Nature Moncton Nature News: September 16 2023

NATURE MONCTON NATURE NEWS

September 16, 2023

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Edited by Nelson Poirier nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Proofreading courtesy of Louise Nichols at nicholsl@eastlink.ca

**Lois Budd and her brother came across a duo of Turkey Vultures at Keenan Road, near Salisbury on Friday.

They were not sure what the vultures were interested in, but the birds put on a show for them and were pleased photographs were allowed.

**Friday turned out to be a day for interesting caterpillar observations with 4 different caterpillars observed, all very interesting and all proving a bit challenging to identify. All are identified, but the editor stands to be corrected and welcomes any other identification thoughts.

Eudor LeBlanc in Memramcook came across a large 2 ½ in. caterpillar as he was mowing the lawn, and the caterpillar was not impressed with being sprayed by the grass clippings and went into the rearing up defensive position. Yolande was able to temporarily detain it for documentary photographs. The closest match would appear to be the Great Ash Sphinx Moth caterpillar, which has several look-alikes. The caterpillar of this species is actually much more colourful than the more drab large adult moth.

Louise Nichols came across 2 different caterpillars in her Aulac yard that were quite unexpected and again got excellent photographs.

One was found on a goldenrod plant and appears to be the Hitched Arched Moth Caterpillar (Melanchra adjuncta). It had been sitting on the same plant for 2 days, appearing ready to go into its cocoon stage for the winter.

The second caterpillar species was munching away on a Red Osier plant in Glen’s flower garden and appears to be the Common Sawfly Caterpillar (Pseudosiobla excavata).

Since Nelson and Brian were at her garden in St. Martins, Jane LeBlanc has been taking a closer look at things and found 2 caterpillars on her coreopsis plant. The identification has keyed out as the Broom Moth Caterpillar (Ceramici pisi).

(Editor’s comment: again, a reminder that other opinions on the identification of the 4 caterpillars featured today is welcomed.)

Jane also had a flyby of a fresh-looking Monarch Butterfly, but it did not stay for photos.

She also sends a photo of the sunrise Friday morning from the St. Martins beach.

(Editor's note: things may be looking a lot different there this morning!)

**Nelson Poirier shares photos of 3 common moths that are encountered this time of year.
The White Underwing Moth is a medium to large moth of the underwing group. Its graceful lines on the upper wing are very much in contrast to the white-rimmed black underwing.
The Chain-dotted Geometer Moth is a smaller moth flying late in the season as is the Maple Spanworm Moth. The Maple Spanworm Moth is very cryptic and perches like a fall leaf that will fall to the ground when touched.

Nelsonpoirier435@gmail.com

Nelson Poirier

Nature Moncton