Giant Cecropia Moth

[blackmare]

Seriously big, and stunningly beautiful. I found this astonishing creature while out walking at dusk, and stopped in my tracks. The mosquitoes found me the moment I stopped moving, but I didn't care; I had to get photos. The wing span was fully the length of my hand, so close to 6.5 inches, or around 16 to 17 cm.

Comments

[blackmare]

You're very welcome. I was just glad I could get any photos, as the daylight was fading fast.

The cecropia looks like it's a relative of your emperor gum moth in Australia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opodiphthera_eucalypti

Different coloring but otherwise so very similar, and they're both giant silkworm moths.

[calissa]

Oh, yes! I can see the resemblance! I've not seen an emperor gum moth around the local area. It might be mostly too cold for it here or it might be that I need to keep a closer look out. :)