Sign in

nunesnaturalist.bsky.social

@nunesnaturalist.bsky.social
6 followers 3 following 1 posts
PostsRepliesMedia
nunesnaturalist.bsky.social @nunesnaturalist.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
The hills are alive with the sound of vibrating keratin segments! Rattlesnakes, like this defensive Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), employ aposematic signaling to warn nearby threats, like coyotes, bobcats, and passing hikers, of their deadly presence. Be vigilant out there!
051
Reposted by @nunesnaturalist.bsky.social
Andrew Warren @andybugguy.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
This absolute stunner is an undescribed species of Hypsocompe, known from just a few specimens. There is only one other record from Colorado (Baca Co.), thus, this is the northernmost record for the species (see alt text). Found under the sheet this morning by @nunesnaturalist.bsky.social !
The pattern of black markings on the white background of this moth give it a remarkably cryptic and unique appearance. This undescribed species is known as "Hypsocompe extrema of authors" on the Moth Photographers Group website, where it is acknowledged as an undescribed species known from Arizona and Texas. There are known specimens from New Mexico as well, and in 2022, Christian and I found the first record in Colorado- in Baca County. This one, from Huerfano County, pushes the known range of this rarely encountered moth even further north...  Huge thanks to Chris Pague and Michael Figgs for arranging access to the site!
516533