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Spotting

Description:

Large moth, approximate wingspan of 5-6 inches, although difficult to tell as the wings were very worn and broken. The underwing pattern was less worn, and may be the easiest way to identify this individual, as the pattern on the main wings appears completely worn off. The abdomen is fat and blunt, grey/brown underneath and buff/orange on top. The antennae appear smooth and un-feathered, although I wonder if these are worn as well.

Habitat:

Found hanging on a spiderwort plant (Tradescantia) in an organic, urban garden. Appeared to be expanding its wings, but on closer inspection it was very worn and possibly emerging from hibernation.

Notes:

Google lens search identified this as a polyphemus moth, but having looked at several photographs I remain unconvinced.

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1 Comment

Ornithoptera80
Ornithoptera80 9 months ago

Nice spotting!
This is definitely a polyphemus moth female,(Antheraea polyphemus).

Georgina3
Spotted by
Georgina3

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Spotted on May 24, 2023
Submitted on May 25, 2023

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