Subject: Ceanothus Silk Moth?
Location: Choctaw, Oklahoma
May 23, 2017 5:15 pm
Found in central Oklahoma 5/22/2017.Attached are two photos.
Curious what it is if not Ceanothus silk moth.
If it is it’s a long way from home.
Thanks,
Signature: Dave Osborne

Cecropia Moth

Dear Dave,
You are correct that you are too far east for this to be a Ceanothus Silkmoth.  It is actually a closely related female Cecropia Moth.

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Subject: Moth
Location: Capac, Mich
May 17, 2017 4:58 pm
Can you help me identify this gorgeous creature, please?
Signature: MMF

Cecropia Moth

Dear MMF,
Yes indeed, the Cecropia Moth is a real impressive beauty, and based on his very feathery antennae, it is a male.  Like other Giant Silkmoths in the family Saturniidae, Cecropia Moths do not feed as adults, living only long enough to mate and lay eggs.

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Subject: Royal Walnut Moth
Location: Lebanon, Tennessee
May 17, 2017 12:52 pm
Here is a Royal Walnut Moth I found this morning on our sidewalk in Lebanon, Tenessee.
Signature: Donna Samuels

Royal Walnut Moth

Dear Donna,
We wish you had had the opportunity to see this gorgeous Royal Walnut Moth while it was still living.

Royal Walnut Moth

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Subject: Polyphemus Moth?
Location: Southeastern PA
April 27, 2017 10:40 am
This moth was here most of the day yesterday. (April 26 2017)
We weren’t sure what type it is, then we saw your site. We think it is a Polyphemus moth.
Signature: Lori

Polyphemus Moth

Dear Lori,
You are correct that this is a Polyphemus Moth.  It is resting with the wings folded above the body, a position that is often cited to identify butterflies by distinguishing them from moths, yet it is a resting position frequently used by the Polyphemus Moth, perhaps because it effectively camouflages the Polyphemus Moth among dried leaves.  We hope you were able to witness the spectacular eyespots on the upper surface of the underwings.  When startled, the Polyphemus Moth will “open its eyes” which effectively startles predators like birds into thinking they are about to be eaten by a much larger predator.

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