Late-summer-emergence
Guides
Catocala grotiana
Grote's Underwing Moth, Grote's Underwing
Catocala grotiana is a large underwing moth in the family Erebidae, first described by James S. Bailey in 1879. The species is characterized by its cryptic forewings and brightly colored hindwings, a defensive trait common to the genus Catocala. It occurs in the western United States, with documented records from Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Washington, and areas north and east of California. Adults are active in late summer, with larvae feeding on Populus and Salix species.
Crossidius suturalis minutivestis
A subspecies of longhorn beetle in the genus Crossidius, described by Linsley in 1957. It occurs in the San Joaquin Valley and adjacent areas of central California. Adults emerge in late summer and early fall to feed on flowers of their host plant, Isocoma acradenia var. bracteosa. The subspecies name refers to its relatively small size compared to other members of the species.
Scolia dubia haematodes
Blood-tailed Scoliid Wasp, Blue-winged Digger Wasp
Scolia dubia haematodes is a subspecies of digger wasp in the family Scoliidae. Adults are recognized by iridescent blue-black wings, black body, and reddish-brown terminal abdominal segments. Females hunt scarab beetle grubs in soil, paralyze them with a sting, and deposit eggs on the living hosts. The developing wasp larvae consume the grubs, making this taxon a significant biological control agent of turfgrass and garden pests.
Scolia nobilitata nobilitata
digger wasp
Scolia nobilitata nobilitata is a subspecies of digger wasp in the family Scoliidae. It is a solitary parasitoid that hunts scarab beetle grubs in soil. Adults emerge in August and are known to visit flowers for nectar. The subspecies is distinguished from related taxa by abdominal coloration.
Urocerus flavicornis
Yellow-horned Horntail, Yellow-horned Horntail Wasp
Urocerus flavicornis is a large wood-boring wasp in the family Siricidae, commonly known as the yellow-horned horntail. Native to North America, this species develops inside dead or dying hardwood trees. Adults are active primarily in late summer and fall. The species is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans despite its intimidating appearance.