The Ashton and Bonebrake labs finally got together for another writing retreat! We journeyed to to Kadoorie Center for two days of intense writing, team building, and (of course) barbequing. Kadoorie Center is an HKU owned research venue in the New Territories. Situated between Tai Mo Shan Country Park and Lam Tsuen Country Park, it’s a good spot to get away from the hustle of city life and see some amazing Hong Kong biodiversity. So naturally we had to get out the light traps and do some mothing at the end of each day.
The turnout at the light traps was great- It seems that after some strange spring weather it’s finally moth season in Hong Kong! We even got lucky enough to see a freshly emerged Death’s Head Hawkmoth ~
Have you ever heard a moth squeak? The Greater Death’s Head Hawkmoth (bottom) chirps as a defense mechanism when harassed by predators… and entomologists!
These Death’s Head moths are also called Bee Robbers because they are very fond of honey. They are able to mimic the scent of honey bees and sneak into the hive unnoticed. With a proboscis strong enough to pierce through the tough wax of a honeycomb, they can eat to their hearts content.
The other moth (top) is another hawkmoth species, the Mango Hawkmoth. When threatened, Mango Hawkmoth’s face away from their predator to flash their colorful pink hind-wings.
My first time seeing these species in person. Very Exciting!
Victoria E. Amaral 