Minnesota Biological Survey entomologist, Kyle Johnson, reports on some rare findings he made on his recent trek throughout southeastern Minnesota's Blufflands.
"April 7-9, I toured the Blufflands of southeastern Minnesota (Winona, Olmsted, Fillmore, and Houston counties). Spectacular scenery and an excellent abundance and diversity of moths brought on by warm weather, including a handful of species I'd never seen before in Minnesota. A sprinkling of early spring wildflowers and macro-wildlife were an added bonus. Most of the moth pictures are at rotten banana-brown sugar bait.
A particularly noteworthy finding was the moth, Lithophane franclemonti. This moth was first discovered in Minnesota in 2015 and is currently known from three sites (two of these added with this most recent expedition) in the Blufflands ecological subsection. Many more sites await discovery as potential habitat (hilly deciduous woodland near prairie/old field openings) is extensive in the Blufflands. Globally this species has a limited range centered on the unglaciated region of western Wisconsin, southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, and northwestern Illinois, with a few isolated records farther east."
Sharp-lobed hepatica (Anemone acutiloba) at Partridge Creek, Olmstead County. Note the small beetle on the upper right flower; many beetle species frequent flowers and thus comprise an important group of pollinators.
An Orthosia hibisci moth feeding on rotten banana-brown sugar bait seen at Partridge Creek, Olmsted County. Like many moths, this species feeds on sweet sugary substances such as flower nectar or sap flows.
Numerous Orthosia hibisci moths feeding on rotten banana-brown sugar bait, at Partridge Creek, Olmsted County. This species is likely a significant pollinator in Minnesota since it is abundant and widespread across much of the state.
A Lithophane scottae moth found at Partridge Creek, Olmsted County. This species is locally common in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin but is rarely encountered elsewhere in its eastern North American range.
Giant Water Bug, Lethocerus americanus, at Partridge Creek, Olmsted County. This formidably large insect can give a painful bite if handled carelessly. They are common in aquatic habitats across much of Minnesota, and are often attracted to artificial lights.
Pyreferra pettiti at Partridge Creek, Olmsted County. This a fairly common moth of deciduous forests in Minnesota.
Spider preying on Lithophane semiusta at Partridge Creek, Olmsted County. Moths are the dominant herbivores of terrestrial ecosystems, and are an important food sources for many animals.
Common Claybank Tiger Beetle (Cicindela limbalis) at Mound Prairie SNA. Despite the name this species is uncommon and local in southern Minnesota, but becomes more common in the northern counties.
Erastria coloraria at Mound Prairie SNA. This moth is found in prairies, savannas, and barrens with ample New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) or Narrow-leaved New Jersey Tea (C. herbaceous), upon which the caterpillars feed.
