I read this post back in November and had disregarded it. However, after reading that inane response to larry_Gene's reply I must say I am disgusted by that person's inexcusable forum behavior. I am impressed that those who replied did not lower their standards and even addressed this person as "Mr" when he posted spam and then had the audacity to disrepect our forum leaders and forum members who are truly interested in moths (LG...thanks for the grins about a boxing forum - that was funny!) As for the one that started this post - he can count on several more people that will never bother to check out his landscaping business after that horrid display. ~ Cat

There are many, many people who love to watch butterflies as they flit through the air slowly and gracefully. If you never have, you certainly should! Butterflies provide beauty in an often ugly world. They give us insight into the world of nature and how wonderful and complex it is. But the butterfly is much more than that. Butterflies are some of the most beautiful and interesting creatures on Earth. A butterfly garden is an easy way to see more butterflies and to help them, since many natural butterfly habitats have been lost to human activities like building homes, roads and farms. It is easy to increase the number and variety of butterflies in your yard. Creating a butterfly garden should start with some serious research to learn which kinds of butterflies are native to your area. You can learn that from this book âÂÂAttract Butterflies To Your GardenâÂÂ. Here are some points you should focus: A. Make a list of all of the different kinds of butterflies you would like to attract, and then learn which flowers and plants they both feed on and lay eggs on. B. Plant the âÂÂButterfly Host Plantsâ to lay their eggs on. C. You can add some butterfly garden accessories like a Butterfly House, which has slots the ideal size for keeping birds out while giving butterflies protection from the wind and weather, and are beautiful garden decorations. You could offer an additional nectar source close by to supplement your flowers. D. Once you have designed and started your butterfly garden, you can be proud that you have made a habitat for butterflies in your own yard, which helps with the conservation of the many species of quickly disappearing butterflies today. You will certainly want to place your favorite outdoor furniture near so that you can enjoy all of your visitors day after day. Here is a link that might be useful: Attract Butterflies To Your Garden

The moths are also called sphinx moths. And yep, they are from tomato hornworms. If you like the moths, you can grow a sacrificial tomato plant. Pick something really leafy, plant it away from the other plants and move the hornworms to it when you find them. It's work, but not much if you like watching the moths feeding at dusk and at night. They also really like daturas. Hummingbirds don't fly at night, they go into a mini hibernation. The birds have such a fast metabolism that they would starve to death if they had to go more than a few hours without eating.

Interesting question. I was just looking up at a Japanese Maple in the garden that has just opened it's leaves and I was wondering the same thing. I hate to jinx it by actually saying that 'maybe' there is a lighter infestation this spring, but..lol. I seem to remember that they exit the leaf buds as the leaves are unfurling and start eating right away, so that you really start to see swiss cheese leaves almost as soon as they are open. Isn't that right? My leaves on my Japanese Maples are looking perfect today and I might have seen one shiny web noticeable. Do you think they are just late this year? I hate to get my hopes up, but it would be awesome if they were not going to make a mess of the trees this year. I have not sprayed or done anything to get rid of them, although I debate the question annually. Actually, if they are not going to make a mess this year, then I would guess their numbers would have taken a serious hit and maybe they won't be a big problem in future years. ?? pm2