Noted this critter near main post Office in Westford.
from INaturalist:
Prionoxystus robiniae, the carpenterworm moth or locust borer, is a moth of the family Cossidae.[1] It was first described by Peck in 1818 and it is found in southern Canada and most of the United States.
Female (left) and male (right)Caterpillar
The wingspan is 43–85 mm (1.7–3.3 in). Adults are on wing from May to July depending on the location.
The larvae feed on locust, oak, chestnut, poplar, willow, maple and ash. The species is considered a pest, because the tunnels the larvae create decrease the value of hardwood lumber.
Photo of probable hybrid/jefferson blue spotted salamander was taken on March 18, 2021 near a vernal pool in Westford by Diane Duane. To learn more about salamanders, wood frogs, peepers and other critters in vernal pools, check out this info from Littleton Conservation Dept. If you want more info on vernal pools in general, there…
Virgin’s-bower (Clematis virginiana) growing at Grey Fox Conservation land, photo taken on 9/24/22, near the banks of Stony Brook in Westford. According to Native Plant Trust’s Go Botany, this beautiful native is the most common clematis in New England. The Cherokee made an infusion of virgin’s-bower with milkweed (Asclepias) to treat backache, as well as…
Here are a few recent sightings of Monarch Butterflies along with a Tiger Swallowtail, Fritillary and Hummingbird Moth. All enjoying some nectar from Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) which can aggressively reseed so best to keep an eye on where you plant this butterfly attracting shrub. These were all seen in late summer – August and…
Burgess Pond at Stony Conservation Land Photo taken February 3, 2026 by Gerry Dibello after recent snowstorms. Pristine Burges Pond, a clear water pond of approximately 25 acres and is surrounded by a network of trails including a 1.75-mile pond loop trail. Burgess Pond is described as a kettle-hole bog which are acidic dwarf shrub…
7/2/22 – From trust President Dave Ebiston: Picture taken with an IPhone which was enlarged , he lives under my shed and mows my lawn for me. Per Mass Audubon, Massachusetts is home to two species of wild rabbit—the native New England Cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis) and the non-native Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus). The latter was introduced…
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