A mating pair of Cecropia moths, Hyalophora cecropia. The female is on the right.
What was that Tiger-Skin Rug?
It was a close-up of the abdomen of North America’s largest moth, Hyalophora cecropia. I happened across a mating pair while taking out the garbage the other night, of all things, and spent the next couple hours arranging the above photograph.
Ten points to MrILoveTheAnts for a game well played. With two consecutive wins, MrILoveTheAnts accumulates a total of 18 Myrmecos points for the June Mystery Title. Congrats, MILTA- email me for your loot!
Hyalophora cecropia
A personal blog by Illinois-based biologist and photographer Alex Wild.
Beautiful photo, worth the couple of hour I would say!
grats!
It always pays to focus attention while taking out the garbage. Good for you on both counts!
(Favourite moth memory from childhood: my brother woke me up because there was a Luna Moth on the screen window of our cabin. It was so beautiful, and breaking out of a cocoon.
We got to watch it dry off the next morning, then fly away.
Ain’t life grand!!
What a great memory!
I like how you have a shot of them mating by the cocoon too. I understand it’s normal for males to hatch early and wait by the female’s cocoon.
Absolutely stunning photos of a stunning moth. Maybe I should take out the garbage more often.
Great to see these shots – I actually never once saw this species alive in my 10 years of mothing in Illinois! I did come across scavenged remains under lights once or twice; but they seem to be doing poorly with the Tachinid/Gypsy Moth control.
In addition to this pair, a male visited our porch light a couple weeks ago. I wonder if they may be rebounding somewhat (assisted, perhaps, by Joe Spencer at INHS who has been rearing and releasing these in some number).