Unknown moths ..drunk or dead?

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DebinSC Georgetown, SC(Zone 8a) Apr 22, 2011

This isn't exactly an I.D. question, - although I don't know the identity of these moths,...but I figure this is the most likely group to know the answer.

Does anyone know the story behind the phenomenon of this moth and Confed. Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)?
I had not noticed this in previous years, but these little moths seem to be drawn to it.
They start out like the one in the photo, and then the next day, I notice they are still there but appear to have died.
It's almost like they got stuck and couldn't get away - either that or
they just died from happiness...or they're not dead- just intoxicated.

Anyway, very odd - just wondering if someone knows. I've searched around but no luck. I do know there's another flower (the name of
which escapes me) that traps moths, but I can find nothing about this occurring on T. jasminoides.

Thanks!
Deb

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LadyAshleyR Oakland, MD Apr 23, 2011

I have no idea of the effects of jasmine thing,m however I think your moth is
Ichthyoptila ranalis
http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/5742/

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DebinSC Georgetown, SC(Zone 8a) Apr 23, 2011

Thanks for the I.D.! Crambid Snout Moth...poor thing - not the nicest name, is it? :)

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LadyAshleyR Oakland, MD Apr 23, 2011

have you tried touching them to see if they're still alive? XD

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DebinSC Georgetown, SC(Zone 8a) Apr 23, 2011

Yep, and I'm pretty sure they are dead; if not, it's a real deep coma!

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trackinsand mid central, FL(Zone 9a) Apr 23, 2011

it seems like i read something about this very thing last year. i'll try to stir the old brain and see what i can find.

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DebinSC Georgetown, SC(Zone 8a) Apr 24, 2011

Much appreciated, Tracks. There was a DP'er (in Africa) who posted a question on the page for t. jasminoides about the same thing happening but with flies. I D-mailed him and he said he never found out more about that either.
I may contact our agricultural extension folks at Clemson U and see if they know.

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trackinsand mid central, FL(Zone 9a) Apr 24, 2011

i remembered. it was for carolina jessamine, the toxicity of it in relation to bees, etc.
if you read the newest feedback, the poster touches on this subject but i read it in a book. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1262/

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LadyAshleyR Oakland, MD Apr 25, 2011

Well, you can always save your specimens, and start a collection right? XD

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DebinSC Georgetown, SC(Zone 8a) Apr 25, 2011

Thanks,Tracks. I never knew there was a Jessamine that was toxic to bees. The one I have isn't, thank goodness.
And thanks Lady Ashley for your input as well.
I will post an answer here if I get one. :)

Meanwhile, if anyone else has any clues, let me know!
Much appreciated!

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