June 21st, 2007
my latest discovery
Late yesterday afternoon, I found something new to me here at the farm — a pair of Delicate Cycnia Moths (Cycnia tenera) resting together on the underside of a Common Milkweed leaf in the midst of some Meadowsweet brush next to the woods. I’ve never seen these moths around the farm before, so that alone seemed noteworthy. Add to that their beauty — I don’t know about you, but this pair seems exquisite to me. In fact, I thought they were so special that I’ve posted an unusually large image (315kb) so that you could see them better if you wish (click on above image to view it). You’ll have to scroll around to view both moths.
There’s more of interest about these moths. When I looked up information on this species, I discovered that Cycnia tenera is also referred to as the Dogbane Tiger-Moth. As it happens, just a week or two ago, I noticed a small patch of Dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) in one of the fields — the first Dogbane I’ve found in any area of the farm (see photo below). The larvae of this moth species feeds mainly on Dogbane, but will feed on certain Milkweed (Asclepias) species as well. Of interest is that both Dogbane and Milkweed produce a milky latex containing cardenolides which are toxic to many creatures. If you read this wikipedia page that I’ve linked to, you’ll find references to research that has been conducted concerning this moth species. Apparently, these moths produce a clicking sound that may warn bats to avoid them. It seems that bats don’t like the taste of the moths due to the above-mentioned cardenolides which consume — or, at least that is part of the theory for why these moths produce a clicking sound. Mate attraction is also mentioned.
In any case, I’ll be watching for these moths and their larvae in future, especially on the leaves of the Dogbane in the patch that I’ve recently discovered. I’m always fascinated by the interactions between plants and insects — really, to locate certain insects, one need only inspect certain plants and, sooner or later, you are sure to find what you’re looking for. I enjoy discovering each of these bits and pieces of the web of life as it occurs here at the farm.
Tags: Delicate Cycnia Moth, Cycnia tenera, Dogbane, Apocynum cannabinum