Another sure sign of fall - in addition to the woollybears crossing the road - is the appearance of ctenuchid moths on the last blooming flowers of the summer (ctneuchid is pronounced with a silent "cee") . These attractive moths have the unusual habit of flying during the daytime. Their vague resemble to wasps might impart some measure of protection from predators as they sit quietly on flowers for long periods of time. Most of the approximately 2000 species of ctenuchid moths in the United States are tropical species restricted to the southern states.

The Ctenuchids typical to our area have dark brown to almost black smoky wings and a shiny metallic blue-black body. The head and collar region are bright orange, and the wings are fringed with white.

Ctenuchid caterpillars feed on grasses, sedges and other plants. The caterpillars are not pests in our area and neither are the moths. Ctenuchid moths on flowers are another interesting and colorful reminder of nature's diversity.

This week's photos were submitted by Dr. Loren Hansen, Kingsley, IA (Plymouth County).