Backyard Bugs: An Identification Guide to Common Insects, Spiders and More [Paperback]

Get to know the bugs in your backyard.

How many times have you seen a bug and wondered, What in the world is that? Heres an easy and fun way to identify backyard bugs. Acclaimed entomologist and nature author Jaret C. Daniels presents a simple yet informative guide to backyard bugs of the United States and southern Canada. Featuring more than 150 species organized by where the bugs are generally foundsuch as at lights or on flowersthis fascinating book covers everything from ants to mosquitoes to spiders. Its easy-to-use format, full-color photographs, and neat-to-know information are handy for homeowners, gardeners, campers, and even children. As an added bonus, there are bug-related activities for families to enjoy. When you see a bug, look it up. Youll be amazed by what you learn!

Bugs Found at Lights: Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera):

Underwing Moth?

Size:Variable; wingspan 1.53.0 inches

ID Tips:Variable; forewings typically dark with barklike pattern and hind wings with colorful bands

Range:Throughout the United States?

This is a highly distinctive and diverse group of moths with more than 100 species found in North America. Adults have stout bodies and dark, dull-colored forewings with mottled or barklike patterns that they hold over their back while at rest. As a result, they are highly camouflaged when sitting on tree trunks, a common location to find them during daylight hours. However, when disturbed, underwing moths quickly spread their wings to reveal much brighter hind wings below before flying off to a nearby tree. Colored with bands of red, pink, yellow, orange, and even white, this hind wing pattern, coupled with their rapid wing motion, may help to startle interested predators. The showy nature of this group has made them popular with collectors and naturalists alike. Active at night, underwing moths are commonly attracted to artificial lights or may readily be drawnlÓÏ