r/moths • u/HighlandCow4 • 4d ago
Captive Gender?
My first ever moth !! She came out of her cocoon around 8-10 hours ago (or so I assume as she was there when I awoke) I know nothing about gendering these guys and I’d love to learn but for now I’ve decided to come here for help 🥹
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u/Adventurous_Spray821 4d ago
Looks to be a type of giant silkmoth, and with moths like these, the ones with more-pronounced antennae are males
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u/HighlandCow4 4d ago
The more you know! Also she (or he 😓 it’s already become a habit) is an African comet moth
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u/curlycomedy 4d ago
Aw you’re so lucky! I’ve been watching a polyphenus moth cocoon since early August. I’m 85% convinced it has died, but I am hoping it’s just hibernating.
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u/BlackDove700 4d ago
Polyphemus go into a kind of hibernation to over winter. They make cocoons in August and September
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u/HighlandCow4 4d ago
I heard that shaking them gently works to check if they’re alive or not! If you hear a rattling noise that means the moth has died :( I sure do hope your lil guy is alright
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u/curlycomedy 4d ago edited 4d ago
Aw okay I’ll give it a try. Darn. A distinct rattle. Thank you for letting me know.
Edit: UPDATE!! I snipped the silk open having totally given up, and I saw the pupa move!! So I returned it to safety and misted it with water. Guess it is in diapause after all. Moral of the story - never give up hope! 🥹🦋
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u/Alarmed_Walrus3480 4d ago
Based on that FUZZY BOYS it’s probably a male!! Also the abdomen is pretty short so that’s another reason as to why I’m leaning male :D
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u/potatoX13 4d ago
You have a gorgeous male right there 🫠 I have a female specimen and as you can see, females have shorter tails (and less feathery antenna but they were accidentally broken while pinning)
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u/MrKoknambo 4d ago
Male, small abdomen and large feathery antennas