taftw's Identifications

YEAH!!!! :D Niki spot, SO cool. Ran in and out of the rain like 3 times being like moth? hornet. moth? hornet. better just catch it! and it's a moth!! No threaded waist, moth scales and abdomen, and moth mouth parts. WOW

Behavior very docile, not even flipping out about being in a jar like a yellowjacket would

Found on mint plant

This series of images shows what is believed to be an infestation of the Sequoia pitch moth in three Ponderosa pine trees in the garden. Included here are a larva specimen and empty pupal cases, all of which were found in pitch masses. To date, no adults have been documented in the garden.

Images 4-6 show empty pupal cases protruding from the pitch.

A pitch mass was gently worked open. Image 7 shows the entire empty pupal case within the interior of the pitch. Image 8 shows the part of the case that was protruding out from the pitch. Image 9 shows the end portion of the case (furthest from the opening to outside).

Image 10 is a mystery that I hope someone will explain. These are markings on the interior of the pupal case.