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November 29, 2020
We're reaching into the archives for today's #BenInNature update! The following post was originally published on April 20, 2020.
Everyone loves butterflies, but moths often don't get the respect they deserve. Sure, a lot of moths are kind of drab, but there are plenty of beautiful moths out there, too. Case in point: Dryocampa rubicunda, also known as the rosy maple moth. This moth belongs to the family Saturniidae -- the great silk moths -- which includes some of the largest moths in the world.
The rosy maple moth definitely isn't a giant, but its fuzzy pastel coloration makes it a striking sight nonetheless. As the common name suggests, the caterpillars of these moths prefer to feed on the leaves of maple trees. While they can cause aesthetic damage, they won't kill your maple tree. Once the caterpillars turn into moths, they won't damage your maple tree at all; like all moths in the family Saturniidae, the adults do not eat!
ABOUT #BenInNature
Social distancing can be difficult, but it presents a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. In this series of posts, Administrator of Science Ben Williams ventures outdoors to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world. New updates are posted Monday - Friday, with previous posts highlighted on the weekends.
NEW: TRIVIA CHALLENGE
You've seen the posts. You've learned the facts. Now, it's time to prove you are a #BenInNature Mega Fan! The museum's education team has developed the #BenInNature Trivia Challenge to identify the most devoted fans out there! Everyone who successfully answers each trivia question correctly will be congratulated by having your own nature selfie posted to the museum's #BenInNature Mega Fan Photo Album on the official VMNH Facebook page! Learn more and download the trivia challenge today by visiting www.vmnh.net/research-collections/beninnature-trivia-challenge.
NATURE PHOTO IDENTIFICATIONSIf you discover something in nature that you would like help identifying, be sure to message us right here on Facebook with a picture (please include location and date of picture) and we'll have our experts help you identify it!
