Top 12 Most Common Insects in Fairbanks

The sallow kitten is grey/white and has a wingspan of 27 to 35 mm. The first part of the wing has a large grey middle band. It differs from the poplar kitten (Furcula bifida) in its generally smaller size, but more especially in the shape of the black line forming the outer margin of the central band; this is always more or less angled or dentate towards the front margin of the wings, whereas, in the poplar kitten, this portion of the line forms a clean curve. The flight period ranges from April to the end of August. Depending on location the moth has one or two generations per year and is attracted to light. Ova The dark purple, hemispericle eggs are laid in batches of two or three on the upper surface of leaves in May or June and again in August. They hatch after nine days. Larva The caterpillar can grow up to 35 mm and is bright green with a purple brown marking on the saddle and can be found from May through to September. The main host plants are willow (Salix species) and occasionally aspen (Populus tremula) and other poplar (Populus species). Larvae can be found on small isolated moorland bushes. Pupa Before pupation the larva hollows out a recess. The pupa is dark purple-brown and pupation takes place in a tough cocoon constructed from a mixture of chewed wood-pulp and silk.

Known for its aerial building mastery, 'Dolichovespula arenaria' or 'aerial yellowjacket', constructs nests high up in trees or manmade structures. Its architecture prevents predation and creates an opportunity for symbiosis, with smaller insects benefiting from its scraps. Intriguingly, the aerial yellowjacket's sting is especially potent to its peers, often resulting in the takeover of rival hives, thereby increasing their lateral gene flow and ecosystem diversity.