October 2012 Newsletter - Town of Phippsburg

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Did you know that butterflies are playing a role in solar energy development? To stay warm, butterflies are sophisticated collectors of solar energy. Scientists believe that the shingle-like scales that form butterflies’ wings could provide important clues for developing solar technology. For more on climate change and the northerly movement of butterfly species read this: http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabambc/downloads/BreedStichterCrone2012.pdf To become a Maine butterfly science citizen click here: Maine Butterfly Survey Links for identification and information about butterflies: North American Butterfly Association Butterflies And Moths Of North America About Monarch butterflies TO SEE A GALLERY OF BUTTERFLIES PHOTOGRAPHED IN PHIPPSBURG, CLICK HERE Luna moth close up, Photographed in West Point. Look for these in late June and early July WHAT'S THAT BUG? is an excellent “web site” (oh! Bad pun, indeed!) for identifying insects and spiders. It’s a great educational site for kids. 6
The photograph on the left is a Woolly Bear caterpillar. The photo on the right is a Polyphemus caterpillar. They are the caterpillar phase of the Isabella Tiger moth and the Polyphemus silk moth, respectively. Woolly Bear caterpillars are frequently seen at this time of the year. They are a caterpillar that over winters rather than turning into a cocoon or moth. They are scampering and lumbering around right now because they are looking for places to curl up for the winter rather than spending their time eating. When disturbed, Woolly Bears curl into a tight knot like a Cheese Curl. They are also one of the only caterpillars that will run away! Folk lore says that the width of the Woolly Bear’s colored, middle band is a predictor of how long the winter will be. Scientists believe that the band width is an indicator of how old the caterpillar is and how much it has eaten; not how bad or long the upcoming winter will be. The one in the above photo is pretty advanced in age and has eaten a lot. The green caterpillar above is that of the Polyphemus moth. It is one of the largest silk moths in Maine (Cecropia, Promethea and Luna are the others). These caterpillars are also looking for places to overwinter. They curl up in dried leaves and make a cocoon rather than stay like a caterpillar as the Woolly Bear does. If you are interested in keeping a Woolly Bear caterpillar for the winter so you can see the Isabella Tiger moth appear in the spring, visit this site: Care of the Woolly Bear caterpillar - Want to know about an insect you found in Phippsburg? Visit the Maine Entomological Society web site. …................................................................................ 7
Page 1 and 2: View from Robinson’s Rock, A.K.A.
Page 3 and 4: WHAT’S A CONSERVATION EASEMENT?
Page 5: BUNDLES OF BUTTERFLIES! Mourning Cl
Page 9 and 10: nature sighting, contact Robin R Ro
Page 11 and 12: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Phippsburg
Page 13: Friends of Casco Bay Phippsburg has

October 2012 Newsletter - Town of Phippsburg

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