Toothed Phigalia Moth - Phigalia denticulata

Toothed Phigalia Moth (Male)

(Photo:  Marvin Smith on 1/20/10)

They say the early bird catches the worm. I'm not sure what this early species of moth is trying to catch. Maybe it's trying to give its larvae first choice at the opening leaves of deciduous trees? A Toothed Phigalia was the first moth of the new year I saw here this year and last. In fact, it's likely that Phigalia denticulata (or another Philgalia sp.) will be the first moth seen throughout their range. Being early is the one remarkable feature of this common and fairly nondescript moth. Adult P. denticulata fly from December to April in the south; late March and April in the north.

Range: Ontario and New York to Florida, west to Texas, north to Missouri; also recorded in Utah.

Reproduction: The general rule for moths is: Males find the females. This is especially true for this genus of moths because females have only tiny nub-like wings and are flightless. (A photo of a female Phigalia titea is here.)

Source: BugGuide Species Page

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Toothed Phigalia Moth - Phigalia denticulata

Small Cedar-bark Borer Beetle - Atimia confusa

Small Cedar-bark Borer Beetle - Atimia confusa

(Photo:  Marvin Smith on 3/9/09)

I found limited information about this relatively small (6-9 mm) Longhorned Beetle. According to BugGuide, Atimia confusa is widespread throughout the central and eastern U. S., is active in the spring and fall and is attracted to lights. (I photographed this specimen under our porch light.) Larval host plants are cedars and junipers.

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Small Cedar-bark Borer Beetle - Atimia confusa

Waterfall

Waterfall

The same waterfall as in the previous post, but this time flowing strong after almost two inches of rain instead of covered with icicles. Our temperature warmed so much after the deep freeze that an approaching cold front triggered thunderstorms complete with a little bit of hail -- just as if it was actually springtime already.

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Waterfall