Today I am once again sharing one of my hubby’s photos. Yesterday he spent the whole day helping his sister paint fences at the horse farm where she works, but even though he was exhausted when he got home, the first thing he did was show me the pictures he took earlier in the day. While washing his car at a local car wash, he saw this moth stuck to the floor because she was so wet. However, she was still alive, and as he put his hand close to her, she started to crawl onto his hand. After a few minutes and a quick photo op, she started to move her wings, so Mike took her out and put her on the grass.
We looked it up on the internet, and it appears that this is a Cecropia Moth, and when you look at how big it was compared to Mike’s large hand, it looks like the wing span is about 6-7 inches. According to Wikipedia, the Cecropia Moth is North America’s largest native moth, and I must say that I have never seen a moth this big anywhere.
Wikipedia also says that “it is a member of the Saturniidae family, or giant silk moths. Females with a wingspan of 160 mm or more have been documented. It is found as far west as the Rocky Mountains and north into the maritime provinces of Canada. The larvae of these moths are most commonly found on Maple trees, but they have been known to feed on Wild Cherry and Birch trees among many others”. Since 160 mm = 6.299 inches, I would have to say that Mike found a record breaker!! Isn’t she gorgeous?!
photos from the loonybin 
Those patterns are amazing :).
Yes, I don’t think I have ever seen a moth with such intricate patterns before, and the colours are really different too :).
Wow! That’s so cool! 🙂 I’ve never seen a moth that pretty before either, it almost looks like it could be a butterfly. Almost. Maybe it’s a wannabe butterfly….hahaa. 🙂
I know for sure though that it’s a moth because my kids taught me that moths hold their wings flat out to the side like that when at rest while butterflies hold them vertically. Plus moths have the fat, furry bodies like this one does. I just love the colours and markings 🙂
Really? Cool, I had no idea. 🙂
Good thing my kids are smarter than me eh? LOL 🙂
Wow!!! That’s GORGEOUS!!! 🙂 **
I agree :). I thought it was a pretty good photo too considering that Mike had to take the picture with one hand because he was holding the moth with his other hand. LOL
She/he (?) is indeed a fine looking specimen!!! 🙂
We think it’s a “she” because on the internet it said that the antennae of the males are big and bushy and compared to a photo we saw online, these seemed quite small in comparison. Of course, we’re not sure though :).
Ah! Ok, I buy that. 🙂
She’s a beauty all right! And what a photo! Fabulous! 🙂
Oh Dor, you just made Mikey’s day!! He and my oldest son are on their way home from a job site right now after a long and hot day, and when I read them your comment it made Mike really happy. I’ll bet he was puffing up like a peacock! 🙂
Several things here. First Mike, wonderful shot. Second, I think Mike is amazing for helping this creature–he’s even cooler than I thought. Third, holy moly that is one big girl!
Hey, be careful now – his ego is already big enough!! LOL He loved your comment and says thank you :).
That’s one great and pretty moth; I’m glad Mike managed to rescue it. Good of you to point out some of the differences between butterflies and moths.
Steve Schwartzman
http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com
Yes, I was glad he rescued it too :). As for pointing out the differences, it’s amazing what I am learning from my kids lately!! LOL I found it very fascinating.
Stunningly beautiful!
Yes she is, and I’m so glad that she was able to recover from her ordeal and that nobody stepped on her by mistake :).
holy wingspan is correct! lol
Can you imagine that landing on you when you’re not expecting it? I think I would freak out initially, and then I would be fascinated! LOL
I’m not a moth / butterfly fan so I’d probably have a heart attack. .. LOL
Oh, can you imagine the blog post I could do with a video of you running around screaming trying to get the giant moth off of you?!? I would get like a million likes for sure :).