City: Taylorsville
Region: Piedmont
Mothy-ness Rating:
Orange Stripe-backed Moth
Battaristis vittella
Small Engrailed
Ectropis crepuscularia
Posturing Arta Moth
Arta statalis
Black-banded Owlet
Phalaenostola larentioides
Observation and species totals stats are from the iNaturalist Alexander County NCUCMP project page. County and State Records are based upon data from the Moths of NC website.
Total Observations: 164
Total Species: 119
New State Records:
Host Plants noted at survey site
Oak, Pine, Hickory, Tulip Poplar, Cherry
Moon Phase
Waning Crescent
Located in a rural area along Route 16, this property seemed less than an ideal mothing survey site at first glance. The lot was mostly lawn with some young growth of trees. The location once had at least 4 trailer homes, only two remained. A solid waste collection site was adjacent to the property. There was a good mix of host trees and the first time encountering native flowering plants at a site. Species of Joe Pye Weed and Goldenrod were noted. The sheets were set up inside of mowed pathways that were once driveways to the long-gone trailers.
I didn’t expect much of a turnout from this location because it didn’t give off a moth vibe. The young trees didn’t seem like they would be host to caterpillars or moths. I was pleasantly surprised! I easily observed over 100 species on the first night. The weather was hot, humid, with no breeze or possibility of a passing thunderstorm. Though the solid waste center had bright lights, the rest of the yard was fairly dark. Due to a flat tire I was only able to complete one night of observations.
