It’s been a productive early spring for Nebraska moth enthusiasts. Three species have been added to our states moth list in the past week. Two new species were among the moths Colin Croft attracted to lights on April 7 in Scotts Bluff County. The first Egira rubrica is western in distribution with Colin’s record being the easternmost North American record. Larvae are reported to feed on numerous hardwood trees and shrubs with Ceanothus ssp. being most often mentioned.
Colin’s second find that night was Sympistis figurata, another western species reaching its eastern limits in western Nebraska. Closely related species feed on Snowberry (Symphoricarpos ssp.)
The third new species comes from the other end of the state. On April 15 Elizabeth Hilkemann found a Red Spotted Glyph (Maliattha concinnimacula) under a light on their shed in rural Lancaster County. Larval host plants of this attractive moth are unknown.
A great start to the year. Thanks to Colin and Elizabeth.