USDA Moth Hunt - August 23, 2007© Photos by Mark Miller © Hi-Res Source
This was a charter by Jeff Head and Maurice Duffle of the USDA to Horn & Petit Bois Islands to collect some insect traps previously deposited on the Islands. Apparently there is a problem with a specific species of Moth that eats Cactus. The species started showing up in South Florida and has migrated northward around the Gulf and has started showing up on Dauphin Island. It was desired to see if they have made it further. This was my second trip to take them out. During my idle time, I made a few casts from the boat tagging one rat red that was a half inch short. I also took a few pics of the guys working. Check out the big Luna Moth they caught. Total trip encompassed 51 miles and 6.5 hours.
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