Painted Tiger Moth (Arachnis picta, Arctiidae) on a stem of California Honeysuckle (1/3)
This is a lovely Painted Tiger Moth (Arachnis picta, family Arctiidae) clutching a slender stem of native California Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula, Caprifoliaceae). I found her this morning in light rain, on front of our concrete block retaining wall. I moved the stem above the wall to get a better background, and only then discovered that she was ovipositing! See my [Previous] two photos. I hope I didn't interfere too much. Did you notice that tiny red mite walking over her hind leg? (San Marcos Pass, 2 November 2015)
We did get some rain today, but only about 1/10 inch. Most of the rain was to the north and west of us, but it was still good for the soul. It was rather cold today - in the 40s for most of the day. I know, that's not cold, but I'm spoiled because we just finished our warmest October ever in Santa Barbara, see this NWS page. (Look quick - I don't know how long these links last.)
Painted Tiger Moth (Arachnis picta, Arctiidae) on a stem of California Honeysuckle (1/3)
This is a lovely Painted Tiger Moth (Arachnis picta, family Arctiidae) clutching a slender stem of native California Honeysuckle (Lonicera hispidula, Caprifoliaceae). I found her this morning in light rain, on front of our concrete block retaining wall. I moved the stem above the wall to get a better background, and only then discovered that she was ovipositing! See my [Previous] two photos. I hope I didn't interfere too much. Did you notice that tiny red mite walking over her hind leg? (San Marcos Pass, 2 November 2015)
We did get some rain today, but only about 1/10 inch. Most of the rain was to the north and west of us, but it was still good for the soul. It was rather cold today - in the 40s for most of the day. I know, that's not cold, but I'm spoiled because we just finished our warmest October ever in Santa Barbara, see this NWS page. (Look quick - I don't know how long these links last.)