Observation date: August 22, 2014
Submitted by: penolope pequop
Specimen type: Photograph
Observation notes: remote location in the East Humbolt range of Nevada. Two moths mating at 8000 ft elevation on the west slope of the Humbolts It is interesting to me that the last sighting 1000504 in Alpine county ca was also at 8000ft although mine may be more a function of flora ( snowberry , willow , bitter brush, chokecherries ) than altitude alone. The two Western sheep moths were mating in the late afternoon. Why is there a big hole in Nevada as far as sightings. Are there no sheep moths or are there no observers. I was also the only one to observe a black witch moth and an albino robin in my area this summer
Status: Resident
Verified by: Josiah Gilbert
Verified date: September 15, 2014
Coordinator notes: This is actually a closely related species Hemileuca nuttalli, based on the shape of the hindwing PM line, as well as well as coloration (yellow thorax, cream forewings, yellow hindwings).
The Western Sheepmoth does occur in Nevada (see Moth Photographers Group range map), so the hole over most of Nevada may be caused by a lack of observers, but it is also possible that the moth may only occur over portions of the state. We do have two sightings from Clark Co., NV, and one from Washoe Co., NV. Currently, we only have about one contributer regularly submitting sightings from Nevada, so contributions from Nevada are welcome.
