Submitting Sightings

Sightings can be submitted by regular mail, email or submitted online through a Google Form.

Version 1, for field use and regular mail: This PDF version of the sightings form includes the directions you see below. The mailing address is on the form for submission using regular mail.

Version 2, for email submission: A PDF version of the form only, which can be filled out and submitted via email by clicking on the "submit form" button in the upper right corner.

Version 3, online Google form: Here is a Google form that allows you to submit one sighting at a time.

NOTE: A dead moth can be submitted as a sighting. In the 'notes' section of the sightings form, please indicate that the moth was dead and the likely cause of death (e.g. roadkill). For example, at established light sources it is not uncommon to find silkmoth wings, as the predators will eat the body but leave the wings. In this case, the cause of death could be listed as 'predation'. It is important to have a record of these moths, as it provides some insight into predation impacts on these species.

Project Silkmoth Sightings form directions: 

Please fill out the form completely.  Information on species occurrence is most valuable if it is spatially and temporally referenced, with accurate date and location information. 

Species: Use common or scientific name.  List each species on a separate line.  List a species more than once if it was seen at different locations and/or on different dates.

# = number of individuals seen at that location

Location: Having a GPS unit will allow the most accurate record of location.  UTM coordinates are preferred; latitude and longitude or specific directions will be accepted

• UTM coordinates: give the Zone 18 East and North coordinates and list which datum (NAD 83, NAD 27 or WGS 84) was used
• Lat/long: give the coordinates in the Degrees Decimal Minutes (e.g. 48°36.12’ 114°08.12’) or Degrees Minutes Seconds (e.g. 48°36’12’’ 114°08’12’’) format
• Directions: be as specific as possible, using road names, intersections and distances

Habitat codes: Give at least one habitat code for each of the three categories (light, landscape, host plants) if possible. 

• Light – Use ‘sunlight’ for day-flying moths, the closest proximity light source for nocturnal moths
• Surrounding landscape – Use as many categories as needed to describe the landscape within a one mile radius of the moth’s location
• Nearby host plants – list only the plants that are known to be host plants for the species you are reporting (host plants on website, linked to moth species name).  Only list a plant if an entire population of the plant can be found within a one mile radius of the moth’s location.

ID Code (and moth handling): Most silkmoth species in our area can be identified visually but photos will be required for species that are rare or that look similar to other moth species.  Table 1 gives a list of species for which a photo will be required.  You are encouraged to get the best look possible at each moth so identification is accurate.  The use of binoculars and/or a net can be very helpful.  Silkmoths can be handled safely by pinching their wings together at the base of the front wings, just above the body.  Pull them gently until they release their hold on the substrate. When releasing a moth, place the moth on a tree trunk or branch out of plain sight.  If the moth is to be kept overnight awaiting identification or photographing, place the moth in a container in the refrigerator.  These moths instinctually fly at night unless they are kept at a temperature around 40° Fahrenheit.  Do not keep the moth for more than one night.  The shivering behavior often seen in these moths is not fright, it is their way of warming up their flight muscles before takeoff.

Notes: This space can be used to list the sex of the moth observed, whether moths were mating (attached at tip of abdomen) or laying eggs, whether dead/eaten moths were seen at the location, or other observations.  For day-flying moths, a description of what they were doing at the time seen.