This moth was so amazing that I took a whole lot of pictures to share with you.
It belongs to the Emperor Moth family and as you can see here, is bigger than my hand.
Aren't the colors amazing? What a cute one!!
He kept on climbing up on my hand for some reason but this allowed me to get some stunning shots of them. Enlarge them to see better.
It had the most amazing antennaes with the longest tail I have ever seen in a moth or butterfly species.
At average temperatures of about 25°C eggs hatch after 10.9 days, and the first to fifth larval instars are completed in means of 5.6, 4.2, 3.4, 5.8 and 14.1 days respectively.
The pupal stage lasts 6–12 weeks in summer and 5–8 months in winter. The African lunar moth completes two generations per year.
Marula trees are attacked during the months October to December and February to March when most of the larvae are in their fourth and fifth instar.
And back he goes, this time climbing up my arm.
It belongs to the Emperor Moth family and as you can see here, is bigger than my hand.
Aren't the colors amazing? What a cute one!!
He kept on climbing up on my hand for some reason but this allowed me to get some stunning shots of them. Enlarge them to see better.
It had the most amazing antennaes with the longest tail I have ever seen in a moth or butterfly species.
At average temperatures of about 25°C eggs hatch after 10.9 days, and the first to fifth larval instars are completed in means of 5.6, 4.2, 3.4, 5.8 and 14.1 days respectively.
The pupal stage lasts 6–12 weeks in summer and 5–8 months in winter. The African lunar moth completes two generations per year.
Marula trees are attacked during the months October to December and February to March when most of the larvae are in their fourth and fifth instar.
And back he goes, this time climbing up my arm.
Oh wow. Now that is one big draconian moth. He really is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis month is so unique! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow, amazing, saw this as I whizzed by with the vacuum cleaner trying to get sorted out! Diane
ReplyDeletethis gorgeous creature is simply sensational!!! your photos have captured him splendidly. Love this post
ReplyDeleteWOW, what an amazing moth. The antennae look like fern leaves. And my, what a big tail. It really seemed to like you. Great captures and an outstanding find.
ReplyDeleteThat's a real beauty Joan! This is the most beautiful moth I have ever seen. Nicely documented.
ReplyDeleteCoooool! We have a similar bug up here, but I've never had the pleasure of seeing one.
ReplyDeleteThis guy is really gorgeous! What a beautiful speciman, and you got some awesome pictures. Those antennae look like delicate ferns.
ReplyDeleteB.
That is one cool moth! Looks like you have a little buddy there...
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful moth indedd! I love the antennae, they look like my Boston ferns. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is on both accounts Jonker.
ReplyDeleteThis has to be one of our most beautiful ones Friend of HK. I was so happy to find this one and be able to get some pics of it at last.
ReplyDeleteSo I am keeping you out of your work am I Diane? :)
ReplyDeleteIt is worth stopping for a minute to look at though. Anyway, you needed the break. :)
Thanks Sandra. Having a good subject always helps. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Gaelyn. I have been looking for one of these for a long time and as big as they are, they are not easy to find.
ReplyDeleteThanks Birdy. We have a few species of moths here which can compare with butterflies in the beauty department. One alway things of moths as dull and dreary.
ReplyDeleteOne would think because of the size they would be easier to find Steve, but that is not the case, so I was lucky with this one. It is wonderful to hear from you again. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Becky. The shots did come out well and I was pleased with the result. The antennae looks so fragile to me.
ReplyDeleteHe was very friendly Mike and I love it when they are like that - totally unafraid.
ReplyDeleteThey sure do Becky. I am always surprised that I do not see ones with damaged antennae.
ReplyDeleteFirst, there was Saint Francis of Assisi.
ReplyDeleteThen, there was Doctor Doolittle.
Now, it's YOU!!
You really have a gift, Joan. :-)
I am flattered by your kind words Craver. Thanks you.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand how I could miss this wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best moths I ever saw...
This moths has all the best characters of insect world.
A stunning one I agree. I was so pleased I founf one and it was so friendly too. Thanks Andrea.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful....like our luna moth...
ReplyDeleteYes, they are the same Michelle. I was chatting to someone in Canada who breeds them and it seems like they are found in most countries.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Have never seen this green guy before.
ReplyDeleteThis has to be one of the most fantastic moths we have. I have been looking for one for a long time now.
ReplyDelete