Wolley Dod Award Previous Winners
Since 2002
2022 Vic Romanyshyn, Gerald Hilchie & Dave Lawrie
In the summer of 2022, Dave, Gerry, and Vic found the first Alberta specimens of this species, in 54 years. It was previously known from two males from two localities in Waterton Lakes National Park, collected August 1 & 12, 1968. The 2022 records are from July 15-17, at two localities in the Castle Ski Hill area.
2021 Doug Macaulay
The 2021 Wolley Dod Award goes to Doug Macaulay for Apamea verbascoides, the Mullein Apamea Moth, found in the Wainwright Dunes Ecological Reserve July 21, 2021.
Previously known only as far west as Saskatchewan. Doug’s iNaturalist record is here, and more information is here on the Moth Photographers Group Website.
2020 Jan Scott & Sandi Robertson
For their discovery of Holcocera gigantella (scavenger moth family Blastobasidae) in one of Alberta’s two native yucca patches in extreme southern Alberta. This is an unusual find in that this moth is known from the SW US (primarily California), and a concerning one in that the larvae feed on the yucca seed pods, doing extensive damage. Photo: J.Scott
2019 Loney Dickson & Greg Pohl
For their almost simultaneous discoveries of Loscopia velata – Veiled Ear Moth – (Walker, 1865) at two different locations in Alberta in the summer of 2019. Previously known from SK and further east.
Photo: L. Dickson
2018 Doug Macaulay
For his finding of Argyria auratella – Curve-lined Argyria Moth – (Clemens, 1860), a new AB record from Dilberry Lake Provincial Park. Previously known in SK/MB.
Pictures and more information about this species are available here on the Moth Photographers Group Website.
2017 Charley Bird
For his collection of Tridentaforma fuscoleuca! Here are the details, in the words of Greg Pohl who nominated Charley for the award:
Tridentaforma fuscoleuca (Braun) (Tridentaformidae)
New AB and Canadian record by C.D. Bird, based on a specimen he collected at Big Knife in 2002. It was sent to the CNC and determined as “Tridentaforma sp.” several years ago by JF Landry. The record was overlooked since it was not a complete species ID. The specimen came to GRP’s attention in 2017 when examining the Bird donation to the Strickland Museum. There is only 1 species of Tridentaforma (and Tridentaformidae) in the world. The species was recently removed from the Tineidae, and the family Tridentaformidae was erected in the Adeloidea. It has since been discovered on Vancouver Island as well.
2016 Colleen Raymond & Adrian Jones
For their discovery of Mompha brevivitella (Momphidae). This is a new AB record of this species and was reared from Evening Primrose in Edmonton by AJ, and brought to our attention by CR.
2015 Gary Anweiler
For his discovery of a Regal Fritillary, Speyeria idalia (Drury), a new Alberta record! Gary’s discovery was the only one nominated for 2015, since nothing else came close to this amazing find!
Speyeria idalia – Label reads “AB, 1 km SE Etzikom, dry native pasture, Aug. 28, 2015 Leg. G. Anweiler”
2014 Gary Anweiler
For his discovery of Autographa precationis (Guenée), a new Alberta record! Gary collected a specimen of this plusiine noctuid in his yard in Edmonton, on 22 September 2014. It is deposited in the UASM. It was previously known from eastern Canada as far west as Saskatchewan (Hooper 1990)
Photo: G. Anweiler
2013 Doug Macaulay
For his discovery of Agriopodes geminata (Noctuidae) a new Alberta record from Dilberry Lake in eastern AB.
Photo: D. Macaulay
2012 Fort MacMurray Naturalists (collectively)
For their first confirmed records of Actias luna (Saturniidae) in Alberta, based on several photos submitted to various biologists. Photo records were made by “abacus99”, Kelly Brouwer, Bart Crist, Jeremy Gatten, and Clarence Makowecki.
2011 Jan Scott
For her discovery of Dioryctria rossii and D. auranticella (Pyralidae), two very similar species, both new to Alberta, in her back yard in Medicine Hat.
Dioryctria rossii (upper left) and D. auranticella (lower right) (Pyralidae)
2010 Christi Jaeger, Danika Richard, & Greg Pohl
For their discovery of Paraclemensia acerifoliella (Incurvariidae), a new Alberta record and discovery of a new host plant family and species for this moth. The discovery was based on a photo taken at Lac La Biche by Stan Gosche; GRP made the identification, and CJ & DR found the larvae in a new hostplant.
2009 Jason Dombroskie, Chris Schmidt, and Gary Anweiler
For their discovery of Epinotia aridos (Tortricidae), a new Canadian record, collected near Jasper by BCS & GGA, and identified by JDD.
© Jason Dombroskie
2008 Greg Pohl & Jean-François Landry
For their discovery of Bedellia somnulentella (Bedelliidae) a new family and species for AB, discovered near Sherwood Park by GRP, and identified by JFL.
2007 Gerry Hilchie & Doug Macaulay
For their discoveries of two new localities in the Willmore Wilderness Area for Erebia magdalena (Nymphalidae). This doubles the number of known locations in Alberta for this rarely seen butterfly
2006 Jason Dombroskie & Allison Rose
For finding Antispila nr. aurirubra (Heliozelidae) the first Alberta record. Collected in Edmonton (not identified with certainty though!)
2005 Chris Schmidt
For finding Hydroeciodes serrata (Noctuidae) in Waterton Lakes National Park, the first record of this species in Canada.
2004 Chris Schmidt
For his discovery of Schinia avemensis (Noctuidae), Chris found an old specimen in the U of A Strickland museum, AND an extant colony in AB, the first in AB, 2nd for Canada, and 4th globally for this rare insect.
2003 Doug Macaulay
For Gynaephora rossii (Erebidae: Lymantriinae). A rediscovery of a species not seen in AB for many years.
2002 John Acorn
For finding Thyris maculata (Thyrididae). A new family and species for AB, based on a photo from Medicine Hat.