Sightings – Butterflies & Moths
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/7/18
Observation Time: 12:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (The Trustees of Reservations)
Common Name: Black Swallowtail butterfly
Scientific Name: Papilio polyxenes
Comments: Black swallowtail butterflies look a lot like spicebush swallowtail butterflies. You can learn how to tell the difference between a black swallowtail and a spicebush swallowtail at: http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/frames-2species.asp?sp1=Papilio-polyxenes&sp2=Papilio-troilus
More Information: Butterflies and Moths of North America
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/12/12
Observation Time: 5:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Gavins Pond area
Common Name: Brown Elfin Butterfly
Scientific Name: Callophrys augustinus
Comments: This brown elfin was found in the same meadow of wild indigo as a rare frosted elfin butterfly.
More Information: Butterflies and Moths
Observer: Faith Berkland
Observation Date: 9/22/15
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Mansfield Street
Common Name: Brown-hooded Owlet Moth caterpillar
Scientific Name: Cucullia convexipennis
Comments: The moth flies from May to September depending on the location. The caterpillars feed on Aster, Solidago and Callistephus chinensis.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/9/11
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Field near Gavins Pond
Common Name: Buckeye Butterfly
Scientific Name: Junonia coenia
Comments: This bedraggled specimen is showing a lot of wear and tear on its wings.
More Information: Wikipedia
Observer: Rita Corey
Observation Date: 8/13/20
Observation Time: 3:45 p.m.
Observation Place: Mountain St.
Common Name: Cecropia Moth (coccoon phase)
Scientific Name: Hyalophora cecropia
Comments: The cecropia moth is the largest North American moth. It has a wingspan of 5-6 inches. It is a very colorful moth.
The female cecropia moth lays rows of eggs on both sides of a leaf on a tree or shrub. The eggs hatch in 10-14 days and the caterpillars begin eating the host tree or shrub’s leaves. The cecropia cocoon is crescent shaped. There is one generation of cecropia born each year.
After emerging from the coccoon, the mature cecropia moth does not eat. It’s only purpose it to mate. It only lives for a few weeks. Despite its dramatic size and bright coloration, it is seldom seen because it is nocturnal.
More Information: Nature Works
Three cecropia moth coccoons:
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 5/9/23
Observation Time: 7:40 a.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary
Common Name: Cecropia Moth cocoon
Scientific Name: Hyalophora cecropia
Comments: I used an app called SEEK to identify this strange thing I spotted beside the trail.
More Information: Cecropia Moth
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 8/30/11
Observation Location: Gavins Pond Road by soccer field parking lot
Common Name: Clouded Sulphur butterfly
Scientific Name: Colias philodice
Comments: This butterfly was hard to photograph because it would not hold still! Note the big green eyes and the spots on the wing.
More Information: Wisconsin Butterflies
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 9/4/20
Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Moose Hill Farm (TTOR)
Common Name: Clouded Sulphur butterfly
Scientific Name: Colias philodice
Comments: A common butterfly seen from late April to mid-October. This patch of blooming Joe Pye weed was alive with clouded sulphurs feeding on the nectar. Note the big green eyes.
More Information: Massachusetts Butterfly Club
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 7/2/11
Observation Time: 2:45 p.m.
Observation Location: Soccer field parking lot off Gavins Pond Road
Common Name: Clover Looper Moth
Scientific Name: Caenurgina crassiuscula
Comments: This moth stopped to rest on the soccer field parking lot, allowing me to get close enough for this shot. I got the ID from bugguide.net.
More Information: A Prairie Haven
Observer: Gaurav Shah
Observation Date: 8/2/23
Observation Time: 3:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Arboro Drive
Common Name: Clymene Moth
Scientific Name: Haploa clymene
Comments: Unlike most moths, the Clymene moth is equally active both day and night. It also prefers moist areas and can be found near wetlands and water sources. At night, it is attracted to lights.
The Clymene moth is often found near wet areas such as wetlands, and visits flowers to drink the nectar using its long proboscis.
More Information: Wikipedia
