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South African Luna(like) Moth: Argema mimosae
(04/08/2006) South African Luna Moth
Hi:
We just came back from a trip to South Africa where we found
this large luna moth on the wall of our lodge. It looks slightly
different from its American cousins, but there is a family
resemblence.
Diane & Mark
Hi Diane and Mark,
Your moth is surely Luna-like. This tailed Saturnid Moth is
probably in a different genus than the Luna, but it is definitely
in the same family. We might eventually have a species name.
Hi, I noticed the South African Luna Moth on your website
and thought you would like to know it is Argema
mimosae - commonly called either Luna Moth or Moon Moth.
Kind regards
Aaron in London
Update: (03/15/2008) Moth identification
What's That Bug: Giant Silk Moths The top picture on this
page, "South African Luna(like) Moth," dated 04/08/06, is
of Argema
mittrei, also known as the Comet moth or Madagascan Moon
Moth. I came across a picture of it while searching for identification
of another moth just prior to accessing your site. What a
coincidence. I generally would not write this long after an
entry was posted, but I found no other reference to this beautiful
creature on whatsthatbug.com .
Michelle Gill
Hi Michelle,
We believe the moth in question looks more like Argema mimosae, and since Argema mittrei is found in Madagascar, and the moth in question was in South Africa, we believe the identification that Aaron in London provided long ago is the correct one. Thanks for bringing this to our attention and we have now provided links from our entry.
Imperial Moth
(03/17/2006) Female imperial moth
Great website! A few years ago I came across this huge moth
on the wall of a gas station along I-35. A bit raggedy, she
is, but I thought the grey-blue wall of the store was a great
contrast to her yellow!
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
We love your artful photo of an Imperial Moth.
newly emerged Polyphemus Moth
(03/03/2006) Thanks to you, I know this bug!
I was showing a friend your What’s That Bug site today.
When I happened upon your Polyphemus photos on the moths pages,
I remembered these photos that I took with my daughter several
years ago. One summer afternoon, we found something wriggling
frantically in the grass. It was good sized, about the size
of a cocktail wiener, though a little shorter and a little
fatter. My grass was long at the time, and the bug seemed
to be having trouble, so we let it crawl onto a stick and
transferred it onto the trunk of a nearby tree. It settled
there and proceeded to pump up its wings, ending up as a gorgeous
Polyphemus. Unfortunately, I didn't time stamp the initial
photos, but I think it took about 4-5 hours. When it was wriggling
in the grass, the wings were little more than nubs on the
body, but they ended up about 5 inches tip to tip. Thought
you might enjoy the progression.
Todd
 
Hi Todd,
Thank you for the marvelous example of metamorphosis in action.
Luna
Moth
(03/03/2006)
what type of moth is this?
Robert
Hi Robert,
We are thrilled to post your image of a Luna Moth so early
in the season. We get most images in May and June. This is
one of our favorite insects and we have an entire page devoted
to this beauty.
Mating Papilio anchisiades and Atlas Moths in the
Butterfly Garden
(02/26/2006) Butterfly Porn
Hi bugfolks,
I recently visited a butterfly garden, and was shocked by
the decidedly R-rated display of wantonness. Under every leaf,
exhibitionist butterflies and moths were getting it on...
It was possibly the best date of all times. Here are a few
of my favorite voyeur shots for your Bug Love section, hope
you enjoy them as much as I enjoy your site!
Valerie
 
Hi Valerie,
Thank you for your fabulous letter and lascivious images.
We are especially intrigued with your Atlas Moth orgy.
The exhibit butterflies are all hatched in the garden. For
the Atlas moths, the cocoons are glued to ropes dangling from
the ceiling in a dark little cave near a waterfall. The moths
seem to like to cluster in that area, and many were pairing
off right on top of their former husks.
Valerie
Polyphemus Moths attracted to one another!!!
(02/16/2006) Please Identify
Bugman,
I found this butterfly or moth outside my house on an Azalea
bush. It looks as if it had just emerged. I looked through
your pages and countless other sources but could not identify
it. Can you please help me. Thanks.
grem
Baton Rouge, LA
Dear Grem,
Thanks you for sending in the wonderful photo of Polyphemus
Moths, Antheraea polyphemus. You are correct that they are
newly emerged as these Giant Silkworm, or Saturnid Moths only
live long enough to mate and lay eggs. The pheromones are
working strongly to have brought this pair together.
Ceanothus Silk Moth
(02/02/2006) Spectacular Moth... But What is It?
Dear Bugman:
My family loves your site, especially since we move often
and recently moved to southern California. My four young kids
have discovered all sorts of new bugs here - and I was so
grateful to have discovered a potato bug on your site - the
first one my children brought me had me more worried than
the scorpions and black widows we routinely encountered in
AZ.
This morning, this lovely moth was relaxing in our front entry.
My husband thought he was a polyhemus, but he has white swoosh-shaped
markings on his wings where a polyhemus has golden eyes. He
was easily 5 inches wingtip to wingtip, with the thick fringe
antennae of a polyhemus, and a furry brown and white striped
body, very furry legs. What the heck is he?
We've let him go in a backyard tree and hope he procreates
and becomes a regular site. We live in De Luz, California,
sandwiched between the coastal climate of North San Diego
County and the dry wine country valleys of Temecula and are
hoping that this lovely creature is a native and likely to
be seen again.
Sarah Smith
 
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for the nice letter. We are very happy to post your
photos of the Ceanothus Silk Moth, Hyalophora euryalus, one
of the Saturnid Moths. This truly spectacular moth is native
and the caterpillar feeds on the Ceanothus Tree, or California
Lilac. The adults do not feed.
Newly Emerged Buck Moth
(11/27/2005) What Moth is this?
This is a newly emerged moth according to another entry
I saw on your website, but which one? I saw him on the
ground under a live oak tree in our yard outside Walnut Springs,
TX.
Laureen Dozier
Hi Laureen,
We thought this newly emerged Saturnid might be a Buck Moth
and Eric Eaton confirmed our suspicions. Here is what he said:
"Looks like one of the buck moths in the genus Hemileuca,
but again, I am no moth expert. The red "tail" is pretty
diagnostic, though. It was found in late autumn, right? Eric"
After I saw the photo posted on the Whats That Bug? website
I thought maybe the other two would be clearer. All these
were taken in Bosque County, TX on 11-26-05. A bit of web
surfing leads me to think this may be Grote's
Buckmoth. Especially since the antennae are so delicately
& beautifully formed! I just learned that moths smell with
their antennae-thanks for whetting my curiosity appetite.
Laureen Dozier
4
Polyphemus Moth images in one week!!!
(11/07/2005) Unidentifed creature
Hello,
I don’t know much about insects, but I thought this
moth (at least I think that’s what it is) was interesting.
It was outside my office in April of this year. I came across
the photos again today, and I thought I would send them to
someone so that I could find out what it is. Thanks for your
help!
Susan Brown
Hi Susan,
Though we have three Polyphemus Moth photos currently posted
on our homepage, we liked your photo so much we decided to
post it as well.
Polyphemus Moth
(11/06/2005) I found a polyphemus moth
Hi
I found a polyphemus moth at a garden center in central Florida.
It looked like it was dying and flopped around near where
people were walking in and out. A guy that worked there put
it in a cup for me to take home. he said it was dying. He
said I should take it. I brought it home, but it was still
alive. At first I put a mesh colander over it so it wouldn’t
fly around the house...then I put it outside with a stem of
a flowering tarragon herb. It like the flower, but I read
on the internet the adults do not eat. I wonder if they die
after they lay eggs? Is it going to die? should I let
it go? what does it want to do? why am I so compelled to keep
it? how can I tell if it’s a male or female? what should
I do to preserve it, if it dies? It is not acting like it’s
going to live much longer. Is it lunch for a bird or dinner
for a bat? thanks for the info.
marlae
Hi Marlae,
My, so many questions. They die after laying eggs. It will
soon die. rarely live more than a few days. Letting it go
is your call. It wants to mate and lay eggs, period. It will
not live much longer. Birds love them. So do many other predators
Looks like a female. Males have bushier antennae.
Thank you so much. Nature is so wonderful, but creatures should
come with name tags.
Polyphemus Moth
(10/05/2005) Moth ID question
I found this beautifully camouflaged moth blending into the
brick of my parent’s home in Kilmarnock , Virginia .
I have been through a few of my insect guides, and am guessing
it is in the Saturnidae family, but can’t find an exact
match. Could you please tell me which variety he is? Thanks!
Elizabeth
Bellefonte , Pennsylvania
Hi Elizabeth,
Most guides would picture the distinctive open winged pose
of the Polyphemus Moth. That view displays the prominent eyespots.
Polyphemus Moth
(11/01/2005) What is it?
This morning we found this under the car. He is the
most beautiful thing I have seen. He looked like velvet
and his "eyes" were so beautiful. We are in
Haines City, FL which is dead center of the state. Do
you have any idea what he is? I stumbled across your
site while I was trying to identify this guy.
Thank You,
Diana
Hi Diana,
The Polyphemus Moth is one of the Giant Silkworm Moths also
known as Saturnid Moths.
Royal
Walnut Moth
(10/29/2005) Can you ID this one ?
Hi
I found this moth in Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, can't seem
to find a match documented so far, can you help?
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve,
This is a Royal Walnut Moth also known as a Regal Moth. Its
caterpillar is the fierce looking Hickory Horned Devil.
Spiny Oakworm Moth
(10/24/2005) moth
One day in June (in North Carolina), this moth got trapped
inside our tent and later we were swarmed by others trying
to get to it. Can you tell us what it is? Thanks!
P.S. Love your site!
Moths in the genus Anisota are known as Spiny Oakworm
Moths. Both males and females are reported to release pheromones
and frenzied mating orgies follow. Guess you witnessed one.
BugGuide
is attempting to sort out the genus.
Cecropia Moth
(10/23/2005) moth
I am just sending this because I think it is a great photo.
Taken in our backyard in South Euclid, OH in 2004
Steve
Hi Steve,
Beautiful photo of a Cecropia Moth, the largest North American
Saturnid.
Oakworms Mating
(10/21/2005) more bug love
Thought I would send this pic of spiny oakworm moth love!
Your website is great, and I just wanted to contribue.
Michelle in Florida
Hi Michelle,
This is definitely an Oakworm in the genus Anisota, but we
can't conclusively identify the species. Thanks for the image.
Rosy Maple Moth
(10/01/2005) Rosy Maple Moth - Dryocampa Rubicunda
Dear Bug Man,
Now that my friends are aware of how much I have my camera
with me to capture unique things, my friend Robin send me
this tonight. I can't find her in your moth section.
What a gorgeous sherbert color moth. Robin and I think it
is a Rosy Maple Moth? She took this picture at her home
in Bella Vista, Arkansas in Spring 2005 in her carport.
Love the site! Amazing how many things I can identify
now!
Steph Hart
Hi Steph,
This is indeed a Rosy Maple Moth and we do have photos. As
a page gets too large, we either add a new page or split the
pages. The Rosy Maple Moth photos can be found on our Saturnid
Moth or Giant Silkworm Moth page. Sorry about the confusion.
We do have a search engine to help alleviate any confusion
caused by our site becoming such a behemoth.
Male Imperial Moth
(09/11/2005) Imperial Moth?
5 1⁄2 inch wing span. Back porch. Austin
Texas. We have Cedar Elms and a Spanish Oak in
the backyard. Took the photo just a few minutes ago.
Your site is absolutely amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Julie Gracie Moseley
Hi Julie,
Your male Imperial Moth is a beautiful specimen.
Imperial Moths Mating
(09/10/2005) Mating moths Picture
Hello BugMan;
Thought you might like a closeup photo of two mating Imperial
moths. I have no idea what the spider is doing here
- lesson? voyeur? ambitious? They seemed oblivious to
its presence, anyway. These two were found on a silver
maple tree about 30 miles north of St. Louis, MO, on the Illinois
side of the Mississippi River. Thanks for the wonderful site;
I discovered it while trying to figure out what the insect
is in the second photo. Acts like a large fly, but a
bit aggressive when approached too closely. Wish me luck.
Mark Naylor
Godfrey, Illinois
Hi Mark,
Thank you for the wonderful photo. The photo of the mating
Imperial Moths we received earlier in the week were of a much
shier couple.
Mating Imperial Moths
(09/04/2005) Imperial Moths Mating
Thought you might like to add this photo to your website.
This pair of Imperial moths were unabashedly honeymooning
on the chenille plant on the back step this afternoon.
I live in the hill country of Texas just north of San Antonio.
Catherine
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for the photo. The male moth has the darker wings and
the female has more yellow.
Royal Walnut Moth
(08/31/2005)
I took a picture of this moth as it hung on the outside of
a bug zapper! Any idea what it is??
The Royal Walnut Moth is the adult of the Hickory Horned
Devil
Orange
Striped Oak Moth
(08/27/2005) moth?
Hello WTB,
WHat a great website! My daughter and I spent a lot
of time on the internet trying to identify this moth that
we found but could not find it anywhere? Do you know
what this is?
This is an Orange Striped Oak Moth, Anisota senatoria.
Adults can get very plentiful at times.
Rosy Maple Moth identified
(08/21/2005) Rosy Maple Moth
Thanks for identifying this little pink beauty on your site. Hopefully
this will provide another angle for you to include... This
one was taken in Durham, NC.
John Snyder
Hi John,
We are very happy our site was helpful. We are also happy
to add your lovely photo to our archive.
Rosy Maple Moth
(08/17/2005) Pretty Pink Moth?
A friend took this pic of a prettily pink moth??? She
doesn't know what it is and my curiosity has been peaked. I
googled til my fingers bled but no luck finding another similarly-hued
"bug". Please help. BTW I am in love
with your site. Thanks,
Fully Flummoxed in Ft. Meade
Dear Flummoxed No More,
Recently we got a Rosy Maple Moth, Dryocampa rubicunda, query
that described this pretty Saturnid Moth as looking like sherbet.
Somehow we lost that letter.
Pandora Silk Moth, possibly
(08/14/2005) What is that bug?
I hiked up in San Jacinto mtns (above Palm Springs) and saw
this bug. It looks like caterpiller that never completly changed
into butterfly... Do you know what it is?
Thanks!
Ziv
Hi Ziv,
You are correct in assuming this moth is still undergoing
metamorphosis. When they emerge from the pupa or cocoon, moths
and butterflies have small, soft useless wings that need to
expand with fluids in the veing and then dry and harden before
they are usable for flight. This is a newly emerged moth.
Your Silm Moth species did not look familiar, so we wrote
to Eric Eaton. Here is his response: "Newly-emerged is right! Reminds
me of a pandora moth, which is a type of giant silk moth. Can't
offer any alternatives. Eric "
Io
Moth Female
(08/12/2005) moth with eyes
I had been taking pictures of various insects all day. I got
home and found this moth on my front porch step. Is this Mothra?...the
species that battled Godzilla? Thanks,
Curtis Dunlap
Hi Curtis,
We can't imagine what you would think if you saw a big Saturnid
Moth like a Polyphemus or Cecropia. This is a female Io Moth,
one of the smaller Saturnids.
Regal
Moth
(08/06/2005) Citheronia regalis
My name is Kristine and I am from Columbia, Maryland.
I found this moth right outside of my door a few weeks ago.
I looked at the pictures of moths on your website and happend
upon one submitted by a Jeremy in Columbia as well.
It also happend to be the same species of Moth that I saw.
I thought it was funny and I wondered if he lives somewhere
in my apartment complex. Anyway here is the pic! Thanks!
Kristine
Hi Kristine,
While we have no way of knowing if you and Jeremy live in
the same apartment complex, we can assure you that insects
have intricate biological clocks to assure they will be able
to successfully mate and reproduce. Mature individuals in
the same vicinity will emerge with startling simultaneity,
and this is especially critical with Saturnid Moths like the
Regal Moth which only lives a few days as an adult.
Sheep Moths Mating
(08/04/2005) a picture for you
This is a better version of the picture I sent earlier. These
two moths were mating in the Oregon Cascades in a meadow at
an elevation of 4500 feet. Can you identify them? Thanks!
Mark
Hi Mark,
Thanks for sending in a photo of a new species for our site.
These are Sheep Moths, Hemileuca eglanterina. They are Giant
Silk Moths in the Family Saturnidae. They are found in mountain
meadows and sheep pastures in the Rocky Mountains and west
to the Pacific Coast. The caterpillars feed on plants in the
rose family. The adults are rapidly flying diurnal creatures.
Male Imperial Moth
(08/02/2005) Imperial moth
On Friday, July 29, we were visited by two male Imperial moths
(I know this because of your loevly site!). Our
friend Yi-Ren Tzeng got some nice pictures of one of them,
which I am sending to you.
Nina Liakos
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Hi Nina,
We are so very thrilled when people actually use our site
to try to identify their critters before writing to us. We
are so glad we were helpful.
Orange
Striped Oak Moth
(08/02/2005) Orange Striped Oak Moth
Hey bugman, A few weeks ago, I e-mailed you about some moths
that were all over my building at work in Riverhead, NY. Our
tree company identified them for us, but you do not have a
picture of them on your website. Here is a picture of the
Orange Striped Oak Moth. Maybe you can put it on your site
for others to see. Thanks for your time.
Mike D
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the letter and photo. We also located a link
that talks about how this moth appears in great numbers. The
Orange Striped Oak Moth, Anisota senatoria, is a close relative
of the Virginian which we do have images of.
Mating Polyphemus Moths
(07/27/2005) polyphemus love
I just found your site tonight and I love it. Speaking of
love, maybe you'd like a photo of a couple polyphemus moths
gettin' it on. I assume that's what was going on. They weren't
distracted at all when I moved them from the middle of the
street to under a bush. ken
Thanks for the image Ken. It is a nice addition to our
new Love Among the Bugs page.
The Virginian
(07/26/2005) Moth?
This beautiful moth, about 1.5 inches long, has been on my
screen door all morning. I'm afraid to disturb
it before I learn what it is. I live in NE Alabama
and we have wonderful bugs here! I love your website. Thanks!
Martha
Hi Martha,
We believe this to be The Virginian, Anisota virginiensis.
You did a pretty good job with BugGuide.
Polyphemus
Moth
(07/24/2005) Moth found in parking lot in Northern NJ
Can you tell us about this moth we found in a parking lot
in Northern NJ?
It was huge.
Open & Jim Banks
Hi again Open and Jim,
This is a Polyphemus Moth, one of the Giant Silkworm or Saturnid
Moths. It was named after Polyphemus, the Cyclops from Greek
mythology because of the eyespots. Funny the moth has two
eyespots and the Cyclops only had one eye. Go figure.
Male
Imperial Moth
(07/23/2005) Oh my, what is it!?!?!
Hi Bugman!
I came home earlier this evening and found "this thing"
hanging out on the sliding screen door to my balcony. It
kind of looks like a butterfly but it doesn't to have any
antennas. I live in Germantown, MD which is approx.
40 miles north of Washington, DC. My balcony faces
a small wooded area. Can you tell me what this
is that was visiting? Thanks for your assistance!
Julie
Hi Julie
This is a male Imperial Moth. The female has more yellow and
less reddish-purple on the forewings. He does have feathery
antennae. They are hidden from view. The Imperial Moth, Eacles
imperialis, is one of the Saturnid or Giant Silkworm Moths
that do not feed as adults.
Royal Walnut Moth
(07/21/2005) Moth
Hi! The bottom of this moth is all yellow with red spots and
6 legs. The main colors are obvious. His body was super big
about 4 inches. Your site is super informative and i did some
research and i cannot identify this moth that i found. any
suggestions? thanks again!
stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
We have gotten several photos this year of the Royal Walnut
Moth or Regal Moth.
Polyphemus Moth
(07/18/2005) moth in my kitchen
Hi, I opened my back door to go on to my deck and this flying
object flew into my hair. At first I thought it was
a bat.........and then I saw it land on my kitchen table.
It just so happened that I had my digital camera sitting on
the table. What kind of moth is this? I scooped it up
in a large cup and let it fly away...............
Thanks in advance,
Sandy
Marlboro, New Jersey
Hi Sandy,
This is a Polyphemus Moth, one of the Giant Silkworm or Saturnid
Moths.
Cecropia Moths Mating
(07/14/2005) Butterfly
Can you tell me what type of bug this is? My husband and I
have lived in Kansas our entire lives and never have seen
this type of butterfly. There were two in our lilac bush in
May. Thanks, Erin from KC
Erin Peel
 
Hi Erin,
These are not butterflies, but Cecropia Moths, a species of
Saturnid or Giant Silkworm Moths. By the looks of things,
there will be a new generation next year, at least if we are
properly imagining what is happening under the cover of the
lilac leaves.
Polyphemus
Moth
(07/12/2005) Giant Moth ID?
What kind of a beautiful moth is this? We reside in SE Wisconsin
and have never seen such a large, beautiful moth! Is it a
member of the Witch moth family? Great website!
Suz and Joe K.
Hi Suz and Joe,
Not a Witch Moth but a Giant Silkworm or Saturnid Moth. More
specifically, a Polyphemus Moth.
Imperial Moth
(07/11/2005) What type of moth
I live in Alabama. I found this moth on the ground and put
him back on a tree he could not fly his abdomen was so large.
Greg W
Hi Greg,
Perhaps your female Imperial Moth, Eacles imperialis, was
eggbound. Males have upper wings with mostly purple markings
and the females are more yellow like your photo. Caterpillars
feed on many types of trees including maple, oak, hickory
and pine.
Royal
Walnut Moth
(07/10/2005) What is this?
Came home from vacation and found this huge moth? laying eggs
on my apartment wall. It is at least 5 inches long. Any
idea what it may be? I am from Columbia MD.
Jeremy
Hi Jeremy,
Wonderful photos of a Royal Walnut Moth, Citheronia regalis,
also known as the Regal Moth. The incredible looking caterpillars
are known as Hickory Horned Devils and Hickory and Walnut
are two major food plants eaten by the caterpillar. Adults
do not eat.
Io
Moth
(07/08/2005) Sphinx moth? Which species?
Hi, Bugman,
I just found your site via google and am delighted with the
questions, answers, and photos! We live in southern West Virginia,
near the New River Gorge, surrounded by many acres of tall
second-growth poplar, oak, maple, beech, and hemlock. I found
a lovely golden moth with a plump, fuzzy gold body on my office
screen this morning. I think it’s a Sphinx moth, but
my most complete reference book (Golden Guide to Butterflies
and Moths!) doesn’t have an image that matches it. Then,
this afternoon my husband found four moth wings in the garage,
under the 66 Mustang he’s restoring, and I thought they
looked like the wings on “my” moth, so I took
some photos. Here are two: one of “my” moth and
“his” wings; the other of the moth (now “ours”)
alone. What, please, is the name of our moth?
Many thanks,
Ellen Scheel and Julian Skaggs
 
Hi Ellen and Julian,
Your moth is not a Sphinx, but a Giant Silkworm or Saturnid
Moth. It is a male Io Moth, Automeris io. These are beautiful
moths. The female has brown upper wings. The caterpillar has
stinging spines. Your moth probably did not really meet an
untimely end since they live only to mate and do not eat as
adults.
Cecropia
Moth
(07/05/2005) large moth found in new jersey
any idea what kind of moth this is?it was found in new jersey
in may sometime.
thanks
faith kessner
Hi Faith,
We have gotten many pictures of Cecropia Moths this spring.
Cecropia
Moth
(07/01/2005) moth identification
Hello,
Like others, I came across your site trying to identify a
moth that I had never seen before. I arrived home to
find it clinging to our screen door where it remained throughout
the afternoon. We live in Sherwood , Wisconsin which
is about 30 minutes southwest of Green Bay . I am a
novice, so perhaps this moth is relatively common, but it
was the first time I had never seen a moth so large or exotic!
Your site has wonderful photos and kind and helpful responses.
Would you be able to help me identify this moth?
Many thanks,
Beccy
Hi Beccy,
Thanks for the most excellent photo of a Cecropia Moth, Hyalophora
cecropia. It is often considered the largest North American
moth, but some writers give that distinction to another Giant
Silkworm Moth, the Polyphemus Moth.
Cecropia
Moth
(07/01/2005) Cecropia Silk Moth
Bugman,
Found your website yesterday while trying to identify what
turned out to be a Dobson fly. Today, I found this
beautiful specimen of what I think is a Cecropia Silk Moth. It's
a little over 6" wingtip to wingtip. Didn't see one on
your site, so I'm offering you this photo and hope you can
use it (and confirm my ID).
Larry
Union Bridge, MD
Hi Larry,
Your is the second Cecropia Moth photo today. We actually
have a Giant Silkmoth page with other Cecropia photos from
the past. We constantly update our homepage and then move
letters to the archives which can be accessed by clicking
the alphabatized list of links on the left side of the homepage.
Thank you again.
Rosy
Maple Moth
(07/01/2005) Please identify
My kids and I found this on our sliding glass door, neighbor
said it was rare, I honestly don't know. Any help would be
great. It stayed around all evening, much to my kids delight.
Thanks,
Corinna Waidelich
Hi Corinna,
The scarsity of the Rosy Maple Moth, Dryocampa rubicunda,
is questionable, at least with regards to your area. The caterpillars,
which feed on red and silver maple leaves, can be so numerous
they strip the trees. Here is a site called Moth
of New Jersey that has some information. In my very outdated
Holland Moth Book (1934) where it is identified as Anisota
rubicunda, the author writes: "It was formerly very common
in the city of Pittsburgh, but for many years past it has
almost entirely disappeared, so that it is now regarded as
a rather rare insect by local collectors. The disappearance
of the moth is due no doubt to the combined influence of the
electric lights, which annually destroy millions of insects,
which are attracted to them, and to gas-wells, and furnaces,
which lick up in their constantly burning flames other millions
of insects. Perhaps the English sparrow has also had a part
in the work of extermination."
Polyphemus Moth
(06/26/2005) moth identity
Found this beautiful & large moth in my backyard last
night, the second one in as many weeks, much to my kids joy.
I’m pretty sure it’s a hawk-eyed moth, but would
like confirmation. Also any links for more info, such as what
the larva is consuming. Cheers!
Greg,
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Hi Greg,
Your moth is not a Hawkmoth, but a Polyphemus Moth, Antheraea
polyphemus, one of the Giant Silkworms in the Family Saturniidae.
The large caterpillars eat leaves from alder, basswood, birch,
chestnut, elm, hickory, maple, poplar sycamore, and oak as
well as other hardwood trees.
Royal Walnut Moth
(06/25/2005)Hey bugman,
Have any idea what this is? My neighbor found it on
her deck. It is about 3-4 inches long and just sitting
there. So I took a picture and hope you can id it.
Thanks
Liz in Louisville KY
Hi Liz,
In September, we get photos and letters about the Hickory
Horned Devil, a very impressive caterpillar, but we have never
gotten a photo of the adult moth, until now. Your Regal Moth
is also known as a Royal Walnut Moth, Citheronia regalis.
The caterpillar feeds on hickory, walnut, butternut, ash,
sumac sweet gum and persimmon. It ranges throughout the eastern
U.S. and Canada, but is most common in the South. Adults are
short lived and do not feed.
Huckleberry
Sphinx and Polyphemus Moth
(06/18/2005) 2 moths for your review
Hello!
For the last 2 years fall has been ushered in with the appearance
of very large, dying moths. Fortunately I can get
over my fear of insects if they're in their sluggish final
days and I was able to get close enough with a macro lens
to get a few detailed shots. I find myself more
and more fascinated with moths and their markings, but I'm
terrible at identifying them. Would you mind having
a look at these pictures and identifying them for me? It
may be helpful to know that we are in the central Georgia
region. The first is a reddish moth, probably a good 3.5 inches
with its wings expanded to the point depicted in these pictures. I
believe there were eye-spots underneath the top layer of wing,
but they were only visible when the wings were fully expanded. I
was unable to get a good picture in this position as the poor
moth needed encouragement to stretch that far in its condition. This
picture was taken in the fall, and it was definitely in the
final stage of its life. it sat on the sidwalk
out front of our apartment for a good 2 days, and when it
finally expired it did so in this same position. It
was just begging to be a specimen! The second moth was so
huge that I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it. The
full wing span was at least 6-inches across, and I had no
idea moths could grow so large. As you may be able
to tell from the picture, the eye-spots are actually holes
in the wings. We found this one dying near our
apartment as well, also in the fall. It too sat
sluggishly on the pavement for 2 or 3 days, and then finally
disappeared. Probably carried off by an ambitious
neighborhood cat. If you could help identify these moths,
I would greatly appreciate it!
Thanks,
Frightened but Fascinated
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| Huckleberry
Sphinx |
Polyphemus
Moth |
Dear Frightened but Fascinated,
We will try to alleviate your fear while encouraging your
fascination. Your red moth is a Huckleberry Sphinx, Calasymbolus
astylus (according to Holland but currently reclassified).
It is a rather scarse species. It will not harm you since
it has a proboscus, a tubular mouth design for sucking nectar
from deep throated flowers. Your second moth is one of the
Giant Silkworms, a Polyphemus Moth, Antheraea polyphemus.
There are two generations in the South and eggs laid in the
fall will winter over and hatch as caterpillars in the spring.
It cn also over-winter as a cocoon. This moth does not feed
as an adult since it has vestigial mouthparts and cannot feed.
Neith moth has the anatomy necessary to do you any harm. You
are finding dying moths in the fall since they do not survive
the winter as adult. We hope you will lose your fear and expand
your fascination.
Polyphemus
Moth
(05/13/2005) Moth
Bugman,
I live in the Bay Area and saw this moth yesterday on the
sidewalk. What type of moth is this? Is this moth
rare?
-Derek
Hi Derek,
This is a Polyphemus Moth, Antheraea polyphemus. It ranges
throughout the U.S. and is not rare. Because of their large
size, they always create a stir when seen for the first time.
Columbia Silk moth
(05/09/2005) Moths
I took some digital photos of a moth in Prince George, British
Columbia, Canada. I haven't been able to find a picture on
the internet that can tell me which moth it is. The blue beam
in the picture is 4" high by 1-5/8" wide. That makes the moth
about 2-1/4" tall as it sit (which is about 4-1/2" of wingspan).
There are 4 eggs laid beside this moth, they are pretty close
to the size of a BB. Please let me know if you can identify
it. Thank you,
Nick Mankwald
Hi Nick
It looks to me like you have a female Columbia Silk Moth,
Hyalophora columbia, a smaller and drabber relative of the
Cecropia Moth. The Columbia Silk Moth is similar to the Cecropia,
but lacking a red band in the hind wing. It is found in forested
regions of Canada and New England.
Polyphemus
Moth
(04/10/2005) Need ID of This Beautiful Nocturnal(?) Moth
Hi There Bugman,
Just discovered your funky bug site. I need an ID on this
critter that crossed my path (literally flew into my face)
one warm evening in August of '03. I live on Long
Island NY and never in my 42 years seen one of these kind
of moths flying around. I initially mistook it for a small
brown bat! I then figured it for a Luna moth but
after seeing one ID'd on your site I have not a clue. Please
Advise.
Thanks,
R.P.
Hi R.P.
Your Polyphemus Moth, Antheraea polyphemus, belongs to the
same Family as the Luna Moth. Both are Saturnids or Giant
Silkworm Moths. Caterpillars eat leaves from many deciduous
trees and adults do not feed, living only a few days to mate
and reproduce.
Tulip
Tree Silk Moth
(Ides of March 2005) moth found in Alabama
Can you tell me what this is? I took the picture
in NW Alabama. Some kind of moth??
Thanks,
Beth Conklin
Hi Beth,
Your photo of a female Tulip Tree Silkmoth, Callosamia angulifera,
is very beautiful. These moths range from New England to Florida
and West to the Mississippi River. Here is a nice site
that shows the life cycle of your moth. The moths are strongly
attracted to lights.
Luna Moth
(03/13/2005) What kind is it?
I have found a butterfly looking bug that my father says he
has not seen since he was a kid, i will included a pic of
the bug so you may identify it and i would like to get a responce
soon, Thank You
Thank you for sending in a new photo of the Luna Moth,
Actias luna. Many people consider it the most beautiful North
American moth.
Male
Polyphemus Moth
(03/06/2005) Shy big moth
I was trying to ID this one since I have never seen it before.
It is about the size of a Luna but it ran away before I could
get good photos. I had to lighten this one to get a good look
at the markings. That's a #6 nailhead to the left of its wings.
From wall to outermost wingtip, it is about 2-1/2 to 3 inches.
The body and legs are so thick they almost look swollen. I
thought it might be newly morphed because its wings were slightly
curled at the back.
Gina Heffernan
Henderson, Texas
Hi Gina,
The undersides of moths wings often differ radically from
the upper sides. Generally, the dorsal view is pictured in
identification books. We checked with Eric Eaton to be certain
and he informed us that this was a male Polyphemus Moth, Antheraea
polyphemus.
Bedraggled
Polyphemus Moth
(12/30/2004) What Is This Moth?
This moth was on my deck in Minnesota for a brief period last
June. The deck floorboards that you see are 6” wide. It
was a spectacle for us! Can you identify it?
Daryl Ramsey
Hi Daryl,
You have a very bedraggled Polyphemus Moth, one of the giant
silkworm moths, Antheraea polyphemus. They only live a few
days and do not eat as adults, though the large caterpillars
are voracious feeders. Adults only live to mate and lay eggs.
Cecropia Moths
(12/16/2004) moth, who are they
These were in the garden in July. I have not seen a pair before.
They stayed on this shrub from morning to and threw the night.
The next morning all that we found were there wings. We placed
the wings in clear document holder. Because of the different
size of half moon shapes on the wings, it was assumed that
we had one male and one female.
Area: Hammond, Ontario. Canada (Forested
Area)
Your moths are Cecropia Moth, Hyalophora cecropia, the
largest North American Giant Silkworm Moths. They may have
been a mating pair. The adults live only long enough to mate
and lay eggs and they cannot even eat as they don't have working
mouthparts. Sounds like a bird or other predator got a good
meal.
Polyphemus Moth
(10/06/2004) What bug is this?
Hello,
I have attached a picture of a bug I recently "captured"
outside my house. Could you tell what it is?
Thanks,
Jay
Hi Jay,
You have a photo of a Polyphemus Moth, one of the giant silkworm
moths. As adults, they do not feed, living only a few days
to mate. The caterpillars are ravenous feeders.
Striped
Morning Sphinx and Hubbard's Silkmoth
(09/09/2004) moths
Hello, I caught these moths outside my home in Tucson Arizona
and i was wondering if you could identify one, the other I
know is a white- striped sphinx moth. Thank you,
Jossy
( The pins are because they are apart of aninsect collection,
521 and 526 are the sphinx moth, 527 and 523 are the unknown
moth Thanks!)
 
Hi Jossy,
Your sphinx is a Striped Morning Sphinx or White-Lined Sphinx
as you supposed. Your unknown moth is Leptarctia californiae,
though that name may be obsolete. It is a highly variable
species found in Southern California.
Corrections
(11/10/2004)
I happened upon your site and noted a few errors that should
be corrected. I only dealt with the Giant Silkmoths (Saturniidae)
and Hawkmoths (Sphingidae) for which I have written textbooks
and am intimately familiar. The corrections are as follows:
In the photo dated September 9, 2004 labeled moths
the moth with the gray forewings and pinkish hindwings is
Sphingicampa hubbardi (Hubbard’s silkmoth) I hope this helps….
Regards,
Jim Tuttle
Imperial
Moth by a Structuralist Insect Photographer
(08/05/2004) A few for your collection!
Hi there Bug People!
I like to photograph only the most taken for granted of things
in the world...lowly mushrooms and fungus, insects, small
rodents, amphibians, etc... I have included a few ( a
very small sampling ) of my 'insect world' favorites for 2004.
Hope you enjoy them! (Personally, I love the Imperial Moth
that befriended my hand...the Stag is second place) All of
these photos are from the location described below.
Kindest Regards,
Scott Pierson
Actual Location Data: (of all insect photos attached) Earleville,
MD - in a small, private community named 'Hazelmoor'.
Latitude: 39.4401 Longitude: -76.0247
Time is always (approx) between the hours of 20:30
to 00:00 hrs, EDT
My Goodness, Scott,
I admire the structuralist tendencies you have applied to
your insect photographs. We agree that your Imperial Moth
photo is amazing.
Thank you for your reply - I didn't realize that you'd already
posted it the website! My previous email did not include
that "I think the site is great!" What a service to folks
- especially those interested in insects. This is a great
wealth of information and the fact that there are photos to
examine is priceless. It's great that you take the time to
help folks out like this. Thank you again! Kindest Regards,
Scott Pierson
Luna
Moth
(08/04/2004) Hi-
We thought you would enjoy seeing another pretty luna
moth that has been lounging on our front porch welcoming visitors
since yesterday (8-3-04). Since then, it has moved from
vertical to horizontal !! Not really exerting itself
to much. We are in Dublin, OH (outside Columbus).
Kevin and Lorraine
Thanks so much Kevin and Lorraine,
We are rotating your photo to the vertical position to maximize
the size as well as to include the ruler.
Imperial Moth
(08/03/2004)
My Granddaughter found this in the yard. I thought you could
let us know what type of Moth it is and did it lay eggs. Thanks
so much for your reply. Samantha is extremly interested in
nature and loves to care for our garden, She is outstanding.
I am her grandmother so I think she is the best. Thanks again
for your time and interest in this matter. If you have any
printed material can you send it to her. thanks again.
Her name is Samantha C. from lewes, delaware. again I thank
you for looking at these pictures and finding out what she
found and what it's name is.
D. Smith
Hi D.,
Your granddaughter captured a female Imperial Moth, Eacles
imperialis, formerly Basilona imperialis. Those are indeed
eggs. When the eggs hatch, tell your granddaughter to feed
the caterpillars fresh leaves from Oak, Hickory, or Maple.
The moth, which does not feed as an adult, might already be
dead. They only live a few days, long enough to mate and lay
eggs. Male moths have more purple on the wings. Sorry, we
have no printed material to send to Samantha, whose address
we tactfully deleted.
Polyphemus
Moth
(07/08/2004) A BIG Moth
I recently found a large moth hanging on our garage door. My
wife trapped him for closer examination. This guy
has a wing span of 4-5" and a body as large and meaty
as the end segment of my thumb. He is brown with
a black spot on each wing . each black spot is
1/2" in diameter and has a translucent center. He
also has a translucent spot on each wing up toward his head
about 1/4" in diameter. His wings are paper
like in appearance and look a little fuzzy. He
also has an outline of darker brown on the top/front of the
wings and a lighter brown outline on the top/rear of the wings
with a black and a white line separating colors. The
under side of the wings is all light brown with very little
color variation, except for the translucent spots. What
is it?
Thanks, Don
pic of the BIG Moth
Hopefully this pic will help, I could only get the underside
on my scanner, I don't want to kill him and the photo didn't
turn out very good.
Hi Don,
You have a female Polyphemus Moth, Antheraea polyphemus, which
was named for the one-eyed cyclops of Greek mythology because
of the "eyespots" on the hind wings. It is a member of the
giant silkworm family, Saturniidae. Adults do not eat, but
live solelyh to mate and reproduce, living just a few days.
By the looks of things, your female should be laying eggs
soon, and if she is fertile, they will hatch into hungry caterpillars
that eat oak, hickory, elm, maple, birch and other trees and
shrubs. They are green and will grow to about 3 inches before
spinning a plump cocoon either on the ground or attached to
a twig. They are common in the South where there are two broods
a year.
Thanks Bugman,
We did a little research and you confirmed our suspicions.
We live in Hershey, Pennsylvania, hardly the South. Thanks
so much for your quick response, have a great day!
Don & Cindy Hess
P.S. She is free now, but last we checked just hanging around
Luna Moth
(07/05/2004)
Hello,
I have been lucky enough to have seen a Luna Moth. It
is so beautiful! It was found where I work and was alive
for about 2 days (since being found). It has now died
and I am wondering if you would know of a way I can keep it
without it decaying, some way to preserve it. If you
could help it would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Ripleys,
Lucky you. Great sighting. Where are you located? Your moth
will dry naturally. The biggest danger is protecting it from
dermestid which will devour it. These tiny beetles can be
kept out with moth crystals.
The
Virginian
(07/02/2004) Orange Bug
We found this bug in our front yard this morning. My
husband screamed and ran to get the camera. Can
you tell us what it is?
Thanks,
Amy Lutero
Richmond, Virginia
Hi Amy,
I hope your husband has stopped screaming and is standing
ready with the camera. You have a newly metamorphosed Virginian
Anisota, Anisota virginiensis, a female. The moths pupate
in the ground without a cocoon. The caterpillar feeds on oaks.
As the name implies, the moth is local for you, ranging throughout
the Appalacians from Canada to the Carolinas, and occasionally
as far West as Kansas and Missouri. The wings will expand
with time, and if you are ready with the camera, you should
have a lovely photo of the fully matured and flight ready
moth, who will soon have male suitors attracted to her.
(06/07/2004) Luna Moth
Hello there! You folks have a very informative
web site and a much larger database than I thought.
I am very pleased to have found you. My husband &
I had this great visitor on May 22nd (it hung out all day)
and would love to know what it is exactly. We live in
Pike County, PA. near the Delaware River and I have never
seen anything like this. He/she was gorgeous!
Thank you for your terrific site and for any help you may
be able to give us in identifying this unique-looking (to
us, anyway) insect.
Sincerely,
The Fisher's
P.S. Wishing I had captured something this beautiful resting
on something more beautiful (not our screen door), I Photoshopped our
moth onto another picture I had taken of some Coral flowers
years back.
Again, thank you! and have a terrific day!
Dear Fishers,
You have been lucky enough to see a Luna Moth, arguably the
most beautiful North American moth. These are members of the
Giant Silkworm Family Saturniidae. The caterpillar feeds on
gum, walnut, hickory and persimmon tree leaves. In the fall
it drops to the ground and forms a cocoon by spinning silk
around a leaf. It winters on the ground and emerges as an
adult moth in the spring. Adults do not feed. They live solely
to mate. Congratulations on your wonderful sighting and also
for sharing your beautiful photo with us. We are reproducing
it full size, not the normal 3 inches we usually post. We
also prefer your screen door to the floral background.
THANK YOU, Daniel. What lovely and warm people you are over
there!!!! I never expected to hear back from you so soon.
We appreciate your kinds words and expertise immensely.
(And I agree, the screen door shot is better. Thank YOU.)
Do take care, Roy & Carie Fisher
(03/02/2004) POLYPHEMUS MOTH COCOON
EDITOR'S NOTE: Vicki wrote to us about Stoneflies
and included this intriguing bit of information: "The
highlight of my day, though (other than seeing an otter) was
finding a cocoon of a Polyphemus Moth, which I took a picture
of and left to dangle patiently on its limb for a few more
months." We requested that she send the photo.
More
than happy to. This cocoon is hanging right over the creek
(Tuckahoe Creek on the Eastern Shore of Maryland). Hopefully
when the moth emerges, he'll crawl UP.
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