What the heck kind of giant moth is this?

[jrclark]

Did you happen to find that thing anywhere near Point Pleasant, WV?

The Mothman Prophecies - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[MossRoad]

That's sure what it looks like and it likely blew in from the Canadian Rockies on a big storm we had last week. Sure doesn't look native to Ohio.

Its native to the entire eastern half of the country. Here's a map of its range.

 

[Tig]

I was going to say cecropia also. We get them around here some years.

 

[dmccarty]

No way! It's a baby Mothra...and Godzilla is not far behind!

Great....

Now I have this ear worm running through my head,

. :shocked:

:laughing::laughing::laughing:

Thanks,
Dan

 

[MossRoad]

OH NO! THEY SAY HE'S GOT TO GO!!!

 

[blackdog2086]

Haven't seen one in years, but was told as a kid they were called a Gypsy moth because they migrate and don't stay in any one place for long. Probably just the BS people tell kids though.

 

[Tig]

A couple years back we had a female Cecropia hatch during a gale force wind. They attract a mate by pheromones. We figured that was a no go, given the wind being far too strong for a moth to fly. Well, apparently where there's a will there's a way and pheromones are stronger than gales. The next morning the gale was still full force and a raggedy suitor had come to call.

They were an item all day long. The next day, the wind had died and both were gone.
We later found a couple of Cecropia cocoons within 50' where lover boy could have come from. I expect that he crawled over.

 

[teg]

Insect ****... shouldn't this be moved to the "Front Porch" section???

 

[MossRoad]

Haven't seen one in years, but was told as a kid they were called a Gypsy moth because they migrate and don't stay in any one place for long. Probably just the BS people tell kids though.

Gypsy moths are entirely different. An invasive species. Here's a map of how they've spread.

Lymantria dispar dispar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[1965]

I have a cocoon of one I rescued while clearing brush and am waiting for it to come out, with any luck I will be there when it does.