Insect of the week (April 28, 2025)
Our insect of the week for April 28, 2025 is the promethea silkworm moth, Callosamia promethea [LEPIDOPTERA: Saturniidae]. It is also known as the spicebush silkmoth because caterpillars prefer to eat the leaves of spicebush. You often see cocoons hanging from host...
Insect of the week (April 21, 2025)
Our insect of the week for April 21, 2025 is the snowberry clearwing moth, Hemaris diffinis [LEPIDOPTERA: Sphingidae]. It is so names because adults lose the majority of scales on their wings shortly after they emerge from the pupal stage due to their very active...
Insect of the week (April 14, 2025)
Our insect of the week for April 14, 2025 is the luna moth, Actias luna [LEPIDOPTERA: Saturniidae]. This is one of the larger moths in North America. Adults have been observed in central Illinois as early as late April (which is why we are discussing them now). As a...
Insect of the week (April 7, 2025)
Our insect of the week for April 7, 2025 is the eight-spotted forester moth, Alypia octomaculata [LEPIDOPTERA: Noctuidae]. It can be found throughout eastern North America. These are often encountered in where open areas meet woodlands. Adults are often active during...
Peoria approximella (a moth named in New York for Peoria, IL). Photo of Michigan specimen courtesy Jim Vargo (used with permission).