by

Rob Vandermoor

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Alypia langtonia, photo by Rob Vandermoor	Arctia caja , photo by Steve Ife	Hyles lineata , photo by Steve Ife

C.1 Introduction

Moths, like their better-known relatives the butterflies, share all of the same conservation issues.   These range from habitat loss due to encroaching development, declining numbers from pesticide use and, one of the greatest conservation issues, the lack of available data for moths in general.  Without this data it is extremely difficult to understand which moth species are disappearing, remaining steady or increasing in numbers and, therefore, the viability of certain species may be in jeopardy without us being aware of the situation.

Predation of moths is not much different from that of butterflies, with a few exceptions such as predation from bats due to the diurnal nature of moths and the large amount of moths predated on by birds where they congregate after being attracted to artificial lights. Predation of moth species, like butterflies, is not at its greatest on the adult imago form but rather is greatest on the larval form (Vandermoor personal observations) where they fall victim to a host of predators. Some of these predators include species such as the common Yellow Jacket Wasps, Bald Faced Wasps, Ichneumon Wasps, Braconid Wasps, Tachinid Flies, birds, spiders, rodents and a bevy of others.

The diversity of moth species on Richmond’s Lulu Island is high, the exact number of different species is unknown, but in British Columbia is approximately 11-1 to that of butterflies with this ratio the estimated moth species on the Island could be as high as 200. (Lafontaine and Troubridge 1998). It is unclear how the diversity of moth species has changed on Lulu Island over time, as little data is available. Due to drastic habitat change on the Island from the draining of vast portions of wetlands, habitat loss from encroaching development, and pesticide use, it is plausible that some moth species have already been extirpated.

Lulu Island is well represented by a diversity of moth species (Vandermoor personal observation and collection) and should have at least one if not many more species represented for each family of moths. The families Geometridae and Noctuidae, small to medium sized moths, represent the greatest proportion of moths commonly encountered. Many more families of moths are represented on the Island and these range from very small to very large species.  The largest of these being Antheraea polyphemus a moth of the family Saturniidae (Silk Moths). This extremely large and colorful moth has a 10-15 cm wingspan and can be most easily identified by its size and the large fake eyespot on the dorsal side of each hind wing. When startled, this moth will open its wings rapidly exposing these fake eyes in the hopes of scaring off its attacker or startling it long enough to make a get away to safety. Antheraea polyphemus should be considered rare or uncommon on Lulu Island, however more and more records of this moth are being reported each year.

A few of Lulu Island’s moth species are rarely seen but can be more easily found in the larval form. Two species in particular are the very colorful Arctia caja (Garden Tiger Moth) and Pyrrharctia Isabella (Isabella Tiger Moth). Unlike many other moths, the females of these two species are rarely attracted to artificial light (Oehlke n.d.) and therefore are not readily seen. The Isabella Tiger moth larva is the rust and black colored short bristled haired larva (Woolly Bear caterpillar) that many of us see in the early to late fall walking across paths and roadways in search of a dry sheltered spot to hibernate over the winter. Once winter has passed and temperatures increase enough for these larvae to start moving again, they will begin to feed again on available food plants, generally plantain or dandelion. In late May to early June, these larvae will spin their cocoons and emerge approximately 2-3 weeks later as adult moths.

Two other large sized moth species should be mentioned, as these are often encountered on Lulu Island at dusk around flower gardens. These two species are Hyles lineata (White-Lined Sphinx) and Hyles Gallii (Gallium Sphinx). These large and colorful species have a 6-9 cm wingspan and are commonly referred to as hummingbird moths because the adult moths feed on the nectar of flowers. They can generally be seen at dusk buzzing in and out of flower heads in a hummingbird-like fashion, their wings beating extremely rapidly creating that tell tale hummingbird buzzing sound. The large larvae of these species feed primarily on Fireweed, which can be readily found growing sporadically along ditches, open fields and vacant lots.

Another very interesting little moth with an approximate wingspan of 3 cm is Alypia langtoni (Langton's Forester). This rather uncommon moth is unlike most other local moths in that it is only active during the day and is most fond of bright sunshine and hot temperatures. Also, unlike most other local moths, it is very sensitive to the habitat in which it can thrive. Langton’s Foresters require a wind sheltered habitat normally along the edge of a riparian zone such as a blackberry thicket bordering the sheltered sunny side of a field or forest edge were its larval food plant Fireweed is locally present. Due to this specialized requirement there has been a sharp decline in Langton's Foresters on Lulu Island because of habitat loss from industrial encroachment and urban sprawl.

The rarity of certain moth species on Lulu Island is only partially known due to the overall lack of species lists and field data. One such rarity would certainly be the day flying moth Proserpinus flavofasciata (Yellow-banded Day Sphinx). This extremely rare moth is only known on Lulu Island from one record—two late instar larvae were collected from one of their common food plants—fireweed (Vandermoor personal observation 1992). Other rarities may well exist, but much more study will be required before a clearer understanding of species’ rarities can be made.

Geographically, Lulu Island’s large bodies of water to the south and west make it prime for the influx of migrant moth species that at some point may become permanent residents here. To the immediate East there is little in the way of mountain ranges or other geographical impediments to stop the influx of species that normally would not be present in this area from occurring. It is not uncommon to hear reports of species normally thought only to be resident in areas far removed from here.  The Island still has several intact or partially intact bog systems that are unique and are host to a large array of plants and amphibians that can virtually be found nowhere else on the Island and with increased study, this could include moths that are also found nowhere else on the Island.

The unique peat bog systems of Lulu Island are gold mines of varied plant, animal, amphibian and insect species and great effort should be made to keep them intact, as without these unique ecosystems species could be extirpated or become extinct without us ever realizing they were gone.

C.2  A Partial list of Moths of Lulu Island- Richmond

The following annotated species list for Lulu Island is compiled from information contained in the following references:  Covell 1984, Natural Resources Canada 2003, British Columbia Cranberry Growers Assocation 2000, Natural Resources Canada 2004, and from Vandermoor (various dates).  Other species may be documented for Lulu Island but were not included on this list. Overall, this partial list may reflect only a small fraction of the moth species that currently could be found on Lulu Island in Richmond. A comprehensive systematic study is needed to more clearly understand the species diversity of moths on the Island, in particular in those areas such as intact and semi-intact peat bog systems that are deemed sensitive or threatened.

Polyphemus Moth, Family Saturniidae.

Antherea polyphemus: Large colourful moth averaging 10-15 cm wingspan. The large green, essentially hairless, larvae feed on a wide variety of tree foliage; locally, Hawthorn and Maple are preferred. This moth is locally uncommon but sightings have generally increased over the last several years.

Garden Tiger Moth, Family Arctiidae.

Arctia caja: Medium sized moth with a wingspan of 5-7 cm. This is our most colourful local moth, with deep rich hues of light chocolate brown, bright orange, steel blue, blood red and creamy white. This species, like many species of the Arctiidae family, are extremely variable in colour and pattern; this variable pattern and colouring makes them very popular with collectors. The Larvae are extremely hairy and feed on a wide variety of plants and shrubs; dandelion, plantain and common tansy being some of their favourites. They hibernate over winter as early instar larvae and then begin feeding as temperatures warm. They spin their cocoons in early to mid June and emerge as adult moths in late June to mid July. Arctia caja should be considered locally rare or uncommon, as very few records exist from the Island.

Ruby Tiger Moth, Family Arctiidae.

Phragmatobia fuliginosa: Small to medium sized moth with a wingspan of 2-3 cm. Ruby Tiger has washed out hues of light red colouring throughout. The larvae are hairy and generally light brown in colour but can more uncommonly be dark brown in colour. Larval food plants are extremely varied but as with many Arctiidae; dandelion and plantain are favourites. The Ruby tiger is probably much more common than local records would indicate as this moth is rarely attracted to artificial light and is much more frequently encountered as larvae. Unlike many Arctiidae this species larvae hibernate as last instar larvae rather then early instar larvae. These larvae begin feeding early, once temperatures increase, making this species of Arctiidae one of the earliest species to emerge as adult moths in late April to early May.

Virginian Tiger Moth, Family Arctiidae.

Spilosoma virginica: Medium sized moth with a wingspan of 3-5 cm. The overall colour is white with a light sprinkling of black dots on both the fore and hind wings. The abdomen is white with rusty orange coloured shading and a sprinkling of black spots. The larvae feed on an extremely wide variety of plants, shrubs and flowers. The larvae are extremely hairy and vary in colour from creamy white to yellow brown. These larvae are often encountered feeding in flower gardens were the larvae could cause a substantial amount of damage and are often considered garden pests. This moth is relatively common in early spring.

Isabella Tiger Moth, Family Arctiidae.

Pyrrharctia Isabella: Medium sized moth with a wingspan of 4-6 cm. Overall colouring is diffused shades of orange, yellow and pink. The larvae, commonly referred to as “Woolly Bears”, are the rust and black coloured short bristle haired larvae that are commonly encountered in late August and early September wandering across roads and pathways in search of a winter hibernating location. These larvae feed on a wide variety of plants; in particular plantain and dandelion. When handling these larvae with bare hands caution should be exercised as these short bristled hairs are easily shed and commonly become embedded in the handler’s skin. These hairs have a mild toxin and when embedded in a person’s skin the affected area can become mildly swollen and itchy. This is believed to be a defence mechanism and is not uncommon among certain species of larvae; these types of toxic hairs are referred to as “urcitating”. A common false misconception concerning the colour of these larvae is the more black colouring they have the more severe the winter will be. This is entirely false and simply a reflection of the colour variances between specimens. This is a common species in our area but the adult imago moth is rarely seen partially due to not being overly attracted to lights and for other reasons not yet understood.

Silver Spotted Tiger Moth, Family Arctiidae.

Lophocampa argentata: Medium sized moth with a wingspan approximately 4 cm. Larvae feed particularly on needles of Douglas fir and over winter as third or fourth instar. Larvae feed sporadically throughout the winter in 10 to 20 cm long silken tents. Larval feeding increases in early spring (March-April) as the weather warms. By mid-April the larvae leave their silken nests and feed solitarily for another 2 to 3 weeks. During May and June the mature larvae are often observed wandering on the ground as they seek out sheltered locations in which to spin cocoons and pupate. Adult moths emerge from mid July to mid August. Although relatively common the adult moths are only occasionally seen.

Five lined Sphinx Moth, Family Sphingidae.

Hyles lineata: A large sized moth with a wingspan of approximately 6-9 cm.

Hyles lineata has bright colours of brown, pink, black and white. The common name “Five Lined” refers to the five white lines running horizontally across the dorsal side of the forewings. This is one of two local species of sphinx moths that are commonly referred to as hummingbird moths because the adult moths feed on the nectar of flowers. They can generally be seen at dusk buzzing in and out of flower heads in a hummingbird-like fashion, their wings beating extremely rapidly creating that tell tale hummingbird buzzing sound. The large larvae of these species feed primarily on Fireweed, which can be readily found growing sporadically along ditches, open fields and vacant lots. This moth is commonly seen during the months of July and August. Hyles lineata moths can on rare occasions be seen feeding on the nectar of flowers during the day.

Galium Sphinx or Bedstraw Hawk Moth, Family Sphingidae.

Hyles galli: Large sized moth of 6-7 cm having much the same colouring as the above Five Lined Sphinx but without as much cryptic patterning. Hyles Galli has in years past been very difficult to locate on the Island but over the last 10-15 years has become much less uncommon. Larvae feed on Fireweed and over winter as pupae in the ground were they spin very loose silken cocoons.

One Eyed Sphinx Moth, Family Sphingidae.

Smerinthus cerisyi: Large moth with a wingspan of 6-9 cm. Identification is made reasonably easily due to its large size and the fact that it is the only sphinx moth species in our area with a black central pupil on the fake eyespot of the dorsal side of the hind wing. Larvae feed on the foliage of several species of willow trees and also that of cottonwood and poplar.

Blinded Sphinx Moth, Family Sphingidae.

Paonias excaecatus: Large moth with a wingspan of 6-9 cm. Identification is made easily as this is the only sphinx moth in our area with the outer margin of the fore and hind wings being scalloped. The common name “Blinded Sphinx” refers to the pupil-less eyespot on the hind wings. Locally larvae of this species feed on birch and poplar. The adult moths of this species are rarely seen and have been documented on the Island from less than 10 sightings.

Yellow-Banded Day Sphinx Moth, Family Sphingidae.

Proserpinus flavofasciata: Medium sized moth with a wingspan of 4-5 cm. Known only from two sightings of the larvae feeding on Fireweed; this is possibly the most rare moth on the Island. Proserpinus flavofasciata is part of a small group of sphinx moths commonly referred to as “Bee hawks”. Proserpinus flavofasciata flies only during the day and prefers bright sunshine and hot temperatures; adult moths nectar particularly on dandelion blossoms. This appears to be our only species of “Bee hawk” on the Island and is the first of the local Sphingidae to emerge as adult moths, possibly as early as mid April.

Joined Underwing Moth, Family Noctuidae, Genus Catocala.

Catocala junctura: Large sized moth with a wingspan of 7-8 cm. Size and colour are very much the same as the below Catocala unijuga. Underwing moths are very popular with collectors mostly due to their generally bright coloured hind winds. As with the genus of many moths, identification can be very difficult and this genus Catocala is no exception. Many of these “Underwing” moths are very similar in colour and pattern and require an expert to make a positive identification.

Once Married Underwing Moth, Family Noctuidae, Genus Catocala.

Catocala unijuga: Large sized moth with a wingspan of 6-8 cm. In North America this genus Catocala is well represented, but here on Lulu Island - Richmond this genus is represented only by a few species. The term “Underwing” refers to the generally bright coloured hind wings of this genus as compared to the generally drab coloured forewings. Catocala unijuga hind wing colouring is a vivid salmon colour where as the forewings are a cryptic mix of grey and white. Underwing moths are not readily found on the Island but there are years were they could occasionally be found attracted to artificial light. When disturbed from their resting spot Underwing moths become spooked easily and fly away with reckless abandon. The larvae of Underwings are masters of camouflage; when not feeding they cling inline with a twig where they virtually disappear. These larvae have rows of soft diffuse hairs sticking out horizontally from their bodies that helps camouflage them by blending their sharp body lines with that of their background. Larvae feed on a variety of tree foliage, locally willow and poplar being some of the favourites.

Small Magpie Moth, Family Pyralidae.

Eurrhypara hortulata: A pretty little moth with a wingspan of about 3 cm. The larvae feed on common stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). Larvae leave the food plant in search of pupation locations and oddly enough, often end up finding their way into houses were they successfully pupate and ultimately emerge as moths.

Langton's Forester Moth, Family Noctuidae. Subfamily; Agaristinae.

Alypia langtoni: A very interesting little moth with an approximate wingspan of 3 cm. This rather uncommon moth is unlike most other local moths in that it is only active during the day and is most fond of bright sunshine and hot temperatures. Also, unlike most other local moths, it is very sensitive to the habitat in which it can thrive. Langton’s Foresters require a wind-sheltered habitat, normally along the edge of a riparian zone such as a blackberry thicket bordering the sheltered sunny side of a field or forest edge, where its larval food plant Fireweed is locally present. Due to this specialized requirement there has been a sharp decline in Langton's Foresters on Lulu Island because of habitat loss from industrial encroachment and urban sprawl.

Maple Spanworm Moth, Family Geometridae.

Ennomos magnaria: A medium sized moth with a wingspan of about 4-6 cm. Adult moths have diffuse colours of yellow-orange with rust coloured spotted shading towards the outer margin of the heavily scalloped fore and hind wings. Larvae of the Maple Spanworm moth are part of a large group of larvae commonly referred to as “Inchworms” or “Loopers”. This name is derived from their walking motion - the back half of their body “inches” forward first and is then followed by the front half in a “looping” motion. Larvae feed on a wide variety of deciduous trees, but in our area, poplar and cottonwood would be their favourites. In other parts of Canada and the United States this species can cause significant damage to trees and is considered to be a forest pest.

Winter Moth, Family Geometridae; Subfamily Oenochrominae.

Operophthera brumata: A small drab grey-brown coloured moth with a wingspan of about 2-3 cm. Operophthera brumata is a non-native species that was introduced from Europe into Nova Scotia in 1949. This moth is now fairly wide spread across North America where it causes significant damage to a wide range of forest and ornamental trees and shrubs. The larvae feed in the spring, and pupate in late summer and early fall. Adult moth emergence takes place in the depth of winter, and large numbers of the male moths can be seen flying from mid October to late November. The adult female moths have only very small nubs for wings and are completely flightless.

Spear Marked Black, Family Geometridae; Subfamily Larentiinae.

Rheumaptera hastate: A small moth of 2.5–3.5 cm the Spear Marked Black is uncommon on Lulu Island-Richmond and can only be found in the local pine forests and peat bogs. Outside of the Island this species is relatively common. Typically a day flying moth, it can be seen flying in wet overcast to bright sunshine weather conditions. The base colouring of this moth is black with a white diagonal band running across the forewings, which resemble spear points hence the common name “Spear Marked Black”. The larvae of the Spear Marked Black feeds on species of birch and Bog Myrtle (Myrica gale); birch being common to the area, however Bog Myrtle is not currently listed on the checklist of vascular plants for the RNP or DND properties.

The Scorched Wing Moth, Family Geometridae; Subfamily Ennominae.

Plagodis phlogosaria: A small moth averaging about a 2 cm wingspan, its colouring is rich orange-brown. Larvae feed on a variety of tree foliage including willow, alder and birch. The adult moths are readily attracted to artificial light and at times can be found in abundance.

Arched Hooktip Moth, Family Thyatiridae; Subfamily Drepaninae.

Drepana arcuata: Small to medium sized moth with a wingspan of 2.5-4 cm. Locally not often encountered, this moth has very distinctive arched forewing tips which gives it its common name “Arched Hooktip”.

The Herald Moth, Noctuidae; Subfamily Scoliopteryginae.

Scoliopteryx libatrix: Wingspan approximately 3.5-4.5 cm. One of only a few local moths with heavily scalloped forewings. Larvae feed on foliage of poplars and willows.

Putnam's Looper Moth, Family Noctuidae; Subfamily Euteliinae.

Plusia putnami: A small moth with a wingspan of 3-3.5 cm Putnam’s Looper is a pretty little moth with a forewing base colour of brown-orange, it can be readily identified by small bright silver coloured triangles on the forewings. This moth is often encountered where attracted to artificial light. The larvae feed on grasses and sedges.

No common name, Family Noctuidae; Subfamily Euteliinae.

Autographa pseudogamma: With a small wingspan of between 1.5-2 cm, this moth has a rather non-descript dark to light grey colouring. One easily identified marker is the silver coloured “Y” mark located near the middle portion of the outer costa of the forewing; occasionally this moth is referred to as the “Silver Y” moth. The hind wings are often semi-opaque with a shiny lustre. These moths are often encountered on hot sunny days while walking through open fields where the moths can be found nectaring on a variety of flowers, in particular dandelion blossoms. Larvae feed on a variety of small plants; clover being one of their local favourites.

No common Name, Family Notodontidae.

Pheosia portlandia: A large moth with a wingspan of about 6.5 cm. The overall colouring is red-brown and is common in wet coastal forests. These moths fly from early spring to early fall. Larvae feed on the foliage of willow, aspen, and poplar and are some of only a few larvae outside of Sphingidae to have a caudal horn. A caudal horn is a horn- like protuberance located on the dorsal side of the rear of the larvae. I could not cite any specific information for the use of this horn and believe it has no particular use.

American Swordgrass Moth, Family Noctuidae; Subfamily Cuculliinae.

Xylena nupera: A medium sized moth with a wingspan of 3-5 cm. The overall colouring is various shades of brown and creamy white. When resting, this moth folds its wings back and flat against its body giving the elusion that it is a piece of wood or other form of dead vegetation. Larvae feed on various plants and tree foliage; locally willow, poplar, alder and blueberry. This moth hibernates as an adult, and flies from early April to early June.

Pepper and Salt Geometer Moth, Family Geometridae.

Biston betularia: A medium sized moth with a wingspan of about 4-4.5 cm. Although not uncommon, this moth is rarely seen. The common name “Pepper and Salt” refers to the overall colouring, which is black and white and appears to have been sprinkled with pepper and salt. Larval food plants are varied but locally, birch is likely their main larval food source. In Europe this moth is very common and much study has been done on the effects air pollution has on the colouring of this moth. European Pepper and Salt moths seem to take on a darker colour were air pollution is greatest.

Labrador Carpet Moth, Subfamily Larentiinae.

Xanthorhoe labradorensis: A rather non-descript pale brown-grey moth with an average wingspan of about 2-2.5 cm. Local larval food source is likely hemlock. Moths are often found where they have been attracted to artificial light.

Plume Moth, Family Pterophoridae; Subfamily Pterophorinae.

Emmelina monodactyla: A small unusual moth with a wingspan of 1.5-2.5 cm. This moth is commonly referred to as a “Plume” moth due to the wing venation structure, which resemble feather plumes. Due to this unusual wing structure it appears that this moth has five wings per side, but in fact only has the regular two per side. The forewing is structured to look as though it has two and the hind wing is structured to look as though it has three. The adult moths of this subfamily are highly attracted to artificial lighting and when at rest, hold their wings out horizontally from their body taking on the shape of the letter “T” and therefore are sometimes referred to as “T” moths. Larvae may feed locally on the foliage of Morning Glory.

Morning Glory Prominent Moth, Family Notodontidae.

Schizura ipimoeae: Small to medium sized moth with a wingspan of 3.5-4.5 cm. Adult moths are highly variable in both colouring and patterning but are generally grey-brown with dark brown-black streaks near the outer portions of the fore and hind wings. Locally larvae feed on birch, maple, morning glory and others.

Cottonwood Dagger Moth, Family Noctuidae; Subfamily Arconictinae.

Acronicta lepusculina: Medium sized moth with a wingspan of 4-5 cm. Colouring is ash grey throughout with faint white streaks running across the forewings. Local larval food plants would include birch, cottonwood, willow and poplar.

No common name, Family Noctuidae; Subfamily Noctuinae.

Euxoa Olivia: This medium sized moth has a wingspan of about 4 cm and has medium grey coloured forewings and very light semi-opaque coloured hind wings. Larvae are part of a family whose larvae are commonly referred to as cutworms.

No common name, Family Noctuidae.

Eurois occulta: Medium sized moth with a wingspan of 5-6 cm, generally grey in colour with two white blotches on the mid costa of the forewing. Larvae over-winter as partly grown larvae. Larvae are present from April to June and pupation occurs June to July. Adult moths are in flight from July to September. Principal larval food sources are western red cedar and may also include blueberry. Larvae of this family are often referred to as cutworms.

Flame Shouldered Dart Moth, Family Noctuidae.

Ochropleura implecta: Medium sized moth with 4-5 cm wingspan. The larvae of this moth caused economic damage on dry-pick cranberry farms in Richmond in 1997 and 1998. Adult moths fly, mate, and lay eggs from mid-May until late June, and again from late July until late August. Larvae feed at night and are particularly fond of berries. They partially consume both unripe and ripe cranberries in July and August.

No common name, Family Noctuidae.

Zotheca tranquilla; A pretty moth with a wingspan of about 3.5 cm. The forewing is white with a green median band and thin wavy basal and post median lines; the hind wing is white. Larvae feed exclusively on Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis).

Zebra caterpillar Moth, Family Noctuidae; Subfamily Hadeninae.

Melanchra picta: Adult moths are reddish-brown and grey with a wingspan of about 2.5-4 cm. The larvae are easily distinguished by two bright yellow stripes running along each side of the body and separated by alternating black and white stripes running around the body, the legs and head are red. These larvae can be found defoliating a variety of broadleaf field and vegetable crops, ornamental trees and flowers. It is generally not considered to be a serious pest.

Raspberry Crown Borer Moth, Family Sesiidae.

Bembecia marginata: The adult moths are Yellow Jacket Wasp mimics and could easily be confused with a wasp, the wingspan is 3-4 cm. Adult moths fly during the day and can often be seen in raspberry fields or blackberry thickets from late May to mid June. Each female moth lives about a week and lays some 100 eggs singly on the undersides of the berry leaves. The eggs hatch into larvae and crawl down to the base of the cane and form an over-wintering cell inside the stem of the plant. The life cycle requires two full years for development into an adult moth. In some areas of Canada and the United States these larvae cause considerable damage to raspberry crops although on Lulu Island- Richmond I believe this moth to be rather uncommon.

Speckled Green Fruit worm Moth, Family Noctuidae; Subfamily Hadeninae.

Orthosia hibisci:  A small to medium sized moth with a wingspan of about 3-4 cm. The principal hosts plants are spruce, Douglas fir, willow and birch but can also be serious pests of apple orchards and vegetable gardens.