NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/946863
MARCH 2018 • NEBRASKAland 17 Adult cecropia moths can reach 6-inch wingspans. NEBRASKAland Visitor Last issue's winner of the Visitor drawing was Verl Morey of Shelton, Nebraska, who found the cecropia moth pupae on page 3. Readers are encouraged to contact NEBRASKAland within 10 days after this issue's publication with the correct page number and name of this issue's "Visitor" – a critter found in Nebraska. We will then gather the correct entries and draw one to win a NEBRASKAland mug. To enter each month, write: NEBRASKAland Visitor 2200 North 33rd Street Lincoln, NE 68503 Or e-mail: Tim.Reigert@Nebraska. gov with "Visitor" in the subject line of the message. HINT: This issue's visitor is not on page 3, 15, 17, or 18-25. The cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) is the largest moth in North America and is found throughout Nebraska. The caterpillar has five instars – a phase between two periods of molting in the development of an insect larva – before pupating in a protective silk cocoon, and ultimately emerging as an adult the next spring. Look for their cocoons after leaf drop occurs, attached to branches or twigs. Cecropia moth caterpillars are small and black when they first hatch, and over time become large and green, with colorful protuberances in red, yellow and blue. They feed on a wide range of plants, including cherry, plum, willow, maples and elm. Adult moths are brown to gray with reddish and white markings and reddish legs, and a wingspan of up to 6 inches. While the caterpillars are large and their host range extensive, they do little damage and are not considered plant pests. Special thanks to Julie Van Meter, State Entomologist, Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Turkey Hunting: Take a Youth By Julie Geiser March is the start of the spring turkey season, and if you go hunting consider taking a child with you. Whether it is your own child, grandchild or the neighbor kid, get them in the field to experience the same love you have for the outdoors. First, visit OutdoorNebraska.org/wildturkey for youth season dates and complete rules and regulations. Then start by taking the child shooting to teach them safety and shooting skills, whether with a bow or shotgun. When taking kids into the field, keep the following tips in mind: • Some kids usually can't sit still for too long, so keep them occupied with a simple push button yelper that anyone can use to call in birds. • Let them look for birds with binoculars. If you both have binoculars, try finding different animals or landmarks and make a quiet but fun game out of it. • Bring a digital camera and let the child take photos of the outing, and print them out later as a keepsake. • You'll need snacks and drinks for the day. To keep the crackling noises of most packaged foods down to a low roar, repackage them in quieter zip- close bags. • Blinds make hunting much more kid-friendly and enjoyable. Movements can be concealed more easily in a blind than sitting in the open. Taking photos, looking through binoculars or napping works better inside a blind as well. • Small heaters in a blind make a chilly morning more comfortable, and you'll have another set of hands to haul gear. Get a kid in the field. You'll pass on a hunting tradition, making great memories and new experiences. ■ Wayne Stang and his daughter, Darian, of Wahoo archery hunt for turkeys during the spring. opia moths can nch wingspans. BRASKAland tor PHOTO BY ERIC FOWLER