Lace-border Moths rest with their wings flat making it easy to admire the creamy hues of its wings. There is some variety within the species. Some individuals are mostly white with faint brown waves at the edges of the wings. Others have darker brown patterns on the edges. A few have a large black splotch on the forewings. When viewed together, they all look like they could be related, and indeed are the same species. They all have tiny black dots along the middle parts of the forewings. A yellow fringe runs along the bottom edge of all four wings.
Adults are active from late spring to early autumn. Two broods (families) can be produced each year. Caterpillars are a type of inchworm. They eat leaves on apple and black cherry trees, blueberry bushes, clover and the native wildflower called meadow-beauty.
The gap in the left hind wing of this specimen suggests that it narrowly escaped being eaten by a hungry bird.
More Information: insectidentification.org
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/22/10
Observation Time: 6:05 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Large Yellow Underwing moth
Scientific Name: Noctua pronuba
Comments: The name “Noctua” presumably comes from the same root as “nocturnal” meaning active at night.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/28/12
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Leaf-footed bug
Scientific Name: Acanthocephala terminalis
Comments: The leaf-shaped hind legs give this bug its name.
More Information: See:
http://www.cirrusimage.com/bugs_leaf_footed_Acanthocephala.htm
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/25/15
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: field at junction of Lakeview and Morse Streets
Common Name: Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
Scientific Name: Speranza pustularia
Comments: Note the frond-like antennae of the moth in the photo. Moths typically have larger, more intricate antennae than butterflies.
In the United States and Canada, more than 750 species of butterflies and 11,000 species of moths have been recorded. There are still thousands of moth and butterfly species that have not been found or described by scientists.
More Information: North American Moth Photographer’s Group
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/11/15
Observation Time: 2:30 p.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth
Scientific Name: Speranza pustularia
Comments: Feeding on milkweed flowers.
More Information: Bugguide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/2/11
Observation Time: 5:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Borderland State Park
Common Name: Lilypad forktail damselfly
Scientific Name: Ischnura kellicotti
Comments: A southern species that appears to have increased in Massachusetts lately. This specimen is the red form of the female. There is also a blue form. Males are bright blue.
More Information: Odonata Central
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/9/20
Observation Time: 3:45 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond dam
Common Name: Lilypad forktail damselfly
Scientific Name: Ischnura kellicotti
Comments: A southern species that appears to have increased in Massachusetts lately. This specimen is the red form of the female. There is also a blue form. Males are bright blue.
More Information: Wisconsin Odonata Survey
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/25/23
Observation Time: 7:15 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Little Wood Satyr butterfly
Scientific Name: Megisto cymela
Comments: As the name implies, the wood satyr is most commonly seen in woods and shrubby areas.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/31/11
Observation Time: 5:00 p.m.
Observation Location: in the woods near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Little Wood Satyr butterfly
Scientific Name: Megisto cymela
Comments: A common woodland butterfly in Massachusetts.
More Information: Massachusetts Butterfly Club
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/20/10
Observation Time: 9:10 a.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Little Wood Satyr butterfly
Scientific Name: Megisto cymela
Comments: A common woodland butterfly in Massachusetts.
More Information: Massachusetts Butterfly Club
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/5/13
Observation Time: noon
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area
Common Name: Little Wood Satyr butterfly
Scientific Name: Megisto cymela
Comments: As the name implies, the wood satyr is most commonly seen in woods and shrubby areas.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/31/18
Observation Time: 4:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Borderland State Park
Common Name: Locust borer beetle
Scientific Name: Megacyllene robiniae
Comments: The locust borer only attacks black locust trees. It’s a native insect and was first found in the eastern part of the United States in natural stands of black locust trees. The locust borer caused problems in colonial times by rendering the durable black locust wood unsuitable for use as fenceposts. As settlers moved west in the country, they brought black locust trees… and the borer with them. The borer is now found throughout North America.
More Information: Tumblr: Animal World
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/30/13
Observation Time: 2:45 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road (front yard)
Common Name: Locust borer beetle
Scientific Name: Megacyllene robiniae
Comments: I spotted this beetle near locust trees.
More Information: Tumblr: Animal World
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/5/21
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Maskwonicut St. near Beaver Brook
Common Name: Long-legged fly
Scientific Name: Condylostylus patibulatus
Comments: Metallic green long-legged flies are typically found near water. I encountered this one hopping from leaf to leaf on vegetation growing on the bridge over Beaver Brook. Adult flies are predaceous on mites, aphids, booklice, thrips, flies, silverfish, small caterpillars and other small insects.
More Information: Edible San Marcos
Observer: Daniel Kaufman
Observation Date: 6/20/23
Observation Time: 8:00 am
Observation Location: 14 Paul Revere Rd.
Common Name: Luna Moth
Scientific Name: Actias luna
Comments: This male luna moth came over for a visit. Note the feathery antennae characteristic of moths.
WIth a wing span of up to four inches, bright green luna moths are one of the most spectacular moths in our area. Adults are very strong fliers and are attracted to lights. Mating takes place from May to July after midnight, and egg-laying begins the same night. Females lay eggs in small groups or singly on both surfaces of host plant leaves. The eggs hatch in about one week. The caterpillars are sedentary, solitary feeders. Leaves and silk are used to spin papery brown cocoons in litter under the host plant.
More Information: Butterflies & Moths of North America and Wikipedia
Observer: Gaurav Shah
Observation Date: 6/5/23
Observation Time: evening
Observation Location: Massapoag Brook
Common Name: Luna Moth
Scientific Name: Actias luna
Comments: This male has prominnt antennae. Its tattered wings suggest that it’s near the end of its short life.
WIth a wing span of up to four inches, bright green luna moths are one of the most spectacular moths in our area. Adults are very strong fliers and are attracted to lights. Mating takes place from May to July after midnight, and egg-laying begins the same night. Females lay eggs in small groups or singly on both surfaces of host plant leaves. The eggs hatch in about one week. The caterpillars are sedentary, solitary feeders. Leaves and silk are used to spin papery brown cocoons in litter under the host plant.
More Information: Butterflies & Moths of North America and Wikipedia
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 8/20/22
Observation Time: 10:15 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Luna Moth (caterpillar)
Scientific Name: Actias luna
Comments: This luna moth caterpillar was crossing the street, so I moved it to safety.
WIth a wing span of up to four inches, bright green luna moths are one of the most spectacular moths in our area. Adults are very strong fliers and are attracted to lights. Mating takes place from May to July after midnight, and egg-laying begins the same night. Females lay eggs in small groups or singly on both surfaces of host plant leaves. The eggs hatch in about one week. The caterpillars are sedentary, solitary feeders. Leaves and silk are used to spin papery brown cocoons in litter under the host plant.
More Information: Butterflies & Moths of North America and Wikipedia
Observer: Bruce Lewis
Observation Date: 7/27/23
Observation Time: 8:00 am
Observation Location: Moose Hill St.
Common Name: Luna Moth
Scientific Name: Actias luna
Comments: I first identified this as a Polythemus moth caterpillar. My observation on iNaturalist was corrected and it was agreed that this is a Luna Moth caterpillar.
WIth a wing span of up to four inches, bright green luna moths are one of the most spectacular moths in our area. Adults are very strong fliers and are attracted to lights. Mating takes place from May to July after midnight, and egg-laying begins the same night. Females lay eggs in small groups or singly on both surfaces of host plant leaves. The eggs hatch in about one week. The caterpillars are sedentary, solitary feeders. Leaves and silk are used to spin papery brown cocoons in litter under the host plant.
More Information: Butterflies & Moths of North America and Wikipedia
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 9/24/24
Observation Time: 7:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Marbled Orbweaver Spider
Scientific Name: Araneus marmoreus var. marmoreus
Comments: Brightly colored marbled orbweaver spiderwebs are found in trees, shrubs and tall weeds, and grasses in moist, wooded settings and can frequently be found along the banks of streams. The webs are oriented vertically and have a “signal” thread attached to the center that notifies the spider when prey has been captured. Unlike garden spiders, the marbled orbweaver hides in a silken retreat to the side of the web at the end of the signal thread.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Marshall Katler
Observation Date: 9/26/23
Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Mansfield St.
Common Name: Marbled Orbweaver Spider
Scientific Name: Araneus marmoreus var. marmoreus
Comments: Although usually found in woodland, this one was found on the side of a house. It is most likely a male.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: John Baur
Observation Date: 9/28/24
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Borderland State Park
Common Name: Marbled Orbweaver Spider
Scientific Name: Araneus marmoreus var. marmoreus
Comments: Brightly colored marbled orbweaver spiderwebs are found in trees, shrubs and tall weeds, and grasses in moist, wooded settings and can frequently be found along the banks of streams. The webs are oriented vertically and have a “signal” thread attached to the center that notifies the spider when prey has been captured. Unlike garden spiders, the marbled orbweaver hides in a silken retreat to the side of the web at the end of the signal thread.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/17/11
Observation Time: 12:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Mason Wasp
Scientific Name: Monobia quadridens
Comments: Mason wasps are solitary. They have a metallic blue sheen on their wings. Females usually build nests in abandoned holes of other bee and wasp species. Sometimes mistaken for Bald-faced Hornet, but note the position and extent of white on the abdomen.
More Information: What’s That Bug? and Cape May Wildlife Guide
Observer: Alex Hackman
Observation Date: 4/23/09
Observation Time: 9:45 a.m.
Observation Location: Beaver Brook
Common Name: Mayfly
Scientific Name: Ephemeroptera
Comments: Adult mayfly hatch observed during a paddle up Beaver Brook. This insect is an indicator of good water quality.
More Information: Texas A&M
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/5/21
Observation Time: 2:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Maskwonicut St. (on the bridge over Beaver Brook)
Common Name: Mexican Grass-carrying Wasp
Scientific Name: Isodontia mexicana
Comments: Isodontia mexicana is mainly found throughout North America, but has become established in Europe, primarily France, Switzerland, Hungary, Italy, Serbia, and Spain.
These wasps build their nests in hollowed branches or in other natural cavities, often reusing the nests of other species. Then they line the inside with grass fragments or other plant fibers (hence the name ‘Grass-carrying wasp’).
I. mexicana mainly preys on grasshoppers (usually katydids or tree crickets, choosing the small ones and carrying them to its nest to feed the emerging larvae with the living, but paralyzed prey.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/26/10
Observation Time: 5:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond
Common Name: Monarch Butterfly
Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus
Comments: In fall, eastern monarchs migrate thousands of miles from Canada to Mexico and parts of Arizona and Florida. In spring, the overwintered population migrates part of the way back. Then a second, third and fourth generation continues the migration to back to Canada.
The number of monarchs overwintering in Mexico has shown a long-term downward trend. In 2014, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Center for Food Safety filed a legal petition requesting Endangered Species Act protection for the monarch and its habitat.
Efforts are underway to establish monarch waystations. A growing number of homeowners are establishing butterfly gardens; monarchs can be attracted by cultivating a butterfly garden with specific plant species.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/24/21
Observation Time: 2:50 p.m.
Observation Place: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Monarch Butterfly
Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus
Comments: Monarchs make an epic, multi-generational migration. Check it out at the link below.
More Information: National Geographic
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/24/14
Observation Time: 1:15 p.m.
Observation Place: TTOR’s Moose Hill Farm (formerly the Kendall Estate)
Common Name: Monarch Butterfly
Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus
Comments: With winter approaching, this monarch was nearing the end of its life. Monarchs make an epic, multi-generational migration. Check it out at the link below.
More Information: National Geographic
Observer: Rita Corey
Observation Date: 8/13/20
Observation Time: 3:40 p.m.
Observation Place: Mountain St.
Common Name: Monarch Butterfly caterpillar
Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus
Comments: This monarch caterpillar was feeding on milkweed. It will soon form a chrysalis.
Milkweed is poisonous. Monarch caterpillars eat milkweed to make themselves poisonous to avoid predation. Their bright coloration is a warning to predators. Eating milkweed can sometimes be fatal to the monarch caterpillar itself.
Monarchs make an epic, multi-generational migration. Check it out at the link below.
More Information: National Geographic
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/15/18
Observation Time: 1:15 p.m.
Observation Place: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Monarch Butterfly caterpillar and chrysalis
Scientific Name: Danaus plexippus
Comments: This caterpillar was feeding on milkweed. It will soon form a chrysalis, as others nearby had already done.
Monarchs make an epic, multi-generational migration. Check it out at the link below.
More Information: National Geographic
Monarch chrysalis:
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/4/24
Observation Time: 12:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Morbid Owlet Moth
Scientific Name: Chytolita morbidalis
Comments: The morbid owlet moth is found in large parts of North America The larvae feed on the leaves of various deciduous trees. As you can see from the photo, the adult moth blends in with the leaf litter on the ground.
More Information: iNaturalist andWikipedia and Butterflies and Moths of North Ameerica
Observer: Gaurav Shah
Observation Date: 7/1/23
Observation Time: 4:00 p.m.
Observation Location: trail off Billings St.
Common Name: Moth Fly or Drain Fly
Scientific Name: Family Psychodidae, possibly genus Pericoma
Comments: There are many species of flies in the family Psychodidae. Some are called “drain flies” because they thrive in the drains of sinks and commonly infest bathrooms. Other species in this family are called “moth flies” because they have fuzzy bodies and feathery antennae that are characteristic of many species of moths. The fact that this specimen was observed in the woods and not in a bathroom suggests that it is a type of moth fly.
More Information: Missouri Dept. of Conservation and Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/22/13
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: King Phillip’s Rock
Common Name: Mottled Prominent Moth (caterpillar)
Scientific Name: Macrurocampa marthesia
Comments: For a photo of the adult Mottled Prominent
moth, see: http://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/177197-Macrurocampa-marthesia
More Information: BugGuide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/9/11
Observation Time: 2:50 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Mourning Cloak butterfly
Scientific Name: Nymphalis antiopa
Comments: Unlike most butterflies, mourning cloaks overwinter as adults, so they are often the first butterfly seen in spring.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/19/15
Observation Time: 2:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Mourning Cloak Butterfly
Scientific Name: Nymphalis antiopa
Comments: This is a striking butterfly overwinters as an adult.That is why it is the first butterfly you are likely to see in early spring.
More Information: http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Nymphalis-antiopa
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 4/23/24
Observation Time: 10:30 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Mourning Cloak Butterfly
Scientific Name: Nymphalis antiopa
Comments: This striking butterfly overwinters as an adult. That is why it is the first butterfly to be seen in early spring.
More Information: http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Nymphalis-antiopa
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/16/23
Observation Time: 4:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Mourning Cloak Butterfly
Scientific Name: Nymphalis antiopa
Comments: This striking butterfly overwinters as an adult. That is why it is the first butterfly to be seen in early spring. This battle-scarred individual was inhabiting a small clearing beside the trail. As I stood and watched, it flew within a foot of my face several times, as if it was curious about the strange apparition that had entered its home space.
More Information: http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Nymphalis-antiopa
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/2/13
Observation Time: 7:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road near soccer fields
Common Name: Mourning Cloak Butterfly
Scientific Name: Nymphalis antiopa
Comments: Unlike most butterfly species, mourning cloaks overwinter as adults, so they are typically the first butterflies seen in spring. This tattered individual was on its last legs, but still displayed striking coloration.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/1/19
Observation Time: 4:40 p.m.
Observation Location: Trustees of Reservations’ Moose Hill Farm
Common Name: Nessus Sphinx Moth
Scientific Name: Amphion floridensis
Comments: The Nessus Sphinx is a member of Sphingidae, a family of powerfully fast moths that are typically seen drinking flower nectar. The Nessus Sphinx has two yellow bands on the abdomen that are thought to help it mimic a wasp as it hovers over blooms.
More Information: Insect Identification for the Casual Observer
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/2/11
Observation Time: 1:40 p.m.
Observation Location: near Gavins Pond
Common Name: North American Harvester butterfly
Scientific Name: Feniseca tarquinius
Comments: The harvester is the only North American butterfly with carnivorous larvae, usually feeding on aphids.
More Information: Tree of Life
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/27/19
Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.
Observation Location: boardwalk through Conservation land near Morse & Lakeview
Common Name: North American Millipede
Scientific Name: Narceus americanus
Comments: Millipedes first appeared in the fossil record 400 million years ago and are some of the first animals to have lived on land. It is hypothesized that these ancient species are the largest animals without backbones to have walked on earth. Modern forms appear in the late Paleozoic. While North American millipedes are currently classified as diplopods, Linnaeus classified them as apterate insects, Lamarck said they were arachnids, and others have called them worms or crustaceans.
More Information: Animal Diversity Web
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/26/10
Observation Time: 4:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Beaver Brook near tennis courts
Common Name: Northern Eyed Brown butterfly
Scientific Name: Satyrodes eurydice
Comments: This individual was perched on the handrail of the wooden footbridge constructed by SFOC over Beaver Brook.
More Information: Mass Audubon
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/22/13
Observation Time: 4:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area near soccer parking lot
Common Name: Northern Paper Wasp
Scientific Name: Polistes fuscatus
Comments: This individual appeared to be gleaning wood fibers for use in constructing or repairing a nest.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/25/15
Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.
Observation Location: near Beaver Brook (near train station tennis courts)
Common Name: Northern Pearly-Eye butterfly
Scientific Name: Enodia anthedon
Comments: Northern Pearly-Eye butterflies are very similar to Eyed Browns and Appalachian Browns. All can be found in Sharon.
More Information: Butterflies of Massachusetts
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/26/13
Observation Time: 5:10 p.m.
Observation Location: near Beaver Brook (near train station tennis courts)
Common Name: Northern Pearly-Eye butterfly
Scientific Name: Enodia anthedon
Comments: These three butterfly species are very similar: Eyed Brown, Appalachian Brown, and Northern Pearly-Eye. All can be found in Sharon.
These two Northern Pearly-eye butterflies were courting.
More Information: Butterflies of Massachusetts
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/7/15
Observation Time: 5:10 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area
Common Name: Northern Walkingstick
Scientific Name: Diapheromera femorata
Comments: This harmless insect uses its bizarre body shape to blend in to the foliage and avoid detection by potential predators.
More Information: Bugguide
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/10/19
Observation Time: 6:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Northeastern Sawyer Beetle
Scientific Name: Monochamus notatus
Comments: The Northeastern Pine Sawyer Beetle is one of several harmless native species that look like the exotic and destructive Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB).
The Northeastern Sawyer is our largest native longhorn beetle, about as large as ALB, but different in color and pattern: it can be distinguished from ALB by its dull grey color and lack of pattern on its wing covers (the antennae may appear banded, but they won’t be as vivid as they are on ALB). Additionally, while adult ALB will be found on living hardwood trees, the Northeastern Sawyer targets dead or dying conifers. Both adult and larval Northeastern Sawyers prefer to eat the rotting wood of conifers such as pine, spruce, and fir, versus the live, fresh hardwood required by ALB.
Adult Northeastern Sawyer Beetles are active from May through September, while Asian Longhorned Beetles are still active through the first hard frost.
Any sightings of suspicious beetle or tree damage can be reported here. Be sure to get a picture or collect the specimen.
More Information: Massachusetts Introduced Pests
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/1/14
Observation Time: 12:10 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Rd.
Common Name: Nursery web spider
Scientific Name: Pisaurina mira
Comments: This large spider was on a tree trunk in my back yard.
More Information: Kentucky Spiders
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/11/20
Observation Time: 11:05 a.m.
Observation Location: in a small oak tree in the field across the street from the Gavins Pond soccer fields
Common Name: Oak gall
Scientific Name: caused by small wasps in the family Cynipidae
Comments: Oak apple or oak gall is the common name for a large, round, vaguely apple-like gall commonly found on many species of oak. Oak apples range in size from 2 to 4 centimetres (1 to 2 in) in diameter and are caused by chemicals injected by the larvae of certain kinds of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. The adult female wasp lays single eggs in developing leaf buds. The wasp larvae feed on the gall tissue resulting from their secretions, which modify the oak bud into the gall, a structure that protects the developing larvae until they undergo metamorphosis into adults. Considerable confusion exists in the general “literature” between the oak apple and the oak marble gall. The oak marble is frequently called the oak apple due to the superficial resemblance and the preponderance of the oak marble gall in the wild. Other galls found on oak trees include the oak artichoke gall and the acorn cup gall, but each of these has its own distinctive form.
Some common oak-apple-forming species are the Biorhiza pallida gall wasp in Europe, Amphibolips confluenta in eastern North America,[2] and Atrusca bella in western North America.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/19/13
Observation Time: 2:30 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Orange bluet damselfly
Scientific Name: Enallagma signatum
Comments: The orange bluet has a long flight season. It’s from early March to early November. This bluet is unusual in that it is most active in the late afternoon. It is often found near slow moving streams, ponds, and pools with still waters.
More Information: Wikipedia or Fotki
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/1/11
Observation Time: 3:45 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Dam
Common Name: Orange bluet damselfly
Scientific Name: Enallagma signatum
Comments: These small orange damselflies were darting about all over the surface of the pond, occasionally alighting on floating weeds. Some were mating.
The first two photos are males and the third female.
More Information: Wikipedia or Fotki
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/12/15
Observation Time: 3:30 p.m.
Observation Location: conservation land near Lakeview & Morse Streets
Common Name: Orange Virbia Moth
Scientific Name: Virbia aurantiaca
Comments: Some are dusky and some have dots and bands, but all orange virbia moths are some shade of orange and have large, curious eyes, and like typical moths they have prominent antennae.
More Information: insectidentification.org
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 6/1/14
Observation Time: 12:25 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Rd.
Common Name: Orchard Orbweaver
Scientific Name: Leucauge venusta
Comments: I had a hard time focusing the camera on this tiny spider.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/27/19
Observation Time: 2:20 p.m.
Observation Location: Conservation land near Morse & Lakeview
Common Name: Orchard Orbweaver spider
Scientific Name: Leucauge venusta
Comments: I had a hard time focusing the camera on this tiny spider and its gossamer web.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 10/5/12
Observation Time: 3:55 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Painted Lady butterfly
Scientific Name: Vanessa cardui
Comments: The Painted Lady has four small spots on the undersides of its hind wings, whereas the American Lady has two large spots. Otherwise they look very similar.
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/5/12
Observation Time: 6:15 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road near Well #5
Common Name: Painted Lady butterfly
Scientific Name: Vanessa cardui
Comments: This Painted Lady butterfly was feeding in the same flowering shrub with American Lady butterflies. Learn how to tell them apart at: https://bugguide.net/node/view/236368
More Information: massaudubon.org
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/1/19
Observation Time: 4:50 p.m.
Observation Location: Trustees of Reservations’ Moose Hill Farm
Common Name: Painted Lady butterfly
Scientific Name: Vanessa cardui
Comments: The Painted Lady has four small spots on the undersides of its hind wings, whereas the American Lady has two large spots. Otherwise they look very similar.
This one was feeding on milkweed blossoms.
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/21/19
Observation Time: 12:15 p.m.
Observation Location: 4 Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Painted Skimmer dragonfly
Scientific Name: Libellula semifasciata
Comments: Painted Skimmers live up to their name, and the wings especially glow with color. A rich brown, the thorax has two whitish to yellow diagonal stripes on each side. The abdomen has yellow edges and a jagged black central stripe on the last few segments. The wings are marked with a brown streak at the base and brown spots at the middle and near the end. The veins along the front of each wing and at the base of the hindwings are largely yellow.
Painted Skimmer dragonflies are considered to be migratory. Some Painted Skimmers appear in spring in the northern states and extreme southern Canada before they would have emerged locally, presumably migrants. They have also been observed in autumn along the northeast coast in apparent directional flight.
More Information: Migratory Dragonfly Partnership
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/27/19
Observation Time: 5:00 p.m.
Observation Location: on a bluff under high tension wires near S. Walpole St.
Common Name: Painted Skimmer dragonfly
Scientific Name: Libellula semifasciata
Comments: Painted Skimmers live up to their name, and the wings especially glow with color. A rich brown, the thorax has two whitish to yellow diagonal stripes on each side. The abdomen has yellow edges and a jagged black central stripe on the last few segments. The wings are marked with a brown streak at the base and brown spots at the middle and near the end. The veins along the front of each wing and at the base of the hindwings are largely yellow.
Painted Skimmer dragonflies are considered to be migratory. Some Painted Skimmers appear in spring in the northern states and extreme southern Canada before they would have emerged locally, presumably migrants. They have also been observed in autumn along the northeast coast in apparent directional flight.
More Information: Migratory Dragonfly Partnership
Observer: Josh Simons
Observation Date: 6/21/22
Observation Time: 11:50 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill area
Common Name: Painted Skimmer dragonfly
Scientific Name: Libellula semifasciata
Comments: Painted Skimmers live up to their name, and the wings especially glow with color. A rich brown, the thorax has two whitish to yellow diagonal stripes on each side. The abdomen has yellow edges and a jagged black central stripe on the last few segments. The wings are marked with a brown streak at the base and brown spots at the middle and near the end. The veins along the front of each wing and at the base of the hindwings are largely yellow.
Painted Skimmer dragonflies are considered to be migratory. Some Painted Skimmers appear in spring in the northern states and extreme southern Canada before they would have emerged locally, presumably migrants. They have also been observed in autumn along the northeast coast in apparent directional flight.
More Information: Migratory Dragonfly Partnership
