If you take the time to look closely, you can spot some spectacular colors, patterns and shapes in your own backyard. 

Nature is the greatest of artists, as evidenced by this diurnal moth, the Ailanthus Webworm.  As the name suggests, this moth's larval host plant is Ailanthus altissima, or Tree of Heaven, an invasive tree species introduced from China.  The adult moth in this photo was found nectaring on Canada Thistle earlier this week at a Conservancy preserve. 

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