Virginia Ctenucha at Forest Hill Nature Area.

On Friday (01 July), I stopped at the Forest Hill Nature Area to try out a new camera lens.  It was a little windy for closeup photography, but I did get a few photos that I liked including this one of a Virginia Ctenucha moth feeding on Common Milkweed nectar.  The Virginia Ctenucha (Ctenucha virginica) is a day-flying moth.  It is one of many moth species that are known as wasp mimics.  Their dark coloration and wasp-like shape affords some measure of protection from predators who avoid them out of fear of being stung.  I saw dozens of these moths flying around during my short visit.

Virginia Ctenucha (Ctenicha virginica) on Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)