They're back: Black & White with Red on top

We're back! Gnophaela vermiculata poses for the camera

It's still a week until the US National Moth Week (which we Albertans will celebrate, even if we aren't invited), but the Police Car Moths started flying last week, perhaps to avoid the subsequent deluges.

Green Lattice?

With the Edmonton Police now sporting black & white patrol cars, the common name makes more local sense than in previous years. As common names go, this one is a good model. Consider the previous 'common' name, Green Lattice.

Another side of the Police Car Moth

OK, whatever, there's no rule that common names (or scientific names for that matter) have to make any sense. I suppose the long hairs on the caterpillar may intersect like a lattice? Well, not really and 'green' eludes me. Blue, yellow, black, and red, sure, but green?

Gnophaela (originally Omoiala) vermiculata (Grote, 1864) larva 

The genus name is probably from the Greek for 'darkness' (gnoph), the moth is mostly dark, and the species name seems to mean wormy. In English we have 'vermiculate' for 'worm-like' or decorated with wormy lines. The gardener's friend 'vermiculite' also comes in worm-like accordions. Perhaps the name was coined on a dark and wormy night?Nah, the original name was Omoiala vermiculata: wormy shoulder (Greek omo = shoulder) anyone?

Orange-shouldered Panda Moth?

I'm tempted to make up my own name for this attractive day-flying moth. But that's really just bludging (the basement needs mopping up, but the rain is still pouring, ergo blog). Police Car Moth is fine with me.