Just by chance, I came across an Anisota virginiensis yesterday evening -
I can't recall if I've seen this species here before, though I do remember finding Dryocampa rubicunda on a few occasions, years ago -
I've always been fascinated by Ceratocampinae. There are many small species that are much lesser known than those in familiar genera such as Citheronia and Eacles. For example - Adelowalkeria tristygma (Brazil) -
Ever see the males in the daytime? They are pretty cool with transparent forewings.
With A. oslari I had never seen a male until I put out a virgin female and within 30 seconds, I had about a dozen males swarming me at Pena Blanca Canyon a couple of years ago. It's interesting that something can be so common and you never see it.
A. virginiensis & D. rubicunda (along with A. stigma) are common in the pineywoods north of Houston. I captured a couple of males sitting on a wall back in March. Yes, the transparent forewings are very cool. I once saw about a dozen of them hovering in place about a foot off the ground. Impressive sight. Also, I've heard that a revision of the Anisota genus is in progress (Peigler), so some new species might be popping out. Not sure when.
Dave Wagner and friends just described a new Anisota from the Texas Hill Country that looks a lot like virginiensis. Apparently it is quite rare, until it has huge outbreaks - then apparently quite abundant - especially the larvae. It was in the latest issue of the Journal of the Lepidopterists' Society.
..., or may it was Dryocampa rubicunda? Heck it's a moth - so I barely pay attention!
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