Sunday, April 20, 2014

Visit from a SUPER-Moth!

Last night I put my black light out and despite the 55 degree F chilly temps, a Ceanothus Silk Moth (Hyalophora euryalus) showed up and perched on the stucco right next to the sliding glass door to the bedroom. Not too much of a surprise, as we have no lack of Ceanothus up here (to the disgust of some of our neighbors, who have been inundated in it post-Cedar Fire). Some White-lined Sphinx moths appeared as well, in addition to Brown Leatherwings, a solitary Serica, and a large Elater lecontei.

With wings somewhat spread. It slowly moved its wings in and out as it rested on the stucco.

What a fuzzy fellow! The wide antennae with high surface area indicate a male.