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Hylesia continua
Hylesia continua is a species found in Mexico. The adults, like those of other species of Hylesia, have urticating hairs on their abdomen which are very irritating. When disturbed, the moth pulls its wings forward exposing its abdomen. Ref. http://facultyweb.cortland.edu
Spotted on Feb 2, 2014
Submitted on Feb 6, 2014
13 Comments
John, I certainly trust your expert. If he is sure that it is Hylesia continua, than it is OK. I just did not know how he can separate the different species from each other from only this picture. So if he can give some more info about that I would be very pleased, just for learning more. I leave it up to you about the final scientific name you choose. But I would add the common name as "Saturniid Moth" or "Silk Moth".
An expert from one of the moth sites I belong to is quite certain this one is "continua" but I am happy to change it to Hylesia sp. if you think it is more prudent. Let me know.
Hylesia continua may also be a candidate. However, looking at this one and most of the other ones, Continua seems to be more brownish and have a more "hooked" wing tip:
http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?searc...
And looking at this Continua looks again quite good:
http://b03.deliver.odai.yale.edu/b4/74/b...
But is it really this one??
Hylesia colimatiflex looks also fine:
http://facultyweb.cortland.edu/fitzgeral...
John, I suggest, that you take Hylesia sp. as scientific name until we have confirmation by an expert. I am not even sure if it is possible to get a positive ID from only this picture without closer examination.
Carol, in this position I would say it was about 5cm (2 inches) from wing tip to abdominal tip.
Do you have an approximate size for this moth?
Thanks Carol.
What a fantastic moth! Amazing position and colors. I love it! Super cool!
Hylesia colimatifex is a nomadic species found in Mexico. The adults, like those of other species of Hylesia, have urticating hairs on their abdomen which are very irritating. When disturbed, the moth pulls its wings forward exposing its abdomen. Ref. http://facultyweb.cortland.edu
Thanks bayucca. I think Hylesia colimatifex is a perfect match but I will check a bit more to make sure. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
For example this one:
http://www.boldsystems.org/index.php/Tax...
Hylesia colimatifex.
Saturniidae, Hemileucinae. Could be Hylesia sp. or Hyperchiria sp., or another Hemileucinae.
I honestly do not know what this is, but it is a GREAT shot.
Its a beauty. I wish i could help ID it.