Queen of the night skies, this Cecropia Moth is nocturnal. Though not rare, for this reason, not often seen. Of the family Saturniidae, she is the largest silk moth. She is the largest moth in North America with a wingspan of 5-6 inches. This one is 5 1/2 across and a female that was laying eggs while being photographed. Have you no shame, woman?! She will live about two weeks, never eating only laying eggs and seeking a mate. She emits a pheromone to attract a male which they can detect in the air from as far as a mile away. Who needs Chanel?
Wow, this a colorful moth. The only one I have photographed that large is the Luna.
ReplyDeleteHey, I took you advice and moved the bluepeyed grass to the garden this morning. When the clump grows larger, I will put some back out in the field, to keep it wild.
I have pictures of this moth I took on the side of the house, three, maybe 4 months ago. I never knew what it was. Thaqnks Pal1
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