An experiment

This is the first in a series of short videos in which nothing happens.



  

Short video in which nothing happens #2

  

365 Urban Species. #085: Winter Moth

Urban species #085: Winter moth Operophtera brumata

Winter moth, an invasive insect from Europe, has been known as a pest of dozens of different tree species, for many years, on both coasts of Canada. In recent years it has troubled New England. The first known appearance of the moth in "outbreak proportions" in the area, was in 2003, in and around Boston. Forestry experts and entomologists are nervous that this plain brown moth will devastate fruit trees and maples.

Of course, it's the larva of the moth that causes the damage. The young winter moth is a small green inchworm with a voracious appetite for the new buds of trees. Other plants such as roses and blueberries can be victimized as well. Large infestations of the caterpillars can so weaken the trees that they do not survive.

Winter moth is interesting for a few other reasons. As its name spells out, the adult moth is active in winter, when there are very few other insects to be seen. Any winter moths seen flying about, are males. The females have reduced, non-functioning wings. They crawl to a place to mate and lay eggs--the males are attracted to their pheremones. Swarms of flying male winter moths can indicate the either the presence of females, or a light source that confuses their lunar-oriented navigation.
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