Giant Silk Moth, Hyalophora cecropia... outside my kitchen window. Largest moth in North America. Females with wing spans of 6 to 7 inches.
Top 3 pictures were taken last evening. Moth was stationary. I thought it was an ornament that some one put in the bush...
This morning she was still there but opening and closing it's wings.
Would say the wing span on this one is just under 6 inches... These guys are born without a mouth or digestive organs. They live for 2 weeks, with sole purpose of mating and laying eggs.
When the eggs hatch the larve go through 5 stages. Caterpillars reach maturity in Autumn getting to be over 4 inches long....
As I am making this post went to check on the moth and saw a second Giant Silk moth mating with the first.
Got some photos & video for a follow up post...
Her's a video with my cell phone of just the female.
Wow what a cool looking color pattern. Pretty big fellas too.
Exciting to witness 🙀
Are they native to that area?
Wide spread through out North America...
Wow, I have never seen one up here. Maybe they like more humid warmer areas.
Caterpillars need certain tree leaves..
This is one I want to find around here, but they usually hide out high up in the trees.
Wow! Thus one is truly awesome! Incredible beauty for a giant moth!
Nice catch! So lucky to catch this!
Right near the hummingbird feeder...
Wow!! Good thing that birds are not interested in big moths!!
Got to be lucky when your a moth...
Wow! What a huge butterfly! 😷💪
😊👍
Wow ...! I thought it was a bird 🐦
Yes they are big...😊
What a beauty it looks like a B52 Bomber 🤣 🤣
Yes, just posted a follow-up of their all day mating...😊
Great will check it out 👍