Observation date: May 16, 2020
Date notes: Aguirre Spring National Recreation Area in the Organ Mountains, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, east of Las Cruces. The time is approximate. Weather: sunny, approx. 80 degrees F, winds calm.
Submitted by: SUSAN CALDWELL
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: While spending time at Aguirre Spring Nat'l Rec Area, I saw this beautiful, tiny "butterfly" feeding on flowers near our picnic spot. I managed to capture a couple of photos during its constant fluttering. After looking up some descriptions based on my observations, I believe this is an Eight Spotted Forester Moth. This little thing remained in this plant (see photos), feeding several minutes on flower nectar before moving to other similar vegetation. The moth moved frequently, rapidly fluttering its wings when stationary. This sighting was, as stated previously, on a sunny, warm day - May 16, 2020, about 80 degrees F, calm winds. The sighting location is on the east side of the Organ Mountains at approx 6000 ft elev. The picnic/campground is in a red oak/ponderosa and alligator pine forest setting of the Organs, but also has a wide variety of Chihuahuan Desert habitat vegetation, with cactus and native grasses growing among igneous formations. Peak elevation is 8900 ft.
Status: Resident
Verified by: jwileyrains
Verified date: August 25, 2023
Coordinator notes: None.
