Folks here is my question: Is there any value in my continuing down these culverts this winter?
In the last couple weeks or three I have observed (though not necessarily photographed all) over 100 of The Harold.
I saw a steady increase in numbers over the last few weeks (as it got colder) in both culverts but at this point my thoughts are additions or decreases to the numbers observed may simply be my ability to see them first and foremost. I may seen more or less on a given day but I must admit that my earliest ventures into these culverts (two of them close to each other by several hundred yards) was to document weather or not they would actually winter down here and I was less concerned with an exact count of the number of specimens present and if I missed any.
Early on I located them by acclimated my eyes to the dark and thus I may have seen fewer than the last couple of times with a flashlight meaning that my data for the purpose of numbers present on given days as time went on may be of questionable value this year and may be of greater value next years with more careful observation with a flashlight.
At this point it seems obvious they will be here for the rest of the winter "wintering" though they are here year round. So I now question if there is any value whatsoever in me continuing down into these culverts? Should I continue to check once a month instead of every few days or just drop it altogether for this winter? Or drop it completely as it now seems plain and simple - they are going to winter here every year - period - meaning my survey or sorts if done.
I might also ask - is there any point in me shooting 22 specimens in one culvert in a five minute span and then creating a separate observation of each as I have done for most of the days?
I have copied all the leading identifiers and a number of curators who have helped me in the past asking for your thoughts. I realize IDs or being a curator does not make any one person here an "expert" on the species but that is not as concerning to me than the general question of "is my research for the year in these culverts done? Or do I have a unique circumstance (the sheer number of individuals present here) that is of any value that somebody can point out to me that I'm not seeing?
MISC:
👉 March, 26, 2022 - Link showing movements of one pair overwintering, part of the time with an Asian Lady Beetle. Shots span four+ months - winter 2021/22:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?order_by=observed_on&place_id=any&q=HeraldMothPair1stObv11-11-21&taxon_id=134078&user_id=ken-potter
👉 April, 21, 2022 - As of today a double check indicates all Herald Moths that overwintered here are gone. They have generally used this tunnel year round but to a significantly lesser degree in the warm months. We'll see what happens this year.
Three of 22 specimens of The Herald in culvert#1 yesterday where there were only four a few days ago.
One of 22 specimens of The Herald in culvert#1 yesterday where there were only four a few days ago.
One of 22 specimens of The Herald in culvert#1 yesterday where there were only four a few days ago.
One of 22 specimens of The Herald in culvert#1 yesterday where there were only four a few days ago.
One of 22 specimens of The Herald in culvert#1 yesterday where there were only four a few days ago.
One of 22 specimens of The Herald in culvert#1 yesterday where there were only four a few days ago.
One of 22 specimens of The Herald in culvert#1 yesterday where there were only four a few days ago.
Eight specimens in Culvert#2; might be same eight that there were there two days earlier.
One of two of The Herald moths shot today; a total of 34 observed in culvert. Temp at 30 degrees at time of shots.
One of two of The Herald moths shot today; a total of 34 observed in culvert. Temp at 30 degrees at time of shots.
評論
I just saw this post and even though it's old, I don't see anyone else's comments so here's my $0.02 :)
I'd keep posting these observations if it's enjoyable. Each moth is a separate organism and a legit observation. This might be an unusual occurrence (or not) but it's still interesting. If the Herald Moths have all disappeared from somewhere else, your observations could tell researchers where they went. Though in the following years, you could probably take a picture of many of them together if it looks like the same number is present.
@captainmantis37
You know, I'm elated to hear your comments! I too see things the same way! I saw them all as individuals and posted them as such when they were coming and going (the numbers drop drastically in the warm months to one, two or three a day on days when any show up). It can take over a month for all to come out of hibernation in spring and two months to settle in for the winter. I've shot a lot of photos of the same individuals (usually just a few that are easy to identify in terms of any movement, etc., such as doubles, triples and "overlappers" (for lack of a better word) and one that overwintered next to a spider. This year I documented a pair that overwintered with an Asian Lady Beetle jammed between them until the beetle moved after several weeks to the other side of the tunnel.
I created this journal but I've never seen any indication of anybody visiting it until now. I probably did something wrong or don't know how to promote it so I kind of gave up on it, instead putting my comments in the observations.
I monitored the moths less this year but learned more than I expected in that tunnel. Just when you think they are all settled in for the winter some will still come and go in November (for example) if it warms up outside for several days to a week like it did this season. Most of my comments are in the observations:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?locale=en&page=2&place_id=2609&preferred_place_id=1&taxon_id=134078&user_id=ken-potter&verifiable=any
A person who really wanted to glean my notes would have over 500 observations to go through but there are a ton of comments and photo-documentation of movement (or lack thereof), etc. There are probably other notes in there like they prefer being away from the ends of the tunnel, etc., and somehow they don't down when they are overwintering and the tunnel gets heavy condensation.
If you ever have any interest in me looking for anything specific let me know. However, I only observe.
I may do an update of the journal to include some of the new things I learned :)
Thanks!
Ken
@ken-potter You're very welcome! I think the journal is automatically visible to anyone who's following you or views your profile, so maybe they just didn't see it. Cool observations though!
@captainmantis37
Thanks for the info! My guess is if somebody is interested in a more detailed study they'll find it there! You found it! :)
Thanks!
Ken
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