I decided to try the black light last night. This works best on dark, warm, humid nights. The moon is nearly full but it was certainly warm and humid. I got a few interesting insects. Birding is slow, a male Cassin’s Finch has found my feeder and comes in regularly, but nothing else does. I am sure glad I’m where I’m at because it has to be hot down on the plains if it is this hot here.
This is a mantispid, also known as a mantisfly. I’ve never seen them before and according to BugGuide this is a first for South Dakota. I had several come in last night. Most likely it is Dicromantispa sayi. This moth is Eubaphe mendica, The Beggar. It gets its name from the spots which resemble holes in a beggar’s clothing. Also a first BugGuide record for South Dakota. The Cassin’s Finch.
One reply on “More Blacklighting”
Those are interesting bugs, and it seems you’re seeing lots of first one seen in SD records. All the prairie coneflowers are pretty. I’m glad you found a shady quiet campsite. It sure is hot in Pierre and next week will be even hotter. Yuck!
One reply on “More Blacklighting”
Those are interesting bugs, and it seems you’re seeing lots of first one seen in SD records. All the prairie coneflowers are pretty. I’m glad you found a shady quiet campsite. It sure is hot in Pierre and next week will be even hotter. Yuck!