This moth was on the side of the garage this morning, under where the yard light is on all night.
From the end of his nose to the tip of his wings he is at least three inches long. Maybe even a bit longer.
Can anyone tell me what kind of moth this is?
He's beautiful, for sure!
Edited to Add: Jenn/Mike suggested a Sphinx moth... doing more research on it, I think Mike's right! In fact, I think it's a Waved Sphinx Moth. Give me five, Mike!
Edited AGAIN to add: Barbara, you posted your Waved Sphinx Moth comment at the exact same time I posted the above edit!! Ha ha!! How fun is that!! JINX! =)
Their very rare to see I've heard. Beautiful moth!
Posted by: Sara | June 22, 2007 at 09:16 PM
Okay, I am unpacking my bags! Changed my mind about moving in with you - Entirely too many (and BIG) bugs down in your neck of the woods. That is one HUGE moth! I could handle the moth, but that spider last year-- no sir, I couldn't handle that. You got any snakes there too?
Now I'm going to have to do the spider/bug check before I go to bed!
Anette (snowmom13)
Posted by: Anette Eakins | June 14, 2007 at 08:00 PM
Okay. First it's that awful spider that had you running for the hills (I still see your little computer character, in my head, running for the hills -- too funny!) and now this awful moth. Ugh! LOL.
Posted by: BethBeth | June 14, 2007 at 07:16 PM
(shudder).....i'm so glad i'm not the only one who thinks they are ick. Anna, that is one of the most terrifying pictures I think i've seen (LOL). Mothra indeed...heehee
Mothman prophecies....something...I'm so glad that my residential moths are smallish. THey still send me squealing and slapping when they get too close though. I don't fear many bugs at all, for some reason the moth just does it to me! (the only thing worse would be a flying centipede...but centipedes don't fly thank GOD!)
Posted by: Dreena | June 14, 2007 at 03:29 PM
I learn so much on this blog and really enjoy the beautiful pictures of natures. Keep it up!
Posted by: Angela | June 14, 2007 at 10:47 AM
I'm not real big on bugs, or moths, but this one looks like the kind of moths used in "Silence of the Lambs" ...great picture, even if I think they are creepy...lol
Posted by: Lynn Mercurio | June 14, 2007 at 06:42 AM
Whooohooo! The hours spent collecting nasty big bugs for a class paid off, LOL!
Wait 'till you see the Rhino beetles in real life. They make you want to *not* walk around barefoot outside, but they're sure pretty! Do y'all get those up there? What about the doodoo bugs (dung beetles)? Those are fun to watch, if you want to hang around where there's poop galore!
Posted by: jenn | June 14, 2007 at 06:23 AM
Mothra was such a cheesy movie! I like yours much better!
Posted by: kathynruss | June 14, 2007 at 05:12 AM
I would take these moths over the cicadas any day! What an awesome picture!
Posted by: Michele Kovack | June 14, 2007 at 04:52 AM
It's moth season here too -- ick! They scare the begeezies outta me! I can't imagine one as big as this. Cancel my summer visit ;)
Posted by: Jennifer (jkincolorado) | June 13, 2007 at 10:53 PM
It's MOTHRA!!!! LOL Believe it or not, there's a Sci-Fi movie about a giant moth, named Mothra...it is TOO funny!!! My oldest son was afraid of moths even in high school (and he was a strong, manly athlete!)...they would fly around the light on the porch, and when he came home from a date he would duck in the door to avoid them! It was hilarious...The photo is beautiful, such wonderful markings! Thanks for sharing, and bringing back some memories for me! :)
Posted by: diane mcvey | June 13, 2007 at 10:08 PM
Yup, I believe it's a Waved Sphinx. Check out this picture.... http://tdserver1.fnal.gov/peterson/tom/Moths/Sphingidae/Sphingidae-Pages/WavedSphinx.html
Very beautiful, just like your work, Anna!
Posted by: Barbara | June 13, 2007 at 09:53 PM
Mike (Mr. My Insect Collection Is Probably Still On Display at SWT) is pretty sure it's a Sphinx moth. :)
Posted by: jenn | June 13, 2007 at 09:20 PM