Most of today was spent trying frantically to finish up writing projects, so the trekking notebook was essentially a blank page. But I did have a bit of time to walk the grounds at night—not exactly aerobic, but I'll take what the busy work schedule is willing to give—and I discovered a wealth of moths gathering around the back porch lights. I could profitably spend hours there, camera, 85mm micro lens, magnifying glass, and floods and strobes in hand—well, hands—since there are so many intriguing species to observe, "capture," and learn. This bizarre moth, whose wings bear a splash of silver, was particularly intriguing. I've seen this variety before, and I decided to finally learn its identity. When it comes to most moths, taxonomic certainty, based on photos alone, is usually iffy, but based on its wing ornamentation,  I think it's a Common Looper, an abundant species I could justify collecting to really master it. I could also do this with a relatively clear conscience, since the Looper's caterpillars are often pests on beans and members of the cabbage family, both of which are trying to make a stand in my meager vegetable garden.