I didn't want to touch it, for fear of accidentally hurting it, but it was too dark to photograph it outdoors so I herded it gently into a container and carried it inside, where I set up some lights and snapped some photos.
As far as I can tell it's an Antheraea oculea, or Oculea Silkmoth. Perhaps male? I've never seen one before. The information I gathered on line suggests the adults live only about ten days, and alas if that is so then today is his tenth day. He was weak when I took him from the fence, and now is nearly dead, resting in a small box in the other room. I just didn't relish the thought of some critter eating him tonight. As I said, I'm not a bug person, but this moth transfixed me.
4 comments:
Oh, WOW!
We find those from time to time. They are stunning, I've no idea what breed they are though. Their furry feet are strange to feel holding on to your skin. Beautiful pictures by the way.
Good Morning,
Mal
Well, this one may only have lived for 10 days, but because of your photos his short life will have a greater impact than those of his siblings. Thanks.
LOL, you are the only friend I know, who I can count-on to fully appreciate nature and it's beauty, even in a moth on a fence post! Haha. That's what I like about you most, and that you take the time to research the critters you find and also take some awesome pictures of them to share while you're at it :-). I would do the same thing, haha. I have seen some big moths, but not not as wonderful as the one you discovered! Truly, great pictures!
--CS
Post a Comment