Observation date: July 08, 2023
Submitted by: rtsmith
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes:
I am guessing it must be mating season for Gypsy Moths around here as we have them fluttering about by the dozens. As I understand it, only the males fly in search of females guided by pheromones. So I assume the sample I captured and included in my photo is a male Lymantria dispar dispar, now officially known as a “spongy moth.” It must be quite an overpowering pheromone as the males’ flight paths look like they are drunk. They crash into plants and walls and fence post searching for females.
At this time the temperature was 81°F with the humidity at 54%, the air pressure was 28.56 inches, with a light 6 mph breeze from the southwest under partly cloudy skies.
Latitude: 40.9222 Longitude: -77.7643
Status: Resident
Verified by: curtis.lehman
Verified date: July 09, 2023
Coordinator notes: None.
