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Project Noah Nature School
Trichophassus giganteus
A large (10 cm, 4 in long) leaflike moth. It is one of the largest known moths, with a 160 mm wingspan, rivaling australian Leto stacyi, with 180 mm. It's camouflage mimics perfectly the tone and color of dead leaves, making it almost impossible to be seen on the woods. When threatened it lifts the front legs like a spider does. Found on the wall of a house in the outskirts of a deep wood, probably attracted by the light.
As I couldn't find a portuguese common name for it, I kept a literal translation from the english name. Other info can be found at: http://bugguide.net/node/view/19714 http://www.boldsystems.org/index.ph/TaxB...
Hello Sergio, congrats on record. In Brasil, the vernacular for this species is "mariposa fantasma" ("ghost moth").
"Trichophassus is a monotypic moth genus of the family Hepialidae, and giganteus is the only described species. It is endemic to Brazil, and all sources state que it is easier to find it in stormy nights."
See more in http://www.dacnis.org.br/tarantula_moth....
Woo-hoo, congratulations Sergio! This moth is amazing and very deserving of SOTD!
When I first saw this moth I knew right away that it was unique, for its size and pattern. But SOTD... wow, that was a nice surprise. Thank you Yasser for honoring me and this beauty, in my behalf and her's (I assume it is a she...). And thanks to all the people who favorited and made such fine comments about it.
Wow,great spotting and picture. What an interesting moth. Thank you for sharing this moth.
I agree with Juan, but the second pic gives u an idea of the whole organism.
Spotted on Jul 24, 2012
Submitted on Jul 24, 2012
