My husband photographed this gigantic orange moth on a recent business trip. Thankfully, something this odd is usually pretty easy to identify on the internet. It didn't take long to find out that this is a Regal Moth, also known as Royal Walnut Moth, Citheronia regalis.
It would be odd enough if it were the size of a normal moth. But according to Wikipedia, this is the biggest moth north of Mexico. (That's weight, not wing span, though that's not shabby either.) In this lighter wide-angle view, you can compare him to the door hardware to see how large he is.
This was on the door of the hotel, so maybe he's a watch-moth. I know several people who would hesitate to open that door!
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Updated:
This one was found in Virginia, but they are at home anywhere in the east, I believe.
Submitted to the Friday Ark.
14 comments:
that's huge and beautiful.
It is pretty :)
I've never seen one, but they must be quite a sight to behold.
WOW! Cool moth. That larva in the link is pretty impressive, too. I'd think twice about picking one of those horny caterpillars off a plant with my bare hands!
That is a stunning moth. Where did Mr. Rurality photograph it?
This moth is near and dear to me.
We once raised a hickory horned devil catepillar from tiny inch long new larva to giant scary looking 6 inch long caterpillar to pupa to moth.
The kids (and I) will never forget it.
The caterpillar is really more spectacular than the moth!
Impressive and unusual. Where do they live?
This one was in Virginia, but I think they could be anywhere in the east.
Wow...a beautiful moth! Reminds me of a halloween decoration :)
Holy Gucamole....it's not a moth...IT'S A BAT!
That guy is HUGE...I wouldn't have gone near him.
I would LOVE to see one of these! Very cool.
We live in Louisville, KY and we just saw our first Regal Moth in front of our garage! It was beautiful! The strange thing is last summer we had the privilege of having two Luna Moths (which are gorgeous and only last a week) on our garage! We can't wait to see what is out there next summer!
This Moth is amazing, we just discovered one here in South east Michigan, which makes it even more amazing, since it does not normally thrive here. (according to research) Assuming she is a female because she is so large, we too snapped the photo, my hubby is a new gardener, and thought maybe it was harmful and should be destroyed, not so, glad we did our research. I hope she finds her way to her natural habitat and are totally aware of the blessing to see her perched on our onion stem. She is very fuzzy and extremely large. 3" long and 2" wide (wings closed) thanks for posting, you helped us name as well as find all kinds of intersting information. :)
We just found one here in the St. Louis, Mo area. Beautiful moth.
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