Signature Experience

ATLAS

by JEN LEWIN

NOV 15 - FEB 16

ATLAS by Jen Lewin

24 Handcrafted & hand-painted etheral glowing moths

On view at Discovery Green’s Brown Promenade

Friday, Nov. 15 – Sunday, Feb. 16; 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

ATLAS, by internationally recognized artist Jen Lewin, is an interactive public art installation featuring 24 handcrafted and hand-painted ethereal glowing moths on a monumental scale.

These majestic creatures will be suspended from the trees of the Brown Promenade, reacting to the movement of visitors. Each moth, meticulously crafted by hand, represents a unique endangered North American moth species.

The moths symbolize the vital role these creatures play in the natural lifecycle of plants and trees in the region.

EXPLORE: The 24 endangered moths that constitute ATLAS

(Photos by Nicki Evans)

Atlas is a copyright-protected artwork by Jen Lewin Studio.

Schedule

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Scroll over and click each moth below for more info

The information below has been compiled by Jen Lewin Studio.

Arefacta Flower Moth

Arefacta Flower Moth – Schinia arefacta (Endangered: 2012) – GA, FL – G2

The Arefacta Flower Moth (Schinia arefacta) is a rare species of moth belonging to the Noctuidae family, native to the southeastern United States, particularly found in states like Georgia and Florida.

Habitat

Geographical Range:: across Georgia and Florida located in Sandy wildflower prone areas.
Preferred Environment: This moth thrives in areas with abundant wildflowers, as its larvae feed on a variety of flowering plants. It is particularly associated with habitats like sandhills, coastal dunes, and dry open woodlands, where its host plants grow naturally.
Host Plants: Specific host plants for its larvae are typically species in the Asteraceae family: Aster, Thistles, BlazingStar, Ironweed weed.

Conservation Status

Endangered: The Arefacta Flower Moth has been listed as endangered since 2012. Its primary threats include habitat loss due to urban development, agricultural expansion, and invasive plant species that disrupt the growth of native flora.
Conservation Efforts: To protect this species, conservation initiatives focus on preserving its natural habitats and promoting the growth of native wildflowers. Controlled burns and habitat restoration projects in sandy areas have been beneficial in maintaining an environment conducive to its survival.

Schinia arefacta

Barrens Metarranthis Moth

Barrens Metarranthis Moth - Metarranthis apiciaria (Endangered: 2005) - (MA, CT, IL, ID) USA

A moth species belonging to the family Geometridae, commonly known as geometer moths.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: This species is primarily found in parts of the northeastern United States, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois, and Idaho.
Habitat: The Barrens Metarranthis Moth has a specific affinity for pine barrens, scrub oak habitats, and other fire-maintained environments. These ecosystems are typically sandy, open, and nutrient-poor, requiring periodic fire disturbance to maintain the balance of plant species.
Host Plants: The larvae are thought to feed on various woody shrubs and low vegetation associated with barrens habitats, though specific plant relationships are not thoroughly documented.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adult moths are usually active in late spring to early summer, when they can be found resting on trees or in leaf litter during the day. Their peak activity is at night, as they are primarily nocturnal.
Larval Behavior: The larvae are likely twig mimics, camouflaging themselves as sticks to avoid predation. This is a common adaptation in the Geometridae family.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: The Barrens Metarranthis Moth is listed with a G2 conservation status, meaning it is considered imperiled due to its restricted range and habitat requirements.
Endangered Year: Listed as endangered in 2005.
Threats: This moth’s primary threat is habitat loss, primarily due to development, forestry practices, and the suppression of natural fire cycles. Pine barrens and scrub oak environments are sensitive and have been significantly reduced due to land conversion and fire suppression, which disrupts the natural ecological processes.
Conservation Efforts: Conservation strategies for Metarranthis apiciaria focus on preserving and restoring pine barrens habitats, including controlled burns to mimic natural fire cycles. These burns help maintain open spaces and prevent invasive species from taking over.

Unique Habitat Requirements: This species’ preference for fire-dependent ecosystems highlights the importance of fire as a natural process in maintaining biodiversity in certain habitats.

Metarranthis apiciaria

Blanchard's Sphinx Moth

Blanchard's Sphinx Moth - Adhemarius blanchardorum (Endangered: 1995) - TX

A rare species of moth in the Sphingidae family, known for its powerful flight and distinct appearance. Endemic to parts of Texas, this species faces challenges due to its limited range and specific habitat needs.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Blanchard's Sphinx Moth is primarily found in Texas, USA. Due to its limited range, it is considered endemic to the region.
Habitat: It prefers woodland areas, particularly those that support the growth of its larval host plants. It’s found in environments that provide suitable food sources for both larvae and adults and sufficient cover for protection.
Host Plants: The larvae are thought to feed on plants in the Oleaceae family, such as ash trees (Fraxinus species), which are native to the area. However, there may be other host plants in its range that have yet to be documented.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Flight and Feeding: Adult moths are strong fliers and typically active at dusk or nighttime. They have a long proboscis, which allows them to feed on nectar from tubular flowers, contributing to pollination.

Conservation Status

Endangered Status: Blanchard's Sphinx Moth was listed as endangered in 1995.
Conservation Ranking: It holds a G1 conservation status, meaning it is critically imperiled due to its highly restricted range and population size.
Primary Threats: The primary threats to this moth include habitat loss, urban development, and possibly the use of pesticides in its limited range. Fragmentation of its habitat in Texas can restrict access to host plants and feeding resources.
Conservation Efforts: Efforts to conserve Blanchard's Sphinx Moth focus on habitat preservation, particularly by protecting woodlands and ensuring the survival of host plant species. Conservationists are also monitoring the effects of urban encroachment and pollution in its habitat.

Indicator Species: This species can act as an indicator of ecosystem health due to its sensitivity to environmental changes, particularly within limited habitats.

Adhemarius blanchardorum

Bog Buck Moth

Bog Buck Moth - Hemileuca maia menyanthevora (Endangered: 2023) - New York, and Ontario, Canada

The Bog Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia menyanthevora) is a subspecies of the Buck Moth, belonging to the Saturniidae family, known for its unique habitat preferences and striking appearance. This moth is a rare and endangered subspecies with a limited distribution, primarily in New York and Ontario, Canada. Taxonomy and Classification

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: This subspecies is limited to select areas in New York, USA, and Ontario,I
Habitat: As the name suggests, the Bog Buck Moth is adapted to bog habitats—wetland areas with acidic soil and specific plant communities, including sedges and shrubs. This bog environment is essential for the moth's survival, as it provides the necessary host plants for its larvae.
Host Plants: The larvae primarily feed on bog-specific plants, especially leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata), a common shrub in North American bogs. The presence of these plants is critical to the lifecycle of the Bog Buck Moth.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Life Cycle: Like other silk moths, the Bog Buck Moth undergoes complete metamorphosis, which includes egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult stages.
Larvae: The caterpillars are black with spiny, bristled bodies that help protect them from predators. They are known for feeding on leatherleaf plants and may form aggregations, which provides further protection through group mimicry.
Adults: Adult Bog Buck Moths are diurnal (active during the day) and emerge in late summer to early fall. Males are strong fliers and actively search for females, which release pheromones to attract them.
Reproduction: Females lay eggs in clusters on twigs or leaves of host plants. The eggs overwinter, hatching in spring when the food plants are readily available, aligning the larval stage with the growth cycle of the host plants.

Conservation Status

Endangered Status: The Bog Buck Moth was listed as endangered in 2023 due to its extremely restricted range and the fragility of its habitat.
Conservation Ranking: While specific conservation rankings like G1, G2, etc., for this subspecies may vary regionally, the moth’s status as endangered highlights its vulnerability.
Primary Threats: The Bog Buck Moth faces significant threats from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Development of wetland areas, pesticide use, and alterations in water levels can disrupt the delicate bog ecosystems on which it relies.
Conservation Efforts: Efforts to conserve the Bog Buck Moth are focused on preserving bog habitats and preventing further degradation of these sensitive ecosystems. This may include conservation easements, bog restoration projects, and legal protections for wetland areas. Monitoring and research initiatives are also critical for understanding population trends and habitat needs.

Pollination: While adult Bog Buck Moths are not significant pollinators due to their short lifespan as adults (They Have No Mouths), the caterpillars play an important role in bog ecosystems by helping regulate the growth of host plants.
Indicator Species: The Bog Buck Moth serves as an indicator species for the health of bog habitats. Its presence or absence can provide valuable information about the state of these ecosystems and the impacts of environmental changes.

Hemileuca maia menyanthevora

Bowman's Tiger Moth

Bowman's Tiger Moth - Apantesis bowmani (Endangered: 2002) - Western and Northern USA

A member of the family Erebidae, known for its striking coloration and role in grassland ecosystems. This moth is notable for its habitat preferences and conservation concerns due to habitat loss.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found in the western and northern regions of the United States.
Habitat: Prefers open grasslands, prairies, and sunlit woodland edges. These habitats are often maintained through natural disturbances like periodic fires or grazing.
Host Plants: Larvae feed on a variety of grasses and herbaceous plants, including clover and other low-lying vegetation.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are primarily active during the summer months and are nocturnal, often seen near light sources at night.
Larval Behavior: Caterpillars are hairy and known to feed on grasses and other host plants. They use their spiny bodies as a defense mechanism to deter predators.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: G2, indicating it is imperiled due to habitat specificity and decline.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2002.
Threats: Habitat loss due to urban development and agricultural expansion. Fire suppression has also impacted the open grassland ecosystems required for their survival.
Conservation Efforts: Focused on preserving and restoring grasslands through controlled burns and habitat management practices.
Indicator Species: This moth's presence indicates the health of grassland ecosystems.

Apantesis bowmani

Chinati Sheepmoth

Hemileuca chinatiensis

Dark Stoneroot Borer Moth

Dark Stoneroot Borer Moth - Papaipema duplicatus (Endangered: 2022) - Pennsylvania, USA

A member of the family Noctuidae, known for its specialized larval feeding habits. This species is closely tied to its host plant and specific habitat requirements.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found primarily in Pennsylvania and surrounding regions in the eastern United States.
Habitat: Prefers damp woodlands and areas with a high presence of its host plant, stoneroot (Collinsonia).
Host Plants: The larvae feed specifically on stoneroot, making this plant crucial for their development.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are active in late summer and early fall. They are nocturnal and attracted to light.
Larval Behavior: Caterpillars bore into the stems of stoneroot plants, where they feed and develop before pupating.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: G1, indicating it is critically imperiled due to its narrow habitat and host plant reliance.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2022.
Threats: Habitat loss due to deforestation, land conversion, and decline of host plants.
Conservation Efforts: Focused on protecting woodlands where stoneroot grows and promoting native plant conservation.
Indicator Species: Indicates the health of woodland plant communities.

Papaipema duplicatus

Dark-banded Flower Gem Moth

Dark-banded Flower Gem Moth - Melaporphyria immortua (Endangered: 2004) - Michigan and Canada

A rare species in the Noctuidae family, known for its subtle yet distinctive appearance and restricted range.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found in Michigan and parts of Canada, primarily in regions with native wildflowers.
Habitat: Prefers open meadows and areas where its host plants are abundant.
Host Plants: The larvae feed on various native wildflowers, which provide essential nourishment during development.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are most active during the late summer months and are nocturnal, often attracted to artificial lights.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars are well-camouflaged and feed on wildflower foliage, blending in with their surroundings.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: G2, suggesting the species is imperiled due to its limited distribution and habitat requirements.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2004.
Threats: Habitat loss from agricultural development, urbanization, and invasive plant species that displace native wildflowers.
Conservation Efforts: Include preserving meadows and promoting native wildflower growth.
Indicator Species: Reflects the health of native meadow ecosystems and wildflower diversity.

Melaporphyria immortua

Double-tufted Wasp Moth

Double-tufted Wasp Moth - Didasys belae (Endangered: 2020) - FL, AL

A unique moth in the family Erebidae, the Double-tufted Wasp Moth is notable for its wasp-mimicking appearance, which serves as a defense mechanism against predators.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found in parts of Florida and Alabama.
Habitat: Prefers subtropical and tropical environments, including coastal regions and areas with abundant vegetation.
Host Plants: Caterpillars typically feed on plants in the Euphorbiaceae family, which are found in the moth's native range.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are primarily active during warmer months and are diurnal, unusual for many moth species. They mimic the appearance of wasps to avoid predation.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars feed on their host plants, camouflaging themselves in foliage for protection.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: G3, indicating vulnerability due to habitat specificity and decline.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2020.
Threats: Habitat destruction due to urban development, deforestation, and agricultural expansion.
Conservation Efforts: Focused on protecting coastal habitats and ensuring the growth of native host plants.
Indicator Species: Indicates the health of subtropical coastal ecosystems.
Host Plants: Typically plants in the Euphorbiaceae family found in its native range.

Didasys belae

Fabulous Green Sphinx Moth

Fabulous Green Sphinx Moth - Tinostoma smaragditis (Endangered: 1986) - Kauai, HI

This rare member of the Sphingidae family is known for its stunning green coloration and specialized habitat on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Restricted to the island of Kauai in Hawaii.
Habitat: Prefers tropical forests and regions with dense, native vegetation. The moth relies on undisturbed, humid environments.
Host Plants: Caterpillars are believed to feed on native Hawaiian plants, though specific host plant relationships are not well-documented.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are nocturnal and active throughout the year, with peaks in activity during rainy seasons.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars are camouflaged and adapted to blend into their leafy environment to avoid predators.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: Not specifically ranked, but endangered.
Endangered Year: Listed in 1986.
Threats: Habitat loss due to invasive plant species, urban development, and climate change.
Conservation Efforts: Focused on invasive species control, habitat preservation, and promoting native plant growth.
Indicator Species: Reflects the health of Hawaii’s unique forest ecosystems.

Tinostoma smaragditis

Half-banded Bryolymnia Moth

Half-banded Bryolymnia Moth - Bryolymnia semifascia (Endangered: 2006) - CO, UT, AZ, NM, USA

A moth in the Noctuidae family, known for its subtle coloring and preference for arid and semi-arid habitats in the western United States.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Habitat: Prefers arid and semi-arid regions, including desert edges and scrublands with native shrubs.
Host Plants: The larvae feed on native desert plants, often specific to the arid regions in which the moth is found.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are nocturnal and typically active in the summer, flying at night and attracted to light sources.
Larval Behavior: Caterpillars are adapted to blend into the sandy or rocky background of their habitats for camouflage.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: G2, indicating that the species is imperiled.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2006.
Threats: Habitat loss due to human development, mining, and changes in native vegetation.
Conservation Efforts: Include preserving desert and scrub habitats and promoting the growth of native plants.
Indicator Species: Reflects the ecological health of arid and semi-arid regions.

Bryolymnia semifascia

Kern Primrose Sphinx Moth

Kern Primrose Sphinx Moth - Euproserpinus euterpe (Endangered: 1978) - CA - G1

A highly imperiled moth species in the Sphingidae family, known for its association with specific host plants in California’s unique ecosystems.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found exclusively in California, particularly in areas with specific native vegetation.
Habitat: Prefers open areas with sandy soils, such as the edges of desert and grassland habitats, where its host plants grow.
Host Plants: The caterpillars primarily feed on the Camissonia species (evening primrose), which are native to their sandy habitat.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are active in early spring and are diurnal, flying during the day to find mates and lay eggs.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars are adapted to feed on primrose and camouflage themselves against the sand to avoid predation.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: G1, meaning it is critically imperiled.
Endangered Year: Listed in 1978.
Threats: Habitat loss from urban development, agriculture, and invasive plant species that outcompete native flora.
Conservation Efforts: Include habitat protection, monitoring populations, and promoting the growth of host plants.
Indicator Species: Serves as an indicator for the health of California’s sandy and open habitats, supporting conservation of other species reliant on similar environments.

Euproserpinus euterpe

White-streaked Lichen Moth

White-streaked Lichen Moth - Cisthene conjuncta (Endangered: 2002) - TX, USA

A moth species in the family Erebidae, known for its unique coloration and preference for lichen-covered environments.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found primarily in Texas, USA.
Habitat: Prefers forested areas with abundant lichen growth, often found in regions with healthy tree cover and clean air, as lichens are sensitive to air pollution.
Host Plants: Larvae feed on lichens growing on tree bark and rocks.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are nocturnal and active during the summer months, drawn to light sources at night.
Larval Behavior: The larvae camouflage themselves among the lichen to avoid predation and feed on the lichen as their primary food source.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: Not specifically ranked but considered endangered.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2002.
Threats: Habitat loss due to urbanization and deforestation, as well as air pollution that reduces lichen growth.
Conservation Efforts: Focus on protecting lichen-rich forests and reducing air pollution.
Indicator Species: Reflects the health of lichen communities and air quality in its habitat.

Cisthene conjuncta

Manitoba Oakworm Moth

Manitoba Oakworm Moth - Anisota manitobensis (Endangered: 2011) - North America, primarily Manitoba - G2

A member of the Saturniidae family, known for its large, colorful caterpillars and striking adult appearance.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Primarily found in southern Manitoba and extending to parts of northern North Dakota and Minnesota.
Habitat: Prefers deciduous forests, especially those dominated by oak trees.
Host Plants: The larvae primarily feed on oak trees (Quercus species).

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are active in mid to late summer and are nocturnal.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars are large and brightly colored, feeding on oak leaves and known for their gregarious feeding behavior.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: G2, indicating the species is imperiled.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2011.
Threats: Habitat loss due to deforestation, land development, and the decline of oak forests.
Conservation Efforts: Include protecting and preserving oak-dominated forests and managing land use.
Indicator Species: Serves as a measure of the health of oak forest ecosystems.

Anisota manitobensis

Michigan Dune Dart Moth

Michigan Dune Dart Moth - Copablepharon michiganensis (Endangered: 2007) - MI, WI

A species in the Noctuidae family, adapted to the unique dune ecosystems of the Great Lakes region.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found in Michigan and Wisconsin, particularly along the shores of the Great Lakes.
Habitat: Prefers sand dune habitats, where native grasses and plants grow.
Host Plants: The larvae feed on native dune vegetation, including grasses and small herbaceous plants that stabilize the dunes.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are nocturnal and active in late summer.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars are adapted to blend with the sandy environment for camouflage and feed on dune vegetation.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: Not specifically ranked, but endangered.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2007.
Threats: Habitat loss due to human activity, such as coastal development and recreational use of dunes, which disrupts native vegetation.
Conservation Efforts: Efforts include protecting dune habitats and promoting native vegetation growth.
Indicator Species: Reflects the health of dune ecosystems.

Copablepharon michiganensis

Okefenokee Zale Moth

Okefenokee Zale Moth - Zale perculta (Endangered: 2004) - FL, GA, SC, USA - G2

A moth in the Erebidae family, known for its reliance on specific wetland habitats in the southeastern United States.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, particularly around the Okefenokee Swamp and similar wetland areas.
Habitat: Prefers wetland and swamp habitats with dense vegetation.
Host Plants: The larvae feed on native wetland shrubs and trees, possibly including species like cypress and swamp bay.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are nocturnal and active in late spring to early summer.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars are well-camouflaged in their wetland habitat, feeding on host plants and avoiding predators.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: G2, indicating imperiled status.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2004.
Threats: Habitat loss due to drainage of wetlands, development, and changes in water quality.
Conservation Efforts: Protecting and restoring wetland habitats and maintaining water quality are key conservation actions.
Indicator Species: Represents the health of wetland ecosystems in the southeastern U.S.

Zale perculta

Patagonia Eyed Silkmoth

Patagonia Eyed Silkmoth - Automeris patagoniensis (Endangered: 2000) - AZ, USA - G1

A member of the Saturniidae family, known for its large size and striking eyespots on its wings.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found in Arizona, specifically in desert and semi-desert regions.
Habitat: Prefers arid, rocky habitats with sparse vegetation.
Host Plants: The larvae feed on desert shrubs and native plants suited to arid conditions, though exact species documentation is limited.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are nocturnal and fly in late summer to fall.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars have spiny bodies and feed on desert vegetation, camouflaging with their surroundings.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: G1, critically imperiled.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2000.
Threats: Habitat loss due to land development, overgrazing, and climate change.
Conservation Efforts: Include habitat preservation and limiting land disturbance in arid regions.
Indicator Species: Indicates the health of desert and semi-desert ecosystems.

Automeris patagoniensis

Prominent Moth

Prominent Moth - Cecrita franclemonti (Endangered: 2001) - AZ

A rare moth species in the Notodontidae family, known for its unique adaptations to its desert habitat.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found in Arizona, particularly in arid and semi-arid desert environments.
Habitat: Prefers rocky and shrub-covered desert areas.
Host Plants: The larvae feed on native desert shrubs, which provide essential nutrition and camouflage.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are nocturnal and most active in late spring to summer.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars have adaptations for blending into their environment and avoiding predation.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: Not specifically ranked, but endangered.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2001.
Threats: Habitat loss due to urban expansion and changes in native plant availability.
Conservation Efforts: Protecting desert habitats and promoting native plant growth are key.
Indicator Species: Reflects the health and stability of desert ecosystems.

Cecrita franclemonti

Rosy Tiger Moth

Rosy Tiger Moth - Lophocampa roseata (Endangered: 2017) - WA and Canada

A moth in the family Erebidae, known for its distinctive rosy markings and reliance on specific habitats in the Pacific Northwest.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found in Washington State and parts of Canada, particularly in coastal and forested areas.
Habitat: Prefers coastal forests, especially those with dense understory vegetation.
Host Plants: The larvae feed on hardwood trees and shrubs, commonly including alder (Alnus spp.) and other native deciduous plants.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are nocturnal and active in late spring and early summer.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars are known for their hairy appearance, which helps them deter predators and blend into their habitat.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: Not specifically ranked but endangered.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2017.
Threats: Habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development, as well as climate change impacting forest composition.
Conservation Efforts: Include protecting forest habitats and maintaining native vegetation.
Indicator Species: Reflects the health of forest ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest.

Lophocampa roseata

Royal Moth

Royal Moth - Syssphinx blanchardi (Endangered: 2000) - TX - G1

A rare and visually striking member of the Saturniidae family, known for its vibrant colors and large size.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Restricted to Texas, particularly in areas with native brush and forested regions.
Habitat: Prefers mixed woodlands and forested areas with a range of native host plants.
Host Plants: The larvae feed on deciduous trees, such as oak (Quercus spp.) and other native hardwoods.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are nocturnal and active during late spring and early summer.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars are large and have a spiny appearance, feeding on the leaves of host plants.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: G1, indicating critically imperiled status.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2000.
Threats: Habitat loss from deforestation and land conversion.
Conservation Efforts: Focus on preserving native woodlands and minimizing habitat disturbance.
Indicator Species: Indicates the health of forest ecosystems in Texas.

Syssphinx blanchardi

Swallow Moth

Swallow Moth - Feralia meadowsi (Endangered: 1987) - USA

A moth species in the family Noctuidae, recognized for its unique color patterns and specific habitat needs.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found throughout the USA, with a focus on forested and woodland areas.
Habitat: Prefers temperate forests and areas with a high diversity of native plants.
Host Plants: The larvae feed on coniferous trees, particularly fir and pine species.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are active at night, typically in spring.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars are well-camouflaged and feed on the needles of coniferous trees.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: Not specifically ranked, but endangered.
Endangered Year: Listed in 1987.
Threats: Deforestation and loss of coniferous forests, as well as habitat fragmentation.
Conservation Efforts: Include protecting coniferous forest habitats and limiting logging activities.
Indicator Species: Serves as a measure of forest health and biodiversity.

Feralia meadowsi

Underwing Moth

Underwing Moth - Catocala caesia (Endangered: 2019) - AZ and NM, USA - G2

A member of the Erebidae family, known for its vibrant underwings that it flashes as a defense mechanism.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found in Arizona and New Mexico, in forested and rocky areas.
Habitat: Prefers areas with native trees and shrubs, often in mountainous or rocky regions.
Host Plants: The larvae feed on oak species and other native hardwoods.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are nocturnal and active in late summer.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars are known for their mimicry of twigs, aiding in their camouflage.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: G2, indicating the species is imperiled.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2019.
Threats: Habitat loss due to development and deforestation.
Conservation Efforts: Include habitat preservation and promoting the growth of native oaks.
Indicator Species: Reflects the health of native hardwood forests.

Catocala caesia

Velda Pinemoth

Velda Pinemoth - Coloradia velda (Endangered: 2000) - CA

A moth in the Saturniidae family, known for its association with pine forests in California.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found primarily in California, in areas with native pine trees.
Habitat: Prefers montane and subalpine pine forests.
Host Plants: The larvae feed on pine species, including lodgepole pine and ponderosa pine.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are nocturnal and typically active in late summer.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars are adapted to feed on pine needles and blend into their surroundings.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: Not specifically ranked, but endangered.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2000.
Threats: Logging, forest fires, and habitat fragmentation.
Conservation Efforts: Focused on preserving pine forests and promoting sustainable forestry practices.
Indicator Species: Indicates the health of pine forest ecosystems.

Coloradia velda

Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth

Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth - Automeris zephyria (Endangered: 2000) - NM, TX - G2

A striking member of the Saturniidae family, known for the eyespots on its wings that serve as a defense mechanism.

Habitat and Distribution

Geographical Range: Found in New Mexico and Texas, often in semi-arid and desert regions.
Habitat: Prefers open woodlands and desert edges with native host plants.
Host Plants: The larvae feed on native shrubs and deciduous trees, such as willow and oak.

Behavior and Life Cycle

Seasonal Activity: Adults are nocturnal and fly in late spring to summer.
Larval Behavior: The caterpillars are spiny and use camouflage to blend in with their host plants.

Conservation Status

Conservation Ranking: G2, indicating the species is imperiled.
Endangered Year: Listed in 2000.
Threats: Habitat loss due to development and grazing, as well as climate change.
Conservation Efforts: Focus on protecting semi-arid habitats and supporting native plant conservation.
Indicator Species: Reflects the health of semi-arid and desert ecosystems.

Automeris zephyria

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Signature Experience

ATLAS

NOV 15 - FEB 16

ATLAS by Jen Lewin

24 Handcrafted & hand-painted etheral glowing moths

Schedule

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Scroll over and click each moth below for more info

The information below has been compiled by Jen Lewin Studio.

Arefacta Flower Moth

Barrens Metarranthis Moth

Blanchard's Sphinx Moth

Bog Buck Moth

Bowman's Tiger Moth

Chinati Sheepmoth

Dark Stoneroot Borer Moth

Dark-banded Flower Gem Moth

Double-tufted Wasp Moth

Fabulous Green Sphinx Moth

Half-banded Bryolymnia Moth

Kern Primrose Sphinx Moth

White-streaked Lichen Moth

Manitoba Oakworm Moth

Michigan Dune Dart Moth

Okefenokee Zale Moth

Patagonia Eyed Silkmoth

Prominent Moth

Rosy Tiger Moth

Royal Moth

Swallow Moth

Underwing Moth

Velda Pinemoth

Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth

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