RE: IRIS-L digest 817

This is quite common in insects (adults not feeding) and is the rule in the
Ephemeroptera (mayflies).  The feeding stage, the larva, accumulates fat on
which the adult lives for its short life.

Note that I am not saying the Iris Borer moth itself does not feed--I don't
know if that is true, or if anyone knows.  But it is a possiblity.  I was
responding to a post that seemed to suggest the adult moths also fed on
irises, which is almost certainly not the case.

Iris Borer moths are not attracted to light and indeed reports suggest that
they seek dark places.  This would be consistant with activity at night or
in the morning or evening hours.  The moth whose portrait will appear in my
book was captured, however, in bright daylight running about amongst
irises.  Because it was in such perfect condition I suspect it had just
emerged from the soil.

Bill Shear
Department of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
(804)223-6172
FAX (804)223-6374
email<bills@hsc.edu>
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