Uncooperative Underwing

The Moth Tree, on the East Drive between 72nd Street and the Boathouse, is oozing less moth-attractive sap this year, but the Mothers [rhymes with authors] are gathering there anyhow, ever hopeful. Last night the beautiful Ilia Underwing pictured below arrved a little after nine and proceeded to feast on sap, slurping it up with its long proboscis [ends with sis, not with kiss]. But it refused to open its forewings more than the sliver seen on the photo below. [Click on it to enlarge]


Here's a photo of a more cooperative Ilia, taken on July 23, 2006, also at the Moth Tree
Photos by M. Winn