I got a whole one night of black-lighting in this season, when Miguel and I headed to Engelmann Woods Natural Area in Franklin County, Mo in early August. For only a few hours in a single night, our results were pretty fun. Here are some of what I have gotten around to processing so far.
Clouded Underwing (Catocala nebulosa) Erebidae, Hodges#8796
This one wouldn’t open up his wings to show the pink tones that are hiding on the dorsal side of its hind wings. Nonetheless, the pattern and warm tones make this a very handsome species. Now I just need to find the beautiful larvae!
Owlfly (Ululodes sp.) Ascalaphidae
These guys show up to the lights from time to time and it’s always a nice treat to find them.
Eastern Hercules Beetle (Dynastes tityus) Scarabaeidae
It’s a party when one of these shows up. This is the third individual I’ve been able to find and they were all females. I want to find a male badly!
Heitzman’s Dagger Moth (Acronicta heitzmani) Noctuidae, Hodges#9241.1
Not only is this a very attractive dagger moth (a group I’m becoming much more interested in), but is a really special species for Missouri and a real privilege to find and photograph. Missouri is a stronghold in the range of this species and the type specimen was collected at Truman State Park. It was named for the late lepidopterist, Richard Heitzman – author of the “Butterflies and Moths of Missouri” books published by the MDC. To my knowledge, the larvae of this species has yet to be found or photographed.
Small engrailed (Ectropis crepuscularia) Geometridae. Hodges#6597
We also found some time to do a little caterpillar hunting. The larvae of this Geometrid are known by the name of saddleback looper. This one was found on persimmon (Diospyros virginiana).
Skiff moth (Prolimacodes badia) Limacodidae, Hodges#4671
Limacodid, or “slug” moths are known to be some of the first and most abundant moths attracted to lights and I always feel a bit guilty to see them trapped against the sheets while black-lighting. Even on the slowest evenings, you can usually count on a skiff moth or several to make an appearance.
These are the highlights from black-lighting in 2023. I hope to get out for this a few more times next year.
Thanks for visiting!
OZB
A Thousand Acres of Silphiums 
A great haul for the night, was a good time. You are missing the Belle of the Ball.
Oh shoot. The imperial! Forgot about her. Will add. Thanks