Giant silk moths, belonging to the family Saturniidae, are undoubtedly some of the most fascinating and beautiful creatures in the world of insects. With their large size, eye-catching colors, and amazing patterns, these moths can capture the attention of even the most indifferent observers. Raising these enchanting insects can be a rewarding experience for both hobbyists and professional breeders.
For those interested in raising giant silk moths, it’s important to note that they can be found in various species, such as the Luna moth, Polyphemus moth, and Cecropia moth, to name just a few. As beginners, you need to be aware of the specific needs and requirements of the moth species you choose, as each may have slightly different care needs. For instance, the Luna moth prefers a leafy habitat, while the Cecropia moth may need a more diverse diet during its larval stage.
Interaction with these stunning creatures can be a fantastic way to learn about their life cycles, behaviors, and habitats. Their compelling presence can provide ample opportunity for conversation starters and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts. So, if you’re ready to take on the challenge of raising giant silk moths, the rewards will certainly be worth your efforts.
Understanding Giant Silk Moths
Family Saturniidae
Giant silk moths belong to the family Saturniidae, which consists of medium to large-sized moths with stout, hairy bodies and feathery antennae1. Key attributes:
- Hairy bodies
- Feathery antennae
Notable Species: Cecropia, Luna, Promethea, and Polyphemus
Cecropia
The Cecropia moth is the largest moth in North America2. Features:
- Red body with white stripes
- Wingspan: 5-7 inches2
Luna
The Luna moth is characterized by its green color and long, elegant tails3. Characteristics:
- Light green wings
- Tails up to 3 inches long3
Promethea
The Promethea moth is known for its dark brown and red markings4. Attributes:
- Dark brown and red wings
- Wingspan: 3-4 inches4
Polyphemus
The Polyphemus moth is recognizable by its large eyespots on its wings5. Features:
- Eyespots on hind wings
- Wingspan: 4-6 inches5
Comparison Table
| Species | Wingspan | Colors |
|---|---|---|
| Cecropia | 5-7 inches | Red, white stripes |
| Luna | 3-4 inches | Light green |
| Promethea | 3-4 inches | Dark brown & red |
| Polyphemus | 4-6 inches | Brown, eyespots |
Life Cycle of Giant Silk Moths
Eggs and Hatching
Giant silk moths, members of the family Saturniidae, lay eggs on the leaves of host plants. Eggs hatch in about 10 days, releasing tiny caterpillars to begin their growth.
Caterpillar Growth and Development
Caterpillars consume leaves to grow and develop. They pass through five developmental stages, known as instars, shedding their old skin at each stage.
Giant silk moth species:
- Cecropia
- Promethea
- Polyphemus
- Luna
Each caterpillar species prefers specific host plants. For example:
- Cecropia: cherry and willow
- Luna: hickory and walnut
Cocoon Formation
After the final instar, caterpillars seek a suitable location to spin their cocoons. Once the cocoon is securely spun, usually on a branch or under leaves, the caterpillar undergoes pupation.
Winter diapause:
- Some species overwinter as pupae
- Milder climate species may have 2-3 generations per year
Adult Moths and Reproduction
Adult giant silk moths lack functional mouthparts, so they don’t eat. Their sole purpose is reproduction. Mating usually occurs at night.
Adult moth characteristics:
- Large, with wingspans of 4″ to 6″
- Stout, hairy bodies
- Feathery antennae
Pros and cons of adult moths:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Essential for reproduction | Short lifespan (7-10 days) |
| Beautiful appearance | Can be vulnerable to predators |
To increase the chances of their offspring’s survival, female moths release pheromones to attract males for mating. Once successfully mated, the female moth lays her eggs, thus completing the life cycle of the giant silk moth.
Caring for Giant Silk Moth Caterpillars
Housing and Containers
Giant silk moths, belonging to the family Saturniidae, include species like cecropia moths and polyphemus moths. To house these caterpillars:
- Use mesh boxes or plastic containers with ventilation holes
- Line the bottom with paper towels for easy cleaning
- Transfer caterpillars to a larger container as they grow
Food Plants and Fresh Leaves
Caterpillars eat specific leaves depending on their species. Examples of host plants for silk moth caterpillars include:
- Maple
- Willow
- Plum
- Apple
- Lilac
Ensure leaves are from pesticide-free areas and provide fresh leaves daily, placing stems in water to keep them firm.
Optimal Temperature and Humidity
Giant silk moth caterpillars thrive in the following conditions:
- Temperatures between 65-85°F (18-30°C)
- Moderate humidity levels, monitored with a hygrometer
- Avoid placing containers in direct sunlight or drafts
Preventing Pests and Predators
To protect caterpillars from pests and predators like ladybugs and tachinid flies, try the following:
- Regularly inspect the container for signs of infestation
- Keep containers away from windows or doors
- Remove dead leaves daily to prevent bacterial growth
- Introduce native species predators, like ladybugs, as a natural pest control method
| Species | Wingspan Range | Native Host Trees |
|---|---|---|
| Cecropia Moth | 5-7 inches | Maple, wild cherry, apple, lilac |
| Polyphemus Moth | 4-6 inches | Maple, birch, willow, oak |
| Promethea Moth | 3-4 inches | Wild cherry, sassafras, ash |
Giant silk moths are fascinating Lepidoptera species, and with proper care, their captivating lifecycle can be observed in captivity. Providing a suitable container, the right host plants, and a pest-free environment is essential to raise healthy silk moth caterpillars.
Breeding Giant Silk Moths
Attracting Mates with Pheromones and Scent
Giant silk moths rely on pheromones and their feathery antennae to find mates. Female silk moths emit pheromones, which males can detect from up to three miles away.
Males have:
- Large, feathery antennae
- Ability to locate females from miles away
Egg Laying and Incubation
Once mated, female giant silk moths lay eggs on suitable host plants for caterpillars to feed on. The eggs will hatch into larvae, which eventually form cocoons and transform into adult moths.
Egg-laying process:
- Takes place on host plants
- Produces larvae, which become caterpillars
Releasing Adult Moths into the Wild
Adult giant silk moths in North America do not feed, as they are focused on reproducing. When ready, release them into the wild to live out their short lives and continue their life cycle.
Giant silk moths:
- Do not feed as adults
- Live to reproduce
Footnotes
127 Comments. Leave new
I saw one this morning June 27/2009 5″ wide in Saskatoon.
I saw one today (13 July, 2009) in Dundurn SK. Got great pictures of it but don’t know how to post them.
i’ve seen countless Polyphemus moths in my life, but i have never seen one with the large areas of black on its hind wings. strange.
Is this the one that’s also known as the Atlas Moth? I’ve only seen pictures online, and most of them female.
The Atlas Moth is an Asian species.
Okay, thanks for the clarification. 🙂
Hello Bugman,
Thank you for your swift reply. I gave Bill permission to post my picture on his website. You guys have a great website, keep it up.
Regards
Perhaps not Saturniidae, rather something in the family Eupterotidae, subfamily Eupterotinae. Flickr has many photos of various species in this subfamily. I have no idea of the species or genus.
Thanks Ryan,
You appear to be correct, based on this FlickRiver page. According to the What Bug Is That? Australian website: “This chiefly Old World family (Forbes 1955) includes 3 genera in Australia. In the Indo-Malayan Eupterote (1 sp.), and in Cotana (2 spp.) which also occurs in New Guinea, a large epiphysis is present in the male, but absent in the female. Eupterote lacks the frenulum and retinaculum found in Cotana. E. expansa is a large, anthelid-like species from North Qld.”
Thanks Ryan,
You appear to be correct, based on this FlickRiver page. According to the What Bug Is That? Australian website: “This chiefly Old World family (Forbes 1955) includes 3 genera in Australia. In the Indo-Malayan Eupterote (1 sp.), and in Cotana (2 spp.) which also occurs in New Guinea, a large epiphysis is present in the male, but absent in the female. Eupterote lacks the frenulum and retinaculum found in Cotana. E. expansais a large, anthelid-like species from North Qld.”
Right, and I am pretty sure most of the photos on Flickr are from Africa, and I came across another site while googling the family that had pictures of two African species, at least one SA species in particular.
Great! Thanks to ryan’s tip, I found the following image of the King Monkey moth, which seems to be the same species:
http://www.insecta.co.za/insect/imagegal/lepidop/pages/image/imagepage124.html
Thanks for getting back to us with an identification.
I would say Epiphora mythimnia.
Thank you Ryan,
We also got that identification from Bill Oehlke.
Very nice. I live near Austin. I love Poly’s. I’d sure love a few cocoons later, for my own captive-rearing.
Perhaps one of our readers will be able to supply you with a few cocoons.
Gorgeous!
That’s definitely a male Polyphemus.
We were deceived by the low resolution of the image and the blending of the antennae into the rug. Upon closer inspection, it is possible to the the plumose structure of the male’s antennae. Thanks for the correction.
We found a male specimen on a building in Ramona, Ca. Today! So glad we finally found this picture to identify it! Thanks
We are happy to learn our site was helpful.
one of these flew into my room
I sell Saturniidae eggs and cococons. Local Saturniidae in Connecticut should begin appearing ni May. Sedn me an email if you would like specific information concering Saturniidae, Sphingidae and Catocala species native to Connecticut.
Bill Oehlke
I sell Saturniidae eggs and cococons. Local Saturniidae in Connecticut should begin appearing ni May. Sedn me an email if you would like specific information concering Saturniidae, Sphingidae and Catocala species native to Connecticut.
Bill Oehlke
We have higher quality products than places like mulberry farms, and we always have silkworms in stock!
We hope to get good evaluations from any of our readers who try your product.
We found two of those moths in our front yard. One male one female. When we found them we believe that they were mating before we approached them. Then the male fluttered away. After that we took the female to a bush where it should be safe until it wants to leave. While I was carrying her to the bush she was vibrating her wings and pulling them inward. She felt fuzzy and kind of soft. Do you think she was vibrating because she was scared, and is it normal to find them on the ground with each other?
I have one on my dining room window outside of Winchester, KY so I guess they are all over the country. It is very beautiful.
We just found on 8-11-2013 on our house. Thank you for helping us identify it!
I wanted to get the word out regarding the Polyphemus moth i found inside my house last night. We thought it was dying and placed it in a bush outside our front door. I found it on the front steps this am and again it couldn’t fly and seemed so weak. So I brought it inside and did some research. Turns out that 1. they will “play dead” as a survival technique, and 2. their wings needs to “warm up” before they can fly! So I placed her (discovered she was a female) in the sun outside and she jitters her wings for a minute and off she flew into the trees! I wanted to get the word out to anyone else that has this experience so there are too many premature specimens out there! Pics are available for anyone interested.
Ps I’m in northern ohio.
Is the polyphemus caterpillar poisonous ?
Not at all.
Thank you, Mr. Bugman! Our students will be excited to read about this!
Wonderful. We are happy to hear that.
Found one of these in Kerrville, TX this morning. An exact match of the picture of a male. Such a beautiful little life and the antennae look exactly like a tiny leaf!
I found this very large moth outside my door on morning last year. It was dead. No sign of trauma, so it was a mystery.I have kept the beautiful bug in my china cabinet all this time. I would like to know more.
You may search our archives for other letters on Polyphemus Moths and there is also information available on BugGuide.
Yes! And I just came across one on a juniper bush outside in western Washington State.
Yesterday I found mating Polyphemus antheraea moths and took a few pictures. I went for dinner and then returned to watch the moth and noticed there was only one of them. She ate him. His 4 wings were below her and no body. I have been reading about this moth but have not found anything that mentions the female eating her mate. Is this an unusual trait of this moth?
Adult Giant Silkmoths do not feed. Our guess is that a predator happened upon the amorous pair and upon attacking and feeding, did not realize there was a second morsel to be had. Luckily the female survived and will be able to procreate, producing a new generation.
Here in Colorado Springs, CO, just before midnight on 6.20.14, I found this huge moth hanging on the wall under the porchlight of my neighbor’s apartment. I took several pics with a not so good cell phone camera. The next morning, it was lying upside down, flat open, on the downstairs porch of another neighbor. I figured it was dead so I tried to pick it up and it began fluttering. As I didn’t want anyone to step on it, I brought it home and put a loose cover over it. All of a sudden, it began jumping around and I took it back outside to fly away or die in its own time. It was on the ground and on the wall again this afternoon. Now, after midnight of 6.22.14, I cannot find it. What a treat to encounter this beautiful creature. I am glad I found out about it on your site.
While many folks find it sad that large Silkworm Moths, including the Polyphemus Moth, only live a few days, it sounds like there is a good chance your individual will be able to locate a mate thanks to your intervention.
I lived 7 miles from that greenhouse in the early ’90s. Lunas were in the area then. I have a couple Lepidoptera friends who have lived in Chagrin Falls 30 years. I met them in 2009 and they had no problems attracting lunas then, before, or since.
Unfortunately, this is just the latest example of someone “reintroducing” moths into Ohio that were not missing in the first place. They buy them off the Internet from wherever and then stick them in Ohio, not realizing that there are regional differences. We had one extreme example where an individual created a dead zone by releasing thousands each year. Took over the gene pool and the inbreeding eliminated them in the area for a time (calling females would attract zero males).
People believe they’re helping but they don’t put the time in to really know their subject. Sad example are cecropias in Ontario, Canada. Native cecropias there mate in the evening. The theory is they evolved that way because it was too cold for cecropias to fly in the early morning like most cecropias. Now the “helpers” are releasing internet cecropias into the area. With the warmer temps in the area, it remains to be seen how the situation will turn out.
Thanks for your perspective Kevin. Native gene pools are often adapted to location specific conditions. Your point is well taken.
I personally have seen one of these in my yard .. they are beautiful.. the problem is,… the neighbor had cut down 98% of her tulip trees, i have read this is their preferred tree, but what other trees do they prefer?
This is an excellent example of a regional difference. I planted a tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) to be one of my hostplants for luna moth caterpillars. Unfortunately, I ended up learning the luna moth cats in my area will not eat the leaves.
Sweetgum is the one tree I’ve never heard about lunas rejecting. I’ve also raised them on black walnut, paper birch, and pin oak. They are polyphagous, which means they eat a lot of other trees too.
Luna cocoons are found on the ground amongst your fall leaves. Something to think about when deciding what to do with your leaves or when planning your landscaping.
This is an excellent example of a regional difference. I planted a tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) to be one of my hostplants for luna moth caterpillars. Unfortunately, I ended up learning the luna moth cats in my area will not eat the leaves.
Sweetgum is the one tree I’ve never heard about lunas rejecting. I’ve also raised them on black walnut, paper birch, and pin oak. They are polyphagous, which means they eat a lot of other trees too.
Luna cocoons are found on the ground amongst your fall leaves. Something to think about when deciding what to do with your leaves or when planning your landscaping.
I did not know their cocoons fell to the ground, makes me sad now to know the possibility of how many may have been lost.. on my property however, I have many tulip trees, one appears to be at least 100 years if not older..I have only seen that one luna in my area.. im sure there may be more.. 😉
I did not know their cocoons fell to the ground, makes me sad now to know the possibility of how many may have been lost.. on my property however, I have many tulip trees, one appears to be at least 100 years if not older..I have only seen that one luna in my area.. im sure there may be more.. 😉
Luna caterpillars wrap themselves in leaves before pupating. Sometimes those leaves are still on the tree. Other times, the leaves are already on the ground. When people find a luna caterpillar, most of the time it is when the caterpillar has finished eating and is walking around on the ground, looking for a leaf it can wrap around itself.
Whether they pupate more often in a tree or on the ground varies by time of year, where you are located, and whom you ask. 😉 I found this one at the base of a sweetgum in southern Ohio last June. I would have loved to have followed it to see where it ended up pupating but I did not have the time. 🙁
Luna caterpillars wrap themselves in leaves before pupating. Sometimes those leaves are still on the tree. Other times, the leaves are already on the ground. When people find a luna caterpillar, most of the time it is when the caterpillar has finished eating and is walking around on the ground, looking for a leaf it can wrap around itself.
Whether they pupate more often in a tree or on the ground varies by time of year, where you are located, and whom you ask. 😉 I found this one at the base of a sweetgum in southern Ohio last June. I would have loved to have followed it to see where it ended up pupating but I did not have the time. 🙁
We found a luna that seems to be near it’s lifespan. It’s on my outdoor light and can’t seem to fly. Sad. I want to bring it in so something doesn’t end up eating it… Thoughts?
Luna Moths, like other members of the family Saturniidae, do not feed as adults and they do not fly unnecessarily. A female may rest while awaiting a potential mate, and taking a female indoors may prevent mating. We would let nature take its course.
We are in Indianapolis and there has been a male resting on out porch light all day. Been trying to figure out what he is and just found your site. Thanks
https://instagram.com/p/2ZoKyMhkAH/
Found this one hanging on our door jam this morning while having iur morning coffee.Beautiful!
https://instagram.com/p/2ZoKyMhkAH/
Found this one hanging on our door jam this morning while having iur morning coffee.Beautiful!
I found this outside the front door this morning. We are in the Coastal range of Oregon.
Polyphemus Moths are found across North America.
Saw ome this past Sat in Seaville New Jersey…could not believe the size!!!
My granddaughter has been feeding her caterpillar for the past 6 or so weeks. It has created a chrysalis. They have placed it outside. How long before it completes its metamorphoses? It is a beautiful moth? Is it related to the cecrophia moth? Thanks in advance for your time.
Sylvia Moritz
Today I had on my door step, clinging to the slip of the step, a huge moth, dark brown and antennae with spidery film on each, like leaf. Length close to 3 inches. Eye on the side, and a bit of dark black velvet touches and rusty brown or orange near head. Darker than one shown in the photos I just found on What’s That Bug? But does look like a Polythemus
today I went outside and one fell and latched onto my pant leg so I am wondering do they eat meat?
No
If the caterpillar is almost exactly the same but with green instead of yellow spikes, is it likely the same or different species? I would send a pic if you told me how 🙂 The caterpillar was observed in Queretaro, Mexico, not too far from the location in thr above map. Thanks!
You can submit images using the Ask What’s That Bug? form on our site.
I found one of these on the sidewalk today here in Mexico City. Polanco to be specific.
Glad I used a stick for it to grab onto for me to move it to a tree so that it would not get stepped on. I took some pics and a video if interested.
You can submit images using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
I was wondering is it edible?
We don’t believe they are inedible.
We found one of these giant beauties also – we live in Piriapolis, Uruguay, fair distance west from the OP. This giant was found by my eight year old son. We were scared to touch it but gently flopped it into a plastic tub using a wide piece of bark.
There have been two on the side of my house for three days now. I have pictures, but don’t see how to post them.
Location: Loma Mar, CA in the Coastal Redwoods of San Mateo County
Please submit your images using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
There have been two on the side of my house for three days now. I have pictures, but don’t see how to post them.
Location: Loma Mar, CA in the Coastal Redwoods of San Mateo County
Thanks muchly
/A
Can they bite? They seem like they can give a pretty nasty pinch
We have never gotten a report of anyone being bitten by a Polyphemus Moth Caterpillar.
Last night I opened my back door and on my screen door was the biggest, most beautiful moth I have ever seen. I’ve lived in Ohio my entire life (71 years) and I have never seen anything like this. I started doing research and ran across this story and it started making sense. I live in Elyria, Ohio about 50 miles east of Chagrin Falls. How wonderful to have seen such beauty in my lifetime! It was something I will never forget.
please i am looking for this species to makes biological studies .May be can you help me to find
living material (silk cocoons or eggs ) ?
Robert
My dog just found one of these in our yard here in Mexico. She didn’t eat it, but she had it in her mouth and definitely killed the caterpillar. How poisonous is this? Should I take her to the vet?
We are not qualified to provide veterinary advice, but if your dog is acting unusual, you should probably seek attention soon.
These have quite a sting to them. I stepped on one and also got stung through a denim shirt when somehow one got onto me. Coincidentally, I also live in Chuburná Puerto, and found this article while searching what had stung me today.
A friend of mine was just in Machu Pichu, near Cusco, Peru and a huge moth landed on their window…I also think it is a silk moth..but not sure of the kind. How can I upload the photo here?
You may submit images using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
Saw one at a Starbucks in Miami, Fl. 4/6/17. Thank you for the identification. 🙂
Just saw that strange moth this morning on my porch light in Northeast Indiana. I’m so happy I could identify it through your site! I swore it was an alien creature. 🙂
Ya! Looks like an alien species alright!
Fraser Valley, BC, Canada
Ya! Looks like an alien species alright!
Fraser Valley, BC, Canada
Just found a Polyphemus moth here in Willits, CA – let me know if you want the picture that I took, and how I would send it.
thanks,
Bret
Just found a Polyphemus moth here in Willits, CA – let me know if you want the picture that I took, and how I would send it.
thanks,
Bret
We would love to post an image of a California Polyphemus Moth. Most of our images are from eastern states. You can submit your image by using the Ask What’s That Bug? link on our site.
these are so cool looking
Hi, my dog discovered one of these on our 9:00 pm walk last night in Placencia, Belize. I had to run back in the house to get a flashlight to see it. He was about 5 inches long and looked like a Christmas tree farm! A most fascinating critter.
our second graders at Unity School in Delray Beach sighted this moth on our fence this morning. It hasn’t moved all day. Glad to know what it is? We still wonder what it does.
I have a female Spicebush Moth who laid around 25-40 infertile eggs. I found her just out of the cocoon and it must not have gone well because she was mutilated. Anyways, I stuck her and the eggs outside for about an hour and a male had found her. After mating she began laying a lot more eggs. Now I wonder, I read they hatch in a few weeks, what does their diet consist of, I want to make sure the ones that hatch have plenty of food. I have never raised this type of moth before.
If you are inquiring about a Spicebush Silkmoth, Callosamia promethea, according to BugGuide, the “larvae feed on leaves of apple, ash, basswood, birch, cherry, lilac, maple, sassafras, sipcebush, sweetgum, tulip-tree (1); also recorded on buttonbush, magnolia, and other trees”
It just hatched wating to dry out???? maybe urinated on himself getting out of cocoon. I just hatched one and my photos look like yours when i took him to a box with tomato plants he cralwed around the box and got to plant and hung to dry and straighten out his wings. Not long after that we checked on him and his wings that were curled up uncurled????❤
Can i feed them any kind of leaf?
According to BugGuide: “Larvae feed on leaves of broad-leaved trees and shrubs, including birch, grape, hickory, maple, oak, willow, and members of the rose family.”
I’m from brazil and saw these in Minas Gerais
Hi there! I’ve found 6 in my garden this morning but they were all dead. No pesticides have been used. Durban, SA
I believe it’s Epiphora. If not, may be Attacus.
Thanks Cesar.
Just found a gorgeous male here in Melbourne, FL. Thank you so much for the excellent site!
Yes, Epiphora! – One of those from this genus, which are not yet described or well known as caterpillars. Fascinating record.
Best wishes,
Bostjan
Thanks Bostjan.
Yes, Epiphora! – One of those from this genus, which are not yet described or well known as caterpillars. Fascinating record.
Best wishes,
Bostjan
I have 8 or so Luna moth cocoons they have been outside all winter and we have them in an screen cage . Raised them from eggs we found. When will they hatch and I plan to keep one set of eggs to raise so the birds won’t get them and let the others go in our black gum tree they ate off last year. When might they hatch. We live just south of Conneaut Ohio.l
We suspect they will eclose very soon.
Just seen one at a gas station here in Mars Hill, North Carolina! Fascinating!
We just discovered one of these moths on the outside of our house. We live in the Seattle area near Puget Sound. It’s so interesting to know what it is and it’s characteristics. Thanks! IMG_2193.jpg
We just got stung in progreso. Very painful but not deadly. Exact same creature as the photo. Check all clothes that have been left outside and avoid.
We just spotted this moth resting on a low brick wall in Brooklyn, New York. Thanks for helping us identify it!
We have had several of these unusual and beautiful moths! We live in Glen Rose, TX
My vision isn’t so great (well, it might help if I replaced my lost contact lens ?) but when I saw a huge dark form on my white curtain this PM I was sure it was a bat. (One of which did fly into my bedroom a few nights ago). But a bat in the early afternoon? I gingerly approached and took photos, then Googled. Yup, a Giant Silkmoth. I’m in Jocotepec, western end of Lake Chapala
We just found this on the side of our house today and from what we’re reading it looks like it’s a male. We live in Rochester Washington
Thankyou for helping me identify this moth. He’s hanging out on my door. I live in Nova Scotia
I had one on my window frame yesterday. We are in a wooded area in Pittsburgh, PA.
I found one in my house today and I was just wondering if they are dangerous or anything like that
they are not dangerous
Found one of these Beautiful male specimens on the side of our house, I had never seen a moth of this size before, thanks for helping us figure out what type of moth he is!!
I’m pretty sure I have one of these circling my porch light right now because it’s after dark. It’s huge! I’m in Pearland, Texas. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one like this before.
Saw one couple of years ago (2018) on my window attracted to the light. (Naugatuck CT)
I found one today in Newnan, GA
I have 2 mating in my yard I took a beautiful phot of them
Thanks Bugman. My puppy might have licked one and I was concerned. Pretty cute little fat green guy.