Mary Hunter thought she had found a colorful wildflower in the grasses on a recent hike with friends. It turned out to be a moth that is only seen in the summer months - an Elegant Sheep Moth, Hemileuca eglanterina.
This beautiful moth is a native of California and feeds on Ceanothus, Coffeeberry and the Rose family.
Thanks to Mary for allowing me to share her photo with you here.
Patricia McBratney recently noticed a colorful moth in her garden on The Sea Ranch. She sent me several photographs to see if I knew what is was. Will Ericson to the rescue! Will identified the moth as a Hemileuca eglanterina, subspecies shastaensis, which is commonly called an Elegant Sheepmoth. In one photo there are two moths. Will explained the female was higher on the blade of grass and had attracted a male to mate with her. This is a rare sighting in the Mendonoma Coast and I'm very happy Patricia allowed me to share these photos with you.
