Posted on 04 September 2008, at 7:26 pm, by Judie Lipsett
Living in the country is a never-ending adventure, and one of the things I most like about it is the variety of flora and fauna encountered. Last night I found a huge moth lurking on the front porch, so I had to snap a few pictures. “Mothra” was still hanging around this morning, and it gamely allowed handling while I was taking pictures.
This moth’s wingspan was about 5″ across, and I had no idea what type it was…but I wanted to know. I Googled “huge moth“, and the first site to appear was What’s That Bug. After learning that my moth was a Polyphemus by scrolling through the posted pictures, I quickly decided that What’s That Bug was a treasure trove of information that needed sharing…
On What’s That Bug, people can send in pictures of insects that they find, along with a description of where they were located and the circumstances under which they found it. What’s That Bug’s experts, Lisa and Dan, will identify the bug and post comments regarding its different characteristics.
There pictures of every type of bug imaginable, and I easily spent an hour perusing the various pictures of psudoscorpions, spiders (ack!), beetles, and yes…moths.
If you have a budding entomologist in the family, or if you are simply curious about the strange looking bug you found on the kitchen floor (or in your garden), then I think you’ll find that What’s That Bug is a great place to learn more.
Link: What’s That Bug
September 4th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
you touched it? :S
September 5th, 2008 at 4:51 am
Wow, that is truly beautiful, and those photos are amazing! I wouldn’t want it flapping around my face though!
September 5th, 2008 at 7:43 am
I am not a bug expert (but I do bug a lot of people) and I would like to entertain a guess of buckeye moth or something like that. I have seen this moth before in a collection my dad had when I was young. Seems like I remember something along those lines (related to the “eyes” markings).
September 5th, 2008 at 7:45 am
I’ve also got a picture of two “walking sticks” making little walking sticks….
September 5th, 2008 at 10:09 am
@Allen - they don’t bite! So sure, I touched it.
@Alison - I wouldn’t, either. This moth is as big as a fruit bat, and that’s probably what I would think it was if one flew near my face and it was dark enough.
@David - I think it is a Polyphemus Moth, see the similar pictures here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antheraea_polyphemus
You should send your walking stick picture to What’s That Bug?, they have a whole section on “Bug Love”…heh.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Judie your shots are getting really good. Taking lessons or all that expensive equipment doing their job well in auto or P mode? :p
p.s. Your compositions are very nice, credit for which can not go to the equipment so great job regardless
September 5th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
@tabi13 - I am not afraid to admit that I am a fan of P mode, and on occasion I will still greenbox it. I see no shame in it.
These photos were taken with the Rebel XTi and its basic lens; I thought they came out rather well.
Thank you for your compliment on my composition, as I am always hoping for continued improvement.