Gossamer Wings: Harvester Feniseca tarquinius
| Size: | Wingspan ranges from 1.13" - 1.25" |
| Habitat: | Wet, bushy woods, especially with alder, beech |
| Occurrence Level: | Uncommon |
| Flight Period: | Late April to early May; June & August |
| Larval Host Plant: | Larvae feed on wooly aphid nymphs |
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Howard County, MD. August 14, 2015.
This Harvester was feasting on a dead toad.
New Castle County, DE. July 26, 2013
Beautiful dorsal view of a fresh Harvester.
Allegany County, MD. May 11, 2014.
It's always a special day when you discover a Harvester especially a fresh one!
New Castle County, DE. July 26, 2013
Harvester enjoying some bird droppings.
New Castle County, DE. July 26, 2013.
Because the proboscis of the Harvester is very short, they do not feed on flower nectar. This Harvester is sipping minerals from the wet soil.
New Castle County, DE. July 26, 2013
Wooly aphids on beech tree branches. The Harvester is the only North American butterfly species with carnivorous caterpillars which like to dine on Wooly Aphids.
Howard County, MD. June 8, 2014
Garrett County, MD. June 15, 2014
It certaintly has been a good year for Harvesters. They have been sighted in many Maryland Counties in 2014.