Subject: What kind of moth is this?
Location: Rowan County, North Carolina
July 24, 2017 5:55 pm
Hi Bugman,
I’m in Rowan Co., N.C. and wondering what kind of moth this is my husband took a picture of on the hood of our car. It’s about as big as a large palm of the hand. Pretty markings!
Signature: Thanks! Monica in N.C.

Probably Male Sweetbay Silkmoth

Dear Monica,
This is one of the male Giant Silkmoths in the genus Callosamia, and there are three similar looking species that are all found in North Carolina.  Based on BugGuide images, we believe this is a male Sweetbay Silkmoth, but we would not rule out that it might be a male Tulip-Tree Silkmoth which is also pictured on BugGuide.

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Subject: moth
Location: Northern Arizona
July 21, 2017 4:02 pm
what kind of moth is this?
Signature: Connie

Possibly Oculea Moth

Dear Connie,
This is probably a Polyphemus Moth, a beautiful moth with startling eyespots on the underwings.  If your submission had come from any state other than Arizona, we would be very confident with that identification, however, parts of Arizona and New Mexico are the range for the Western Polyphemus Moth or Oculea Moth, that is described on BugGuide as being:  ” similar to A. polyphemus, but darker and with more markings around the eye spots. ‘Upperside of wings is tan, sometimes with a yellowish or reddish tint. Forewing margin is the same color as the basal area; submarginal line is black. Rings around the eyespots are orange, blue, and black. Underside has contrasting rust, brown, and white markings.'”  We would need to see an image of the open wings to make a more definitive identification.

Daniel,
Thank you for your prompt response.  After studying the pictures of each, I believe the Oculea Moth is the closest match. He is gone now so I cannot get anymore pictures. I live in Show Low, Arizona which is located in the White Mountains.  The elevation here is 6350.
Again than You,
Connie

Thanks for the additional information Connie.  Oculea Moths do tend to be found at higher elevations.

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Subject: What is This Moth?
Location: Palm Bay, FL
July 14, 2017 10:11 am
Hello Bugman,
I saw this beautiful moth in the morning hours outside a grocery store today, July 14th, in Palm Bay, FL. It’s summer here. Just curious what kind of moth it is.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Merritt
Signature: Elizabeth

Male Io Moth

Dear Elizabeth,
This male Io Moth rests with its forewings showing.  When it is disturbed, it reveals the startling eyespots on the underwings as a defense mechanism that will hopefully scare off any predators.

Male Io Moth

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Subject: Unidentified moth
Location: Vermont
July 6, 2017 8:40 am
This little guy is visiting me this morning. Wing span is probably 4-5 inches. Located in southern Vermont.
Signature: Kayla

Male Polyphemus Moth

Dear Kayla,
This is a male Polyphemus Moth.  We hope you had a chance to view his impressive eyespots.

Thank you so much! Yes, his eye spots were amazing!!

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