2017 February 24

   Note that today is February 24.  Last year the first butterflies reported for the year were on February 25!  (A Mourning Cloak and a Satyr Comma.)

   Dar Churcher sends us an interesting silhouette of Alucita montana from Metchosin, February 23.

Alucita montana (Lep.:  Alucitidae)   Dar Churcher

   She also sends a picture of a spider and spiderlings.  Robb Bennett writes:  Not entirely sure, but I think it is a female Parasteatoda tepidariorum with spiderlings emerging from her two egg sacs.  A common cob-web spider (Theridiidae)  found in and around homes around the world.

Parasteatoda tepidariorum (Ara.: Theridiidae) Dar Churcher

   Ian Cruickshank sends a photograph of a mass of eggs of the Vapourer Moth (also called Rusty Tussock) laid by the flightless female on her own cocoon, Sidney Island, February 24.

Vapourer Moth Orgyia antiqua (Lep.: Erebidae – Lymantriinae)   Ian Cruickshank