A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Ascalapha odorata
Large moth with mottled light brown wing coloration. Wingspan ~ 4 inches.
Suburban area on a mesic, tropical, insular lowland plateau.
Spotted resting on a screen door. I have had moths of probably this same species alight in the same place, but all prior attempts to image them have failed. The moths depart if they sense the slightest movement. On this occasion, the sliding glass door was shut and perhaps that is why I was able to get close enough undetected to capture a single backlit ventral image. By itself that picture is inadequate for making an ID, but because I have found similarly appearing moth wings (sans moth) previously, and because I received specific help from a PN Ranger, ForestDragon, I was able to make what I believe is the correct ID
Spotted on Apr 28, 2016
Submitted on Apr 30, 2016
2 Comments
ForestDragon, thanks for the suggestion: I believe you are correct. I've compared images at the link you provided, my image and the moth wings I've found in my yard. All exhibit two identical markings: the distinct circular "eyeball" spots on the leading edge of each fore wing and the unique scalloped marking on the inner part of the trailing edge of each hind wing. That's good enough for me.
Judging by the shape and color, I might guess this to be a Black Witch Moth, Ascalapha odorata. They are established across Hawaii (so says Bug Guide). Take a look here and see what you think. http://bugguide.net/node/view/23779